EdM in Policy, Planning & Administration

The Policy, Planning & Administration Program is a graduate-level program that includes the option of a specialization in either Higher Education Administration or Educational Administration with administrative Massachusetts state licensure.

Student programs may include, but are not limited to, preparation for licensure as educational leaders in public school systems. Other programs cover educational work in universities, government agencies, or community organizations. These would seldom require licensure, but often have much in common with educational leadership in schools.

Policy, Planning & Administration

(No Subconcentration)

The Policy, Planning & Administration Program is for students who plan to work as leaders or policy specialists in education; some are already certified to teach and are seeking licensure as school administrators. This program seeks to develop a broad understanding of education at all levels, administrative skills valuable in many capacities, and an understanding of the principles supporting responsible leadership.

Core Coursework (8 cr)

• SED AP 662 Administrative Planning (4 cr)
• SED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 cr)

Elective Coursework (24 cr)

Students complete 24 credits of graduate-level courses. Courses are selected in consultation with an academic advisor and may be completed at any school within the University.

Higher Education Administration

The Higher Education Administration specialization is for students seeking to enter or advance their careers in higher education administration. The program prepares graduates to work in a wide variety of professional roles in higher education including, but not limited to, student life, financial aid, admissions, career advisement, academic administration, pre-college advisement, and development and alumni relations. The emphasis is on giving students a broad foundation in higher education including insight into the background, prospects, and social and personnel functions of higher education as well as governance and policy issues.

Core Coursework (20 cr)

• SED AP 550 Perspectives on Higher Education (4 cr)
• SED AP 551 Issues in Higher Education Administration (4 cr)
• SED AP 662 Administrative Planning (4 cr)
• SED AP 755 Legal Issues in Higher Education (4 cr)
• SED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 cr)

Elective Coursework (12 cr)

Students complete 12 credits of graduate-level courses (approximately three courses). Courses are selected in consultation with an academic advisor and may be completed at any school within BU.

Fieldwork

An internship is not required, but strongly recommended for students with no or limited work experience in higher education. Faculty members will assist students with the internship search process. However, it is the student’s responsibility to secure the internship.

Educational Administration

Administrative Licensure

The School of Education provides a sequence of courses approved for initial state licensure as superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, or assistant principal, including arrangements to carry out the required internship or practicum. Students take the following core courses or approved substitutes (40 credits):

• SED AP 526 Citizen Participation and Community Development
• SED AP 600 Diversity and Justice in Education
• SED AP 662 Administrative Planning or
• SED AP 761 Organizational Analysis (Superintendent)
• SED AP 720 Performance-Based Educational Leadership
• SED AP 750 Performance Appraisal and Supervision
• SED AP 754 Educational Equity and the Law
• SED AP 757 School Labor Relations and Personnel Management
• SED AP 758 School Management
• SED AP 802 Practicum Pre-K–6 or
• SED AP 803 Practicum 5–8 or
• SED AP 804 Practicum 9–12 or
• SED AP 805 Practicum/Apprenticeship/Internship: Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent
• SED CT 750 Basic Principles for Curriculum and Teaching (4 cr) -OR- SED CT 721 Analysis of Curriculum Programs (4 cr)
• SED AP 662 Administrative Planning (Principal) (4 cr) -OR- SED AP 761 Organizational Analysis (Superintendent) (4 cr)

Practicum (4 cr)

Students participate in a practicum experience from the options listed below based on their area of focus. Boston University enjoys longstanding relationships with many urban and suburban school systems in greater Boston that offer our students rewarding field experiences under the guidance of expert teachers and faculty.

• SED AP 802 Practicum Pre-K–6 (4 cr)
• SED AP 803 Practicum 5–8 (4 cr)
• SED AP 804 Practicum 9–12 (4 cr)
• SED AP 805 Practicum Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent (4 cr)