UW–Madison Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis

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.

group meeting on rooftop terrace and people walking in hallway

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 Wei LAB, 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.

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.