Educational Policy Studies & Evaluation Degree Program Descriptions

This 31-credit master’s degree serves those contemplating careers in higher education or already working in a college or university. It may also be organized as a foundation for doctoral study.

Students may choose: 1) to examine the history, sociology, philosophy, and/or comparative and international analyses of post-secondary settings, broadly defined; or 2) to concentrate their studies in a specific aspect of the field of higher education, including student affairs, administration and leadership, law and policy, comparative and international studies, or academic affairs. This degree program is also compatible with a number of graduate certificates, including Comparative and International Education and Research Methods in Education.

Masters in Higher Education Program Planning Worksheet (PDF)

The Educational Research Methods Master’s degree (M.S.) provides students with a specialization in the application of educational research methods and policy studies. These methods can be applied to a host of disciplines, including the social sciences, physical sciences, K-12 instruction/administration, and business. Students will receive a foundation in key, introductory elements of research and policy studies through the core courses, along with advanced professional preparation for a new career or career advancement as a researcher, evaluator, K-12 instructor/administrator, or policymaker. This master’s degree program also provides an excellent gateway to further doctoral study.

Research Methods Master’s Program Plan (PDF)

M.S. in Education Research Methods program details

The Ph.D. program Studies in Higher Education (SHED) requires research on some aspect of higher education, broadly defined. Students may select an area of concentration from the history and philosophy of higher education, the socio-cultural study of higher education, legal and organizational study of higher education, or research, measurement, and evaluation in higher education. Ph.D. dissertations are expected to advance knowledge in the field and/or further develop existing theory. The program is ideally suited for those who wish to develop the scholarly competence required for service as faculty.

Admission requirements and procedures are the same as for the Ed.D.

SHED Program Planning Worksheet (PDF)

Ph.D. in Studies in Higher Education program details

The Ph.D. in Education Sciences program is designed for individuals seeking research careers at research-intensive universities, education agencies, research centers, and private organizations. While the program is housed within the College of Education, the Department of Educational Policy Studies participates in two options for the degree: (1.) Educational Evaluation & Policy and (2.) Philosophical & Cultural Inquiry. The Education Sciences program offers considerable flexibility to students seeking to develop rigorous methodological skill sets and/or deep contextual understandings of education policy and practice. 

More information about applying 

EDSC EEP Program Planning Worksheet

EDSC PCI Program Planning Worksheet

The Graduate Certificate in Comparative and International Education prepares graduate students for careers in international education, including but not limited to education abroad, international student services, and placement in other international organizations which support the exchange of students in higher education. This certificate is designed for any University of Kentucky graduate student (or admitted post-baccalaureate student) wishing to enhance their graduate degree.

Comparative and International Education Certificate Program Plan (PDF)

Grad Certificate in Comparative and International Education details

The Research Methods in Education (RMinE) Graduate Certificate provides students with the ability to specialize in education research methods that can be applied to a host of disciplines, e.g., social sciences, physical sciences, and business. The courses students will take provide them with a foundation in a range of approaches to research, including quantitative methods, assessment, evaluation, and measurement, which can be applied at the introductory level to their specific fields. The program is open to students who want to demonstrate they have completed rigorous coursework in research methods.

Research Methods Certificate Program Plan (PDF)

Graduate Certificate in Research Methods in Education details