Education and Public Policy
Bachelor of Arts in Education and Public Policy
Attain your Bachelor of Arts in Education and Public Policy degree online from Ashford University. This degree demonstrates your commitment to civic involvement and participation in educational communities.
Degree Focus
The Bachelor of Arts in Education and Public Policy will help you discover the process of developing and implementing education policy. You will prepare and train yourself to build democratic participation and improve civic capacity through schools. This program is specifically designed for dedicated professionals who aim to be education leaders, without necessarily becoming credentialed teachers. Many education professionals find that this subject is excellent for their undergraduate work, in preparation for earning an advanced degree.
Career Opportunities
Demand for policy experts is growing, especially with the increased urgency of efforts to reform education. As someone who works to improve public education, you will find this degree a perfect fit for your career. Some of the many career fields open to you include:
- Educational non-profits
- Lobbyist
- School board member
- Policy analyst
- Educational consultant
If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.
Bachelor of Arts in Education and Public Policy
Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Arts in Education and Public Policy degree program will be able to:
- Describe the roles, processes, and dynamics of educational policy-making;
- Explain how educational program policies are directed toward a specific population in meeting organizational and individual needs;
- Explain the historical and philosophical foundations of education in the development of educational policy;
- Analyze issues and trends that drive education reform;
- Examine methods and techniques for analyzing educational needs, alternative policies, and implementation of selected policies; and
- Analyze the impact of globalization on education policy.
Program Requirements
- Total number of credits required: 120 credits
- General Education Requirements: 52 credits*
- Major Course Requirements: 36 credits*
- Electives: 38 credits
Students must earn a minimum of 30 upper-division credits and a minimum of 21 credits at Ashford University (residency requirement).
* In this program, 6 credits from the major also satisfy general education requirements.
Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information at this link: Program Disclosures.
Admission Requirements
- Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants may be admitted with a minimum of 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies.
- Be 22 years of age or older, or a graduate of Ashford University's Associate of Arts in Business degree program, or receive documented approval from the Registrar's Office via the "Under 22 Appeal" process.
- English Language Requirement
- Successful completion of Student Success Orientation for students who indicate that they have fewer than twenty-four (24) traditional college-level transferable credits at the time of application.
Technology Requirements
Competencies
Students must possess the following online competencies:
- Ability to access course and program material on the Internet;
- Ability to correspond with University staff, students, and faculty using email and the Internet; and
- Ability to use appropriate antivirus utilities so that files transmitted and received are virus free.
System requirements
The following minimum system configuration and software are required:
- Platforms: Mac OS X 10.2 or higher or Windows XP or higher;
- Hardware: 256 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, and 1 Gb free disk space;
- Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2003 or higher; Adobe Reader 8.0 or higher; Adobe Flash 10 or higher (Constellation users);
- Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher, Safari 4.0 or higher, or Chrome;
- Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or Cable modem;
- Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail.
Recommended for optimal performance
- Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher;
- Networking: Broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or other);
- Constellation users: Windows Media Player 7 or higher, sound card and speakers.
Transferability
Put your college credits to work at Ashford! You can transfer up to 99 semester credits (148.5 quarter credits) to help fulfill your degree requirements.* That means all your past hard work will not be wasted.
If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete an online orientation prior to enrolling in credit-bearing coursework. Following successful completion of orientation, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education as your first course. EXP 105 is required if you have little or no previous college experience and is not recommended if you have high transfer credit. EXP 105 applies toward elective credit requirements so enrollment in EXP 105 may result in the reduction of three (3) potential transfer credits in the Elective category. If you take EXP 105, you are required to take PSY 202 as your second course.
If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment as your first course. PSY 202 is designed to help you acclimate to the online college environment, though you already have some college experience. If you have been out of school for a long time or feel that you need additional support to enter the online environment, you may appeal to enroll in EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. Unsuccessful completion of either EXP 105 or PSY 202 will result in the rescheduling of the course and revision of the future course sequence. See the Courses tab for descriptions of each course.
* The transferability of credits is subject to Ashford University’s transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.
