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Master of Education in Education Policy

Admissions

The Master of Education in Education Policy (MEP) program is designed for professionals who want to make an impact on the field of education policy. We encourage individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and levels of professional experience to apply.

Application Dates and Deadlines

A new program starts each fall. Prospective students are encouraged to apply by the priority application deadline, January 7, 2022. 

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or its equivalent from a foreign institution
  • A minimum 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) for the last graded 60 semester credits or 90 graded quarter credits
  • Demonstrated English language proficiency for applicants whose native language is not English

Required Application Materials

  • UW Graduate School online application and fee
  • Unofficial transcripts from every college or university attended
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Statement of purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Proof of English language proficiency (if English is not your native language)

Application Steps

To apply to the MEP program, submit your application materials online through the UW Graduate School website. We recommend you begin your application early in order to complete all requirements on time. 

Step One: Prepare to Apply

  • Get transcripts from each college or university you’ve attended. Download unofficial transcripts or scan printed copies.
  • Update your resume or curriculum vitae.
  • Write your statement of purpose. This statement should answer the following questions in no more than 1,000 words each.
    • What are two to three experiences (personal, academic or professional) that have prompted you to pursue a career in education policy? Briefly describe each experience and how it served as a catalyst for or helped confirm your interest in education policy.
    • What professional role do you hope to have in five years? Please describe two to three concrete ways you believe a master’s degree in education policy can help you achieve this goal.
  • Find people to write your letters of recommendation.Three letters of recommendation are required to apply. Consider getting recommendations from current or former employers, supervisors, teachers or colleagues. At least one letter should be an academic reference. Make sure you choose people who can judge your capacity to undertake graduate studies in education policy. You'll need their email addresses for the Graduate School application.
  • Write a personal history statement. (Optional) This statement gives you the chance to provide us with details about life experiences that have influenced your academic interests. This could be information that's not necessarily reflected in your academic statement, but that you feel could be helpful to the committee in evaluating your application.

The GRE is no longer required. 

Step Two: Apply Online

  • Start your online application to the UW Graduate School. You can save your application and come back at any time to continue working on it.
  • Select "Education - Seattle (MEd - Education Leadership & Policy Studies - Education Policy/MEP Cohort)" for the program name.
  • Upload all required documents.
  • Designate the people who have agreed to write your letters of recommendation. Each of these people will be sent an email directing them to a secure website where they will submit their letters.
  • Pay the nonrefundable application fee.

Application Evaluation and Interview

The MEP program uses a holistic admissions process and takes into consideration all aspects of your application and background. In addition to reviewing all application materials, program staff members conduct interviews with all finalists in person or via video conference. All priority applicants will receive an admission decision by March 11, 2022.

International Students

International applicants are welcome to apply to the program. You are considered an international applicant if you are not a U.S. citizen, immigrant or permanent resident. These applicants must meet all admission requirements for the program.

Visa Status

International students must have a visa status that allows for academic study at the University of Washington. If you’re admitted to the program and plan to attend on an F-1 or J-1 visa, you must study full time — at least 10 credits per quarter — to maintain your visa status. For more information, review the citizenship and visa status section of the Graduate School application process page, and contact Graduate Enrollment Management Services at uwgrad@uw.edu or 206-685-2630 if you have any questions.

English Language Proficiency

International applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. The UW Graduate School’s Memo 8 describes several ways to do this. If you are submitting TOEFL scores, they must be sent directly to the UW by the Educational Testing Service using institution code 4854. Only scores less than two years old will be accepted.

More Information

International Applicant Information
Visa Information for F-1 Students and J-1 Exchange Visitors