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.
UW–Madison School of Education again in top 5 of U.S. News rankings
#2 Educational Administration and Supervision
#10 Higher Education Administration
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.
ELPA STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
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.
The purpose of the Higher Education Student Advisory Board is to provide professional development opportunities and social networking for students in the Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis (ELPA) Masters of Higher Education track in the School of Education. This group will focus on providing opportunities for professional growth and connections in higher education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW) and across other institutions.

CONGRATS ELPA STUDENTS!
Glenn Poole and Narek Sahakyan research article “Every” Student Succeeds? Academic Trends at the Intersection of (Long-Term) English Learner and IEP Status
CJ Greer and Deonte Iverson selected as UCEA Jackson Scholars
Paris Wicker, PhD Student, awarded Ford Foundation Fellowship
Kate Westaby, PhD Student Article “Stop Scapegoating Teen Moms”
Khadejah Ray, PhD Student, Receives AERA Minority Dissertation Fellowship
CJ Greer, PhD Student, Selected as Morgridge Fellow
Janel Anderson, PhD Student, Selected to Attend Philosophical Perspectives on Care Institute at Reed College in Portland.
Events
- March
- March 28Spring 2023 Art Department Art Faculty ColloquiumProfessor John Hitchcock5:00 PM, L160 Conrad A. Elvehjem Building
Also offered online - March 29
- March 29Spring 2023 Art Department Visiting Artist ColloquiumAnastasiia Raina5:00 PM, L160 Conrad A. Elvehjem Building
Also offered online