Master of Arts

Become an Educational Leader with a Master of Arts Degree

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The master of arts programs at Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development are grounded in evidence-based theory and on-the-ground practice. As a student in one of our MA programs, you’ll be connected with world-class faculty who have extensive experience as educational administrators, policy analysts, researchers, and early childhood education experts.

BU Wheelock offers two master of arts programs: the MA in Educational Policy Studies and the MA in Leadership, Policy & Advocacy in Early Childhood Well-Being. When our students graduate, they’re able to tackle some of the toughest problems in educational policy, advocacy, and early childhood well-being.

MA Degree Requirements

Applicants for Boston University’s master of arts programs must have a bachelor’s degree or its international equivalent from an accredited institution. If you are accepted into an MA program, you must complete at least eight graduate-level courses or the equivalent number of credits (32) that are approved by the advisor for program completion. Departments may require additional coursework or a thesis beyond the minimums listed here.

What Is a Master of Arts Degree?

A master of arts degree is a postgraduate degree that focuses on subject-matter expertise and policy. With a master of arts degree from BU Wheelock, students will learn how to think critically about educational policy, develop their leadership skills, and learn how to create change in their career.

How Long Is a Master of Arts Program?

Although the standard length of a BU Wheelock MA program is one year, you can also enroll part time and complete the degree in two years. This flexibility allows you to work on your degree while balancing work and other commitments—a must for teachers and other working professionals who want to expand their skills by working on an MA.

What Can You Do with an MA Degree?

Our master of arts degrees prepare graduates for a variety of careers: researchers and analysts at think tanks, government offices, and educational nonprofits; early childhood education specialists; and more. For example, you can use your MA in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies to work in a state governor’s office to develop new policies and programs that positively influence the lives of children and youth, or you can work with a nonprofit organization to advocate for more equitable early childhood policies.

Why Pursue an MA at BU Wheelock?

If you’re interested in strengthening your skills as an educational theorist, policy advocate, or early childhood education specialist, BU Wheelock’s combination of theoretical understanding and firsthand practice will set you up to succeed in your career. Our degree programs also draw on a long tradition of fostering social justice, diversity, and inclusion. At a time when questions of systemic discrimination, reconciliation, and representation are at the forefront, we are ready to train future policy and advocacy leaders to approach these questions with sensitivity and consideration.

Advance Your Career with a Master’s Degree from Boston University

Invest in your future as an educational leader or policy expert at BU Wheelock. Whether your focus is on early childhood education, educational leadership, policy studies, or community advocacy, our master of arts degrees will give you the background you need to approach your work with confidence.  Learn more about our master of arts degree offerings by requesting more information.