Honors in the EPS major is for students who want more in-depth understanding and experiences in educational policy studies, as well as hands-on research experience.
This program provides opportunities to develop leadership, writing, and critical thinking skills beneficial to a range of graduate programs and career choices.
Honors students in Educational Policy Studies will join a vibrant intellectual community of faculty, staff and students committed to furthering socially just visions of education to answer the most pressing issues in education and society.
Admissions Requirements and How to Apply
To declare intent to complete Honors in Educational Policy Studies and be admitted to the program, students must:
- Be a declared major in the Department of Educational Policy Studies (EPS).
- Have a minimum University GPA of 3.3.
- Select a research method sequence and have completed one prerequisite research course with a grade of AB or higher.
- ED POL 308: Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in Education (3 cr.) for Qualitative Research Methods Pathway
- ED POL 209: Introduction to Quantitative Methods for Education Policy (3 cr.) for Quantitative Research Methods Pathway
- Have met with a School of Education Advisor regarding Honors in the Major.
How to Earn Honors
Requirements
1. Earn a 3.3. University GPA.
2. Earn a 3.5 GPA Average for all ED POL courses.
3. Participate in Department research colloquium.
4. Complete a two-semester Honors Capstone experience, comprising the Honors Capstone class (ED POL 680) and an ED POL course (Qualitative: ED POL 618 or ED POL 580; Quantitative: ED POL 605 or 688) that offers a mentored research experience.
5. Students must receive a B or higher in ED POL 680 to receive honors in the major.
ED POL 680: Educational Policy Studies Capstone Course (3 cr.)
ED POL 680: Educational Policy Studies Capstone is the core course for the EPS Honors program. Students will develop a capstone project reflecting their expertise in existing research on an issue or question of interest. This course creates engagement in interdisciplinary conversations, considers pressing issues in education, explores potential professional and academic trajectories, and prepares students for future careers and graduate education.
This course is only offered during the Fall.
Choose and Complete an Honors Research Pathway (3 cr.)
Each course below offers an in-depth understanding and mentored, hands-on research experience in Educational Policy Studies.
Qualitative Research
(Pre-requisite Course: ED POL 308: Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in Education)
ED POL 580: Participatory and Community-Based Research and Evaluation
Engage with and learn about goals, purposes and methods associated with community-engaged, participatory research and evaluation, including the following: 1) the political and philosophical underpinnings of the approach, and specifically of participatory action research (PAR); 2) qualitative research methods; 3) examples of community-engaged, participatory studies.
OR
ED POL 618: Advanced Qualitative Research Methods in Education
Learn about conceptual and practical tools for planning, designing, and conducting survey research on education-related issues. This course offers an overview of principles in survey methods and relevant issues, including data collection modes, sampling methods, questionnaires and measurement design, possible sources of bias and errors, non-response, and other extended topics.
Quantitative Research
(Pre-requisite Course: ED POL 209: Introduction to Quantitative Methods for Education Policy)
ED POL 605: Using Secondary Data: Applied Quantitative Analysis
Learn methods for managing secondary data or data not collected for specific research purposes and analyzing it to address educational policies. Students will focus on quantitative techniques and use secondary data and statistical software to complete assignments.
OR
ED POL 688: Intro to Survey Methods for Education Research
Students will use advanced qualitative methods for educational research taught through an apprenticeship in the research process, from developing the idea and questions to collecting and analyzing data to disseminating results. This course will provide substantial experience with practical research skills.
FAQ about Honors in EPS Program
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What will I do in EPS Honors courses?
- Students in Ed Pol 680 will build on their previous coursework to (1) think about current issues in education with a vibrant and diverse group of peers, (2) develop in-depth knowledge of research on a topic of their choice, (3) create work that demonstrates their skills and expertise in education policy studies and preparation for a future career or graduate school.
