The program stresses analysis of educational theory, policy, and practice by drawing on the humanities and the social sciences. Its foundation is critical scholarship, which examines educational institutions within broad social, political, cultural, legal, and economic contexts in the United States. Program faculty members offer courses in social, cultural, historical, legal, and philosophical foundations of education; policy analysis; evaluation; and curriculum theory. Additional related courses are available in other programs within the School of Education and in other departments of the university.

EFPP has designed its MA as a flexible program with a relatively small size to encourage strong and enduring relationships among students and faculty. The class cohorts represent a wide spectrum of undergraduate majors, geographic locations, previous experiences, and cultural backgrounds. These diverse perspectives enrich the educational environment and expand social awareness.

All MA concentrations are designed to prepare graduates for diverse roles as educators, advocates or policy analysts in schools, government agencies, think tanks, policy organizations, community organizations or institutions of higher education. This program also prepares graduates to pursue PhD work.