Certificate in Educational Policy Development
The Certificate in Educational Policy Development equips current and aspiring leaders in schools and community-based organizations to leverage dramatic organizational change. Through a series of four courses, participants develop a sophisticated appreciation of how policies shape the cultural norms and day-to-day practices at both a micro level (e.g., within institutions) and a macro level (e.g., within a school district, a city, or a state). The goal of the program is to help leaders develop their repertoire of skills to use policy levers to creatively and effectively advance organizational goals.
Launching Spring 2020.
The Certificate in Educational Policy Development will prepare students to:
Practice critical self-reflection and discernment
Foster an ethical, mission-driven school or educational environment/organization
Create structures that advance organizational and professional learning
Observe, assess, and support effective teaching and instructional practices
Advance equity and agency across multiple constituencies
Available Format: Online or Hybrid
Request Information
Financial Assistance
Education should level the playing field – we feel the same way about financial aid.
A certificate from Boston College is an investment in your future. The Lynch School has a deep commitment to assisting academically qualified students to afford an excellent education. The Office of Graduate Admission & Financial Aid in the Lynch School provide resources to aid students through both need-based and merit-based financial aid.
At a Glance
How many courses?
This program consists of 4 courses for a total of 12 credits.
Most students complete the program in a semester or a year.
When can I start?
Students can begin the program in the Fall,
Spring or Summer semesters.
Program Faculty & Expertise
Lynch School faculty from the Department of Educational Leadership and Higher Education are recognized for exceptional scholarship and influential work across a range of areas and subject matters in the fields of expertise. In both research and teaching, our faculty champion diversity—inclusive of race, language, learning abilities, and socioeconomic status—necessary to effect meaningful change. As students put their own scholarship into action, faculty members help guide their growth as critical thinkers, reflective leaders, and engaged citizens.
What Will I Study?
The Department of Educational Leadership and Higher Education prepares the next generation of effective educational leaders. The Educational Leadership and Policy program develops administrators, community leaders, and advocates who will create fair and meaningful learning opportunities for all students. Graduates are knowledgeable about standards-based reform and technological advances and are trained to employ evidence-based practices.
| Course | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ELHE XXXX | Educational Policy in Practice This course provides an overview of educational policy, and equips students with the theories, tools, and skills to engage in policymaking as future educational leaders. We define policy broadly, considering the influence of policy at various levels, from federal and state to local districts and schools. Students will learn to use a range of tools for policy analysis, and apply different theories of policy implementation. We will also explore the differences between formal and informal policy as it plays out in the everyday practice of educational leaders and teachers; and consider the role education leaders play in interpreting and adapting policy. |
3 |
| ELHE 7609 | Law and Educational Reform This course addresses the role of law in education reform and the relationship between law and social science in efforts to promote educational attainment in the nation’s elementary and secondary schools. |
3 |
| ELHE XXXX | Reflection on Leadership Seminar This course serves as a capstone for students and should be the final course. The course supports students in synthesizing their learning across their program of studies, and prepares students for applying their learning as they continue on their career and vocational journey. The course is conducted in a seminar format, with students sharing in the leadership of the course discussions and activities. |
3 |
- Students should select one course out of the following:
| Course | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ELHE 7707 | Leadership for Social Justice This course introduces students to the theory and practice of leadership for social justice at the school and district level. In particular, students will learn about leadership that is culturally and linguistically responsive; strengthens parent-community-school relationships; and formulates diversity policies to promote educational equity for students from diverse groups. |
3 |
| ELHE 7712 | School Leadership for Emergent Bilinguals This course strengthens the knowledge and skills of current and aspiring school leaders to