The Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis (ELPA) faculty and faculty affiliates include directors and senior scholars of several world-class policy research centers on the UW–Madison campus. Many doctoral students in policy are employed at one or more of these centers during their stay at the university. All of them work to develop and advance research projects that will improve educational experience for all students.
Badger Inquiry on Sport (BIOS)
The Badger Inquiry on Sport (BIOS) initiative harnesses the power of the university, bringing top-level research and athletics together. BIOS bridges the athletic department, campus, Wisconsin, and beyond to "grow the good" of the world in and through sports.
Student Success Through Applied Research (SSTAR) Lab
The SSTAR lab believes that better academic research on financial aid can expand college access and student success in lasting ways. We do this by collaborating with practitioners to develop and implement research studies addressing their specific needs and capacity constraints.
Wisconsin's Equity & Inclusion Laboratory (Wei LAB)
The Wei LAB is dedicated to design, conduct, and disseminate research that informs policymakers, practitioners, and concerned citizens on how to best promote equitable and inclusive learning and work environments in education in general, and higher education in particular.
Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER)
WCER is one of the oldest, largest, and most productive education research centers in the world. A part of the UW–Madison's School of Education, WCER provides a productive environment where some of the country's leading scholars conduct basic and applied education research.
Dissertation Database
Curious about the topics ELPA doctoral students study and the dissertations they’ve produced? View a list of dissertations completed by past students.
Visiting Scholars
In this program, scholars visiting from abroad stay on the UW–Madison campus, working with faculty mentors to contribute to the intellectual life of the department. View more information and application procedures.