- In mentored research courses students will gain experience carrying out an original research project and write a short paper on their findings. Students in the quantitative research pathway develop an individual quantitative research project using common education data sets (Ed Pol 605 or Ed Pol 688). In the qualitative research pathway, students will work with a faculty member on a faculty-led, collaborative research project (Ed Pol 580 or Ed Pol 618).
What are the benefits of participating in Honors in Educational Policy Studies?
- Deepen your understanding of education and society.
- Learn to do original research.
- Become an expert in an education policy studies topic.
- Prepare for graduate school or for future careers, including by creating materials that can demonstrate your skills and knowledge to graduate school admissions committees and future employers.
- Bolster your resume.
- Connect with a diverse group of engaged peers and committed, award-winning faculty.
What are the requirements for admission?
- Be a declared EPS major.
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.3.
- Meet with SoE Advisor about Honors in the program.
- Select a research pathway and have completed or be in the process of completing a pre-requisite research course with an AB or higher.
Is additional coursework required for Honors in Educational Policy Studies?
Yes. Honors is for students who want an extra challenge. Students interested in the Honors challenge will take 6 credits (Ed Pol 680 and a mentored research course) above the requirements for the Educational Policy Studies major.
Do you allow any exceptions to requirements for admission or course pre-requisites?
We understand that some things are not under your control. Under certain circumstances students may petition to fulfill requirements on a slightly altered timeline or use alternative experiences to meet requirements for admission or course pre-requisites. However, this is not guaranteed. Students who think they may need a waiver should discuss with SOE academic advisors as soon as possible.
When can I declare Honors for the EPS major?
You need to be an EPS major to participate in our Honors program. However, you can declare honors and the major at the same time. You may do so any time after you meet the criteria above. We strongly advise you to apply as soon as possible so you can receive relevant information and opportunities.
How do I apply?
- Make an appointment with a School of Education academic advisor through the Starfish system. Advisors will review the requirements, help you explore if the program is right for you, assist you in getting started on the application.
- The application is not onerous. You fill out a Qualtrics form. There is an optional essay (no more than 300 words) that asks you to discuss your interest in the Honors program.
- Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed to ensure you meet the requirements for the program.
When is Ed Pol 680 (Educational Policy Studies Honors Capstone Course) offered?
- Ed Pol 680 will be offered for the first time ever in Fall 2025.
- The Ed Pol 680 is only offered in the fall semester. So, you should plan to take it in fall of your junior or senior year.
What order do I take the Honors courses?
- You may take the capstone course (Ed Pol 680) and the mentored research course (ED POL 618, ED POL 580, ED POL 605, or ED POL 688) in whatever order works for your schedule.
- Note that ED POL 680 will only be offered in the Fall semester, and you must be declared in the Honors program to enroll in it.
- There are no course prerequisites specifically for 680; however, you need to be admitted to the Honors Program to enroll. The pre-requisites for admission to the Honors program are also pre-requisites for the mentored research course.
How can I enroll in Ed Pol 680 in the fall of 2025?
Enrolling in Ed Pol 680 requires being admitted to the Honors program when it officially launches in the fall of 2025. However, students who apply for the Honors program by the end of the Spring of 2025 and meet the requirements for admission will hear from the Department of Educational Policy Studies about permission to enroll in Ed Pol 680. We look forward to a robust inaugural Honors Capstone class starting this fall!
Can I change my research pathway if I’m no longer interested in my current one?
You can change your intended research pathway (quantitative or qualitative) after being admitted to the Honors program but will still need to complete the appropriate prerequisite for the advanced methods course (either ED POL 209 or ED POL 308) or receive permission from the instructor and the department chair.
How do I achieve Honors in the EPS major?
- Earn a 3.3 University GPA AND 3.5 GPA Average for all ED POL courses
- Participate in Department research colloquium (e.g., EPS Conference)
- Complete the Honors Capstone class (ED POL 680) AND one of the four mentored research courses (ED POL 618, ED POL 580, ED POL 605, or ED POL 688)
- Receive a B or higher in ED POL 680.