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Graduate School and Other Professions

Law School Admissions Council

LSAC is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to advance law and justice by promoting access, equity, and fairness in law school admission and supporting the learning journey from prelaw through practice. LSAC provides products and services that support candidates and schools throughout the law school admission process, and innovative solutions to expand and diversify the range of prelaw students, enhance student outcomes in law school, and support legal professionals throughout their careers.

Law School Admissions Council

National Education Policy Center

The National Education Policy Center (NEPC), a university research center housed at the University of Colorado Boulder School of Education, sponsors research, produces policy briefs, and publishes expert third-party reviews of think tank reports. NEPC publications are written in accessible language and are intended for a broad audience that includes academic experts, policymakers, the media, and the general public. Our mission is to provide high-quality information in support of democratic deliberation about education policy. We are guided by the belief that the democratic governance of public education is strengthened when policies are based on sound evidence and support a multiracial society that is inclusive, kind, and just.

National Education Policy Center

Graduate School and Other Professions

A degree in Education Studies can provide a foundation for further education and other professions.

LAW SCHOOL

The practice of law encompasses a variety of specializations, or fields of law, in which an Education Studies major might focus such as education law, family and juvenile law, immigration law, and civil rights.

Pre-Law Advising at DePauw: The Hubbard Center at DePauw offers advising on course selection, LSAT preparation, and application completion.

GRADUATE SCHOOL

Graduate education provides students with more advanced learning in a specialized discipline or sub-discipline.  Graduate school gives an in-depth understanding such that the student becomes something of an expert in the topic of study.  

Master's Degrees

Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS): MA or MS degrees are offered in several subjects. The differences between the two degree programs may be as little as one course, or as large as a thesis requirement versus a final exam. Sometimes the MA is aimed more at teaching or entry into a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. MS degrees are common in career fields like accounting or nursing. These distinctions vary across fields and universities, however.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): The MAT is a teaching degree that leads to licensure designed for students without an undergraduate teaching degree but who want to teach in public schools.  The degree is usually one to two years in duration, around 30 credits, and involves an intensive, fast-paced education in fundamental issues, methodology, knowledge, and skills for teachers.

Master of Education (MEd): The M.Ed. usually requires a teaching certificate as a prerequisite. It prepares current educators for a career in administration, curriculum design, instructional technology, and other education-related fields outside of the classroom experience.

Master of Social Work (MSW): Social workers earn a terminal master's degree, the highest degree awarded in the profession. Some MSW degree programs have a community and management track that offers courses on community organizing, program planning and evaluation, supervision and leadership.

Master of Library Science (MLS): Master's degrees in library science are considered terminal degrees. Coursework includes the history of libraries, special archives and document repositories. Degree candidates in this field learn a lot about searching out information manually and electronically.

Doctoral Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.): The cornerstone of most Ph.D. programs is the defense of a dissertation or thesis containing original research. This dissertation is the final stage of a curriculum that includes seminars and individual research in your field of interest. The need for additional graduate-level coursework varies depending on the institution and whether or not you've earned a master's degree prior to the doctoral program.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.): An Ed.D. degree is a professional post-masters degree designed for those pursuing careers as leaders in education. Through coursework, students increase their knowledge of learning theory, curriculum development, and public policy. 

What is the difference between the Ed.D. and the Ph.D. in education?

  • A Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) focuses on the practical applications of educational research. This degree is appropriate for individuals who wish to work in positions of leadership or policy-making.

  • A Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.) is theory-based and stresses research that can expand the existing body of knowledge in the field. This degree is appropriate for individuals who seek careers as university professors, teacher educators, or researchers.

Juris Doctor (JD): A JD degree is the professional degree necessary to become a lawyer. A JD degree is a terminal degree—or the highest level of degree you can achieve in a given discipline. In order to begin a Juris Doctor program, a bachelor’s degree, but not a master’s degree, is required.  (See the "Law School" section above for more information.)

Affordable Colleges website article: "Writing a Great Graduate School Application"

EDUCATION POLICY

There are a number of careers in this vital field. Different roles carry specific education and experience requirements, as well as unique areas of focus and influence, but they all help in shaping education.  Many ideas for poli­cies and laws began with policy analysts. These are individuals who provide information, analysis, and recommendations to policymak­ers. They write reports, papers, fact sheets, and even books. They may also write editorials for newspapers, magazines, or blogs, and issue guides providing facts, graphs, and answers to common questions to help inform and gain support from the media, academia, and the public. Additionally, many offer briefings to members of Congress. Senior staff members may appear on news broadcasts or may even testify before a House or Senate committee.  An advanced degree is often required.

Education Degree website article: "Working in Education Policy"