Welcome to the Department of Educational Policy Studies & Practice (EPSP), where we are dedicated to shaping the future of education through leadership, policy, and research. EPSP is home to two key academic units: Educational Leadership & Policy (EDLP) and the Center for the Study of Higher Education (CHE). With a team of 19 full-time faculty and five affiliate faculty, we offer diverse graduate programs that fit various learning preferences.
Our department is proud to house initiatives like Native Soar, Project Familia, Upward Bound, which promote liberatory approaches to education across the college. Led by Dr. Leslie D. Gonzales and supported by our dedicated staff—Erika Lopez, Diana Peel, and Lora Francois—our department is committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all students.
At EPSP, equity, inclusion, and social justice are at the heart of everything we do. We prepare our students to become scholars, practitioners, and advocates in PK-20 education, offering expertise in leadership, policy, student outcomes, and educational organizations. Our location in the borderlands provides a unique perspective on how local, national, and global issues influence education. Our faculty is known for its methodological strengths, offering deep expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research, including Indigenous statistics, big data analysis, and community-connected research methods.
Join us at EPSP and be part of a vibrant academic community committed to transforming education at every level. Whether you are a prospective student exploring your next steps or a current student looking to advance your career, we have the programs and support you need to succeed.
Center for the Study of Higher Education (CHE)
Our program focuses on fostering social justice, challenging traditional perspectives, and using critical methodologies to explore the intersections of race, gender, geography, and identity in education. We examine how political and economic forces shape higher education policies and institutions, with a particular emphasis on Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Indigenous populations. Our approach also prioritizes equity in college access, with a special focus on community colleges and transfer student success. Join us and be part of a collaborative and dynamic environment that advances meaningful change in higher education.
Educational Leadership & Policy (EDLP)
Our programs blend rigorous research with real-world application, exploring critical topics such as social justice, culturally responsive leadership, and the impact of socio-cultural, economic, and political forces on education. At EDLP, we are committed to developing leaders who can inspire change, navigate complex educational landscapes, and promote equity and opportunity for all students. Whether you're looking to lead in schools, districts, or beyond, our programs equip you with the knowledge and skills to make a lasting impact in education.
Explore Our Degrees
Discover the exciting opportunities within the Department of Educational Policy Studies & Practice (EPSP), where our graduate programs are designed to empower future leaders, educators, and change-makers. With a strong focus on equity, inclusion, and social justice, our degrees in Educational Leadership & Policy (EDL) and Higher Education (HED) provide the skills and expertise needed to make a meaningful impact in PK-20 education. Whether you're pursuing a master's or doctoral degree, we offer flexible learning formats and a supportive community to help you succeed. Explore our programs and take the next step toward transforming education!
Alumni Spotlight
Dr. Flori Centeno Huitt, a 2023 Educational Leadership & Policy Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) graduate and the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in the Tucson Unified School District, was awarded the Arizona School Administrators Outstanding Dissertation Award in June 2024. Her dissertation, which used qualitative methods, examined how elementary teachers of English language learners used asset-based instruction. Dr. Huitt’s findings illustrated that culturally responsive teachers enact asset-based instruction by affirming students and building deep relationships with them. Congratulations to Dr. Huitt for this award recognizing the excellence of her dissertation!
