University of Kentucky®
Masters Degree (MS) in
Educational Research Methods and Policy Studies
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 37
CREDENTIALS MS Degree
COST PER CREDIT
$753.00
- UK Online
- All Programs
- Masters Degrees
- Educational Research Methods and Policy Studies (MS)
About this Program
Apply research skills and data analysis to real-world problems in education and other settings. This online program will prepare you to analyze data and communicate results to expert and non-expert audiences. Graduates of our program work in a wide variety of fields, including school districts, state and federal agencies, and health-related organizations.
Designed For
This program is appropriate for individuals interested in conducting rigorous research to inform educational policies and practices. Prospective students often have a background in education, social sciences, or related fields, and are committed to improving educational outcomes through evidence-based research and policy analysis.
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Fill out this form to be sent information on the Masters (MS) in Educational Research Methods and Policy Studies program, including deadlines, tuition, application requirements and more!
What You’ll Learn
In the program, students will examine current educational policy issues through social, historical, philosophical, cultural, and political lenses. Concurrently, the program is designed to provide students with a core suite of research and policy analysis tools, including courses in quantitative, qualitative, evaluation, and survey research methods. Students completing the degree program will be well prepared for a variety of professional and academic placements, including K-12 or postsecondary institutions, testing organizations, state and federal agencies, or further doctoral study.
Each Educational Research Methods and Policy Studies student will choose one concentration area with six required credits and supporting electives for the concentration area with a minimum of nine required credits. All suggested supporting elective courses listed below are available in an online format. Students are not limited to the listed electives; students choose elective courses in conjunction with their advisor. Moreover, students can take up to 3 hours of independent study (EPE 785) and up to 12 hours of internship credit (EPE 790).
Course Examples
- EPE/EDP 557 Gathering, Using, and Analyzing Educational Data I OR
- EPE/EDP 558 Gathering, Using, and Analyzing Educational Data II
- EPE 571 Writing Seminar in Ed Research
- EPE 601 Proseminar
- EPE 602 Social Policy Issues in Education
- EPE 619 Survey Research
- EPE/EDP 620 Introduction to Evaluation
- EPE 663 Field Studies in Educational Settings
- One contextual studies (i.e. non-research methods) course
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Schedule time to meet with a representative from UK Online to discuss your online learning options.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
- Must have obtained a baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the admission term, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
- An overall grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work, if applicable.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
*THIS PROGRAM OPERATES UNDER ROLLING ADMISSIONS. APPLY ANYTIME.
Application Requirements
- Personal Statement - 500 words explaining how your personal goals align with what the program offers
- CV - Please include work history, any certifications/license, publications and research, and hobbies or special interests.
- Two letters of Recommendation (Only email addresses required. Our system will email them to upload their reference.)
Program Contact
Deadlines
Fall 2025
Spring 2026
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Why UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
No test scores required.
Pay the same online tuition rate, no matter where you live.
Save money by paying for only 9 standard credit hours per semester, even if you take more.
Fit learning into your busy schedule with no prescribed class times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
What is the admission criteria?
Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.
Tuition
How much does the online program cost?
The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.
Is there a tuition cap?
Yes! For graduate students who enroll full-time (9+ credit hours) exclusively in a distance education program, will receive a capped tuition rate. To see the current term’s capped tuition rate, please visit https://www.uky.edu/studentaccount/tuition and look for “Graduate Students Enrolled Exclusively in Distance Education Courses -- full-time.” This is the per semester rate you will pay when enrolled for 9 or more credit hours. Please note, this rate only applies to programs using the standard graduate tuition rate.
What tuition assistance is available for graduate students?
Graduate students should review the Student Funding information available through the Graduate School. Specific programs may offer additional funding that is unique to that program. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) in the department in which you wish to enroll with questions about the availability of assistantships and the application process.
I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?
For our fully online programs, state of residence does not affect tuition rate. Tuition is the same no matter where you live.
Online Learning
Will my degree say “online”?
No, you are awarded the same diploma from UK as students who take classes in-person. There is no denotation of “online” on your diploma or your transcripts.
Can I meet with faculty even though the program is online?
Yes. Our faculty are happy to meet with our students by phone call, email, or an online meeting. You are also welcome to set up an in-person appointment if you ever find yourself in Lexington.
Should I enroll as a full-time graduate student?
This depends on each student and their ability to manage the heavy course load of enrolling full-time, which is 9 credit hours (typically, 3 classes) per semester. Students who enroll full-time may find it difficult to keep even a part-time job. Students who are able to manage a full-time courseload can take advantage of our Graduate Tuition Cap and save on tuition, which offers a flat tuition rate per semester when enrolled in 9 or more credit hours.
Will I have to attend class at a specific time?
No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.
What should I expect in online classes?
It's important to know how to approach learning in an online program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students should expect to:
Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussions.
Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.
Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.
If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
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Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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