The M.A. program in Education and Social Policy addresses the growing demand for professionals who can use up-to-date analytical methods, data, and research results to formulate, implement, and evaluate education policies, ranging from the national No Child Left Behind Act to local or state policies such as New York City's Children First initiative. The degree is distinguished from other master’s degrees in education policy by its strong emphasis on using quantitative methods to ascertain causal effects of programs and policies. Based in the social science disciplines of economics and sociology, the program teaches students to use statistics, large datasets, and research designs to analyze education policies for grades K-12 and higher education. The curriculum is designed to assure mastery of appropriate analytical methods as well as develop knowledge of a specific education policy area, such as higher education, race and class, international education, or K-12 education issues. The program consists  of 40 credits, of which 65% are required core and methods courses. Quantitative skills are taught from the beginning of the program, from the first level of statistics through regression analysis and econometrics, including computer skills necessary to implement policy analyses. Students complete a one-semester capstone project, and select electives as determined by the students’ choice of concentration. No previous background in economics, sociology, statistics, or education is required, but students do need to show math competence through algebra. Graduates are prepared to work in a wide variety of organizations that have a role in policymaking and implementation in the education area, including local, state and federal education departments, foundations, think tanks, and consulting, grant-giving and public-relations departments in selected private organizations. Students may pursue full-time or part-time study.