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Graduate Certificate in US Education Policy Program Online
Drexel University is Regionally Accredited
***The Certificate in U.S. Education Policy program will not be accepting new students for the Academic Year 2025-2026. More information to follow.***
Drexel University’s online Graduate Certificate in U.S. Education Policy explores the substance and process of U.S. education policy, along with the institutions that comprise the education system and their governance and practices. You’ll develop a more sophisticated understanding of the U.S. education system, how policy is made, and key issues within U.S. education today. Upon completing this certificate, you'll be able to use the knowledge gained and skills you’ve learned to enhance your performance as an education professional.
Graduate Certificate in U.S. Education Policy Program Features
- 100% online
- Nine-credit program that can be completed in less than one year
- Ideal for education professionals seeking to broaden their knowledge of US education, individuals considering a career in education policy, and entrepreneurs and other business persons building or serving education enterprises who lack an education background
- Can be completed as a standalone certificate or credits earned in this program can be applied to the MS in Education Improvement and Transformation as a stackable certificate upon acceptance into the program
Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in U.S. Education Policy Program
Your completed application for the online certificate in U.S education policy should include your official transcripts and resume. For a complete list of requirements, please visit the Admissions Criteria page.
What Can I Do with A Graduate Certificate in U.S. Education Policy?
This online certificate in U.S. education policy was designed for anyone working in the education field, especially K-12 education, who wishes to gain knowledge of U.S. education policy to enhance their ability to perform in their current or future roles. For those who interact with the education system for business or other purposes, this certificate will provide important background knowledge.
Graduate Certificate in U.S. Education Policy Program FAQs
What is the difference between the Graduate Certificate in U.S. Education Policy and Graduate Certificate in Education Policy?
The 9-credit U.S. Education Policy certificate is aimed more toward those who want some foundational-level education policy knowledge to be more effective educators, policy advocates, etc. The 18-credit Graduate Certificate in Education Policy is ideal for those who want to pursue a career in education policymaking or policy-influencing and want a more in-depth study of the field.
Can I transfer the U.S. Education Policy credits into a School of Education graduate program?
This online certificate in U.S. education policy can be take on its own or up to nine credits may be transferred into a School of Education master’s program at the discretion of that program’s Director/Manager and upon admission into the graduate program. This program has been designed to easily transfer into the online MS in Education Improvement and Transformation program as a stackable certificate.
I am not currently working in education, but I am interested in U.S. education and policy. Will this program benefit me?
Yes, the topics covered and skills learned during the program will all enhance your understanding of education policy and its relevance to the U.S.
Archived Webinar
Related Programs
State restrictions may apply to some programs.
Curriculum
This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
Drexel University is transitioning to a semester calendar system as of Fall 2027. View the semester program of study for this program.
| Required Courses | ||
| EDPO 622 | Foundations of Education Policy | 3.0 |
| EDPO 628 | American Educational Policy and U.S. Competitiveness | 3.0 |
| EDPO 636 | Access & Equity in Educational Policy Making | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 9.0 | |
Admissions Criteria
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a completed bachelor's and/or master's degree
- Graduate GPA will be considered along with undergraduate GPA
- Provisional admission may be considered if your GPA is lower than 3.0
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended (including trade schools)
- Resume
- Additional requirements for International Students
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2026-2027 is $1144 per credit. (A 25% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1525 per credit)
For the academic year 2026-2027, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.
- This program is not eligible for Financial Aid.
- Special tuition rates are available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations.
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- These rates apply only to fully online courses. Hybrid or on-campus courses may have different rates.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans , you may not be able to combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.
Academic Calendar
2027-2028 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2027
August 23, 2027
December 8, 2027
December 13, 2027
December 17, 2027
Spring 2028
January 10, 2028
April 24, 2028
April 27, 2028
May 3, 2028
Summer 2028
May 15, 2028
August 5, 2028
August 7, 2028
August 11, 2028
2026-2027 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2026
September 22, 2026
December 5, 2026
December 7, 2026
December 12, 2026
Winter 2027
January 4, 2027
March 13, 2027
March 15, 2027
March 20, 2027
Spring 2027
March 29, 2027
June 5, 2027
June 7, 2027
June 12, 2027
Summer 2027
June 21, 2027
August 7, 2027
August 9, 2027
August 14, 2027
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