Our Department
Welcome to the UW–Madison Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis (ELPA), where our courses and research give students a deep understanding of educational organizations, educational policy, and policy systems. In ELPA master’s and PhD programs, students can specialize in one of three areas: K-12 leadership, higher education, or educational policy analysis and evaluation. No matter which unique strand you choose, when you graduate, you will be an effective leader, prepared to pave the way to better education for all students.
Top-Ranked Programs
UW–Madison’s School of Education and several of its programs are ranked among the very best in the nation. Its Educational Administration program is ranked No. 3 and the Higher Education Administration program is rated No. 10 by U.S. News & World Report. ELPA contributes to the high rating through world-renowned faculty and research.
Excellence in Research
As part of SSTAR Lab, and other world-class policy research centers, ELPA faculty and students develop meaningful, equity-focused projects that advance educational policy and improve student experiences in Wisconsin and beyond. The Student Success Through Applied Research Lab also known as SSTAR Lab conducts original research and evaluation on issues related to college opportunity and student success. The lab works to prioritize the practical side of research and promote ongoing improvement to better support current and future students.
A Supportive Community
“As a student and employee in the ELPA department, I was encouraged in my efforts to contribute to the department in and beyond my role, and in doing so I was able to develop my ELPA family," said Brittany Ota-Malloy, a Class of 2019 alumna.
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING FACULTY POSITIONS
Focus on Organization and Administration
Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Higher Education
Focus on Teaching and Learning
Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Higher Education
LEADS
Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis Student Organization
LEADS is directed by graduate students. Activities and events are chosen, designed, and executed by our graduate students.
LEADS serves an important and needed function in fostering community and building skills within ELPA.
For a conversation with current students contact LEADS.
VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
“If you are interested in learning more about ELPA Department and the application process, please join us for our student-led informational virtual open house! Organized by ELPA’s Graduate Student Organization, LEADS, this informative session provides a chance to speak with current ELPA students and have an opportunity to ask questions in a Q&A format.”
Wednesdays 5:00-6:00 CT
Register for sessions below.
September 28
October 5
October 19
November 9
FEATURED ELPA SCHOLARS ON THE RISE & FEATURED ALUMNI
Janel Anderson, K12 Leadership PhD Student
Janelle Benson, Higher Education PhD Student
CJ Greer, K12 Leadership PhD Student
Deonte Iverson, K12 Leadership PhD Student
Morna Foy, Higher Education PhD Alum
Events
- October
- October 1Junior Faculty of Color Fall Kickoff Meet and mingle with Junior Faculty of Color at Vilas Park5:00 PM, Vilas Park
- October 3Meet Me on Mondays: Occupational Therapy ProgramJoin the UW–Madison Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Admissions Coordinator for casual conversation11:00 AM, Online
- October 3Planning for an Academic Job SearchBy Professors Ran Liu and Taylor Odle12:00 PM, 298 Education Building
Also offered online