• Urban Education Policy, Politics, and Community Contexts
  Students explore how urban school systems function, how policies are created and implemented, who participates in decision-making, and how schools can be organized to expand opportunities for diverse student populations.

• Quantitative Analysis and Data-Driven Decision Making
  Students build strong analytical skills to collect, interpret, and apply quantitative data in support of effective and equitable education policy.

• Practical, Reflective Policy Experience
  Through in-depth internship projects with local and national partners, students apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world challenges. These projects are supported by two integrated courses focused on skill-building and critical reflection, allowing students to connect theory to practice. 

The UEP program is an intensive cohort program, running from June to May. Full-time students complete the program in one year, and extended study students complete the program in two years. Students take most classes together, building a strong and supportive community.

Students take nine courses, including 8 required core courses and 1 elective course. One of the required courses is a 9-month site-based internship. The required core classes include:

• EDUC 2320 — Quantitative Research Methods and Data Analysis
• EDUC 2330 — Urban Education Policy: System and Governance
• EDUC 2385 — Education Inequality and Community Assets
• EDUC 2360 — Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation for Education
• EDUC 2367 — Strategic Management of School Organizations
• EDUC 2350 — Economic Analysis in Urban Education Policy
• EDUC 2390 — Race and Democracy in Urban Education Policy
• EDUC 2380 — Internship (course component to the 9-month UEP internship)

In addition to eight required courses, students choose one approved elective to deepen their expertise in a core area (such as research methods or urban politics) or to explore related topics (such as organizational theory or public finance). Electives may be taken in Education, Public Policy, Economics, Sociology, Political Science, Urban Studies, Ethnic Studies, or other departments across the University.

Alternatively, students may pursue an Independent Study Project (ISP) in place of an elective. ISPs allow students to work closely with a faculty member on a specialized topic of interest. Approval from the program director is required, and students must submit a project proposal to the faculty member they wish to work with.

The nine-month internship, which runs concurrently with the academic year at Brown, is a key feature of the program, integrating research and theory with hands-on policy experience.  In this internship and allied coursework, students gain practical skills and experience working in an organization to effect change. They develop a project to meet the needs of the organization.        

Students work with program faculty to select internship sites and projects. These sites might include:  

• The Rhode Island Department of Education
• The Providence Mayor's Office
• The Providence Public School District's Central Office
• Jobs for the Future
• Boston Public Schools
• Rhode Island Kids Count
• Providence Promise
• Central Falls School District
• Blackstone Valley Prep Charter School
• Times2 STEM Academy
• The Century Foundation
• Annenberg Institute (at Brown)
• Swearer Center (at Brown)A list of previous internships