Embracing The University of Alabama’s mission to advance the intellectual and social condition of the people in the state, the minor in Educational Policy and Reform is designed for UA students interested in educational issues and policies in the United States. Students will (1) develop a knowledge base about education and schooling, (2) understand how educational policy is developed, enacted, and experienced and (3) act as informed advocates for education in a democratic society.
This minor helps frame education as a “public good” and inspires students to become involved and engaged inside and outside of the traditional classroom. The curriculum leads students from foundational philosophies of education through a critique of how and why education can be utilized for positive social change in society. Many former students have used this minor to prepare for Law School, public policy/administration, Teach For America, Foreign Service, AmeriCorps, Outward Bound/NOLS, policy think tanks, and other academic and public service institutions. This minor is open to students from all majors.