Online Format
You will take your courses one at a time for 5 weeks each, accelerating your path to graduation. Your course content is delivered in a high-tech format, and you can complete your weekly assignments when and where it's convenient for you thanks to the asynchronous online environment.
Cost*
Your tuition rates are among the lowest available online at $390 per credit. You will also be responsible for fees to enroll. View complete cost of attendance. Call today to learn more at 866.711.1700.
* Tuition costs subject to change without notice.
Payment Options
- Cash Plan – 100% of tuition and fees paid on or before each course start date.
- Tuition Reimbursement – If your employer offers a tuition reimbursement plan, we'll work with you to apply this great benefit toward your education.
- Financial Aid – You may be eligible for financial aid. Talk to an Admissions Counselor to find out if you meet the requirements to qualify.
- Direct (Employer) Billing – If you work for a company approved for direct billing, you may qualify for this payment option.
- Military Tuition Assistance – Includes active-duty service and Veterans Affairs benefits, such as GI Bill and Vocational Rehab, if you qualify. Learn more about military benefits.
If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.
Bachelor of Arts in Education and Public Policy
Attain your Bachelor of Arts in Education and Public Policy. In this curriculum, you will learn about the process of developing education policy. Your courses cover such topics from social justice and special education to the politics of policy-making for schools.
Introductory Courses
Major Course Requirements
Introductory Courses
Depending on the number of credits transferred in, you may be required to take one or both of Ashford University's introductory courses: EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education and PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment. If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable credits, you are required to successfully complete EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 as your first course.
EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.
PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.
Major Course Requirements
(36 credits, all courses are 3 credits. Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.)
EDU 108 Introduction to Policy & Education
This course examines the theory, analysis, development and implementation of educational policy. It will explore the reasons for change in educational policy, ways to track its' evolution, and manners in which educational policy may be influenced. The history of educational policy will also be explored.
HIS 324 History of American Education
This course provides an overview of seminal events, theories, and important historical figures that have shaped the United States education system.
POL 303 The American Constitution
This course is a study of the Constitution of the United States and its role in American history and government. The study covers the drafting and ratification of the Constitution, its subsequent amendment and interpretation, and its contemporary role in American politics and government.
EDU 363 Education & Social Justice
The influences of educational policy and its convergence with social justice will be studied in this course. Issues of race, gender, sexuality, globalization, and other multicultural issues within the study of politics and policy will be explored throughout this course.
EDU 365 Politics of American Education
The political dimensions of policy formation/implementation in education and the use of power to influence educational policy will be explored. Conflict resolution and the analysis of consequences and impact will be examined.
MGT 380 Leadership for Organizations
Several leadership styles are examined in this course. Emphasis is placed on developing effective leadership in organizations and personal enterprises, and on developing ethical leadership perspectives in personal and professional decision-making.
EDU 422 Public Policy & Special Education
A study of the educational, legal, sociological and ethical issues that influence public policy related to the provision of special education to students with disabilities.
EDU 428 Student Achievement in Public Schools
This course will examine various factors influencing student achievement in public schools. Influencing factors will include motivation theories, as well as the impact of families, teachers and schools on student success. Issues of equity and access to quality educational programs will be considered.
EDU 471 Public Policy Issues in Education
Public policy issues in education including historical, international and political will be examined in light of current research perspectives. Current policy strategies for reforming US public schools will be highlighted.
EDU 473 Divergent Perspectives in Educational Policy & Practice
Current issues and debates in the field of education will be investigated. Students will examine the purpose of schooling and the challenges of meeting a variety of visions for what the school system should accomplish today.
EDU 486 Educational Policy & Administration
This course focuses on the societal and political contexts in educational settings. Students will examine various issues that are likely to have an impact on teaching and learning in diverse educational settings. Educational policy areas considered include governance, curriculum, accountability, personnel development, and school finance.
EDU 497 Capstone: Education & Public Policy Development
The capstone course is an examination of influences affecting policy development and decision making in the education arena. It will cover policy management, policy execution, establishing and measuring criteria for policy success, and effective communication throughout the public policy process. This course is cumulative in nature, integrating knowledge and information attained throughout the completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Education and Public Policy.
If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.
Ashford University Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information contained below.
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