Education Policy

The education policy specialization is for those students interested in a career in educational policy making, research, or administration. Students in the Education Policy Specialization will examine how K-12 and/or higher education policy is designed and implemented in the United States. Students will develop a working knowledge of policymaking frameworks to examine major education policies of current interest and debate key policy issues that arise at each level of government.

Specialization Faculty

Specialization Coordinators: Dr. Kevin Roessger (Higher Education) and Dr. Christian Goering (K-12 Education)

  • Christian Goering, Ph.D. (Kansas State University), Professor, College of Education and Health Professions
  • Ketevan Mamiseishvili, Ph.D. (University of Missouri), Interim Dean, College of Education and Health Professions and Professor of Higher Education
  • John W. Murry Jr., J.D., Ed.D. (University of Arkansas), Associate Professor, Higher Education
  • Kevin Roessger, Ph.D. (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee), Associate Professor, Adult and Lifelong Learning
  • Tom E.C. Smith, Ed.D. (Texas Tech University), University Professor, Curriculum and Instruction
  • Ronna Turner, Ph.D. (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), Professor, Educational Research

Course of Study (12 hours):

The education specialization requires 12 hours of electives, based on the following guidelines:

  • EDFD 56833 Issues in Education Policy 

This course examines how K-12 education policy is designed and implemented in the United States. Students will develop a working knowledge of policymaking frameworks to examine major education policies of current interest and debate key policy issues that arise at each level of government. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)
This course is cross-listed with EDRE 64103.

And three (3) hours to be selected from History or Philosophy of Education. Example of an appropriate course:

  • HIED 50803 History and Philosophy of Higher Education

An examination of the history and development of higher education including the study of the philosophy, objectives, and functions of various types of institutions. (Typically offered: Spring)

A minimum of six (6) hours of course work to be approved by the student’s advisory committee related to Legal, Governance, or Administrative Policy Issues, from the following areas:

  • EDAD  Educational Administration (K-12 education)

  • HIED Higher Education (postsecondary education)

Because flexibility is an important characteristic of the program, other related courses may serve to fulfill these requirements, as long as the student's committee is in agreement.

For more information on the Education Policy Specialization, please contact:

  • For info regarding K-12 Education: contact: Chris Goering, 216 Peabody Hall, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, 479-575-4270, cgoering@uark.edu
  • For info regarding Higher Education / Administrative Track: contact: Kevin Roessger, 479-575-7285, kmroessg@uark.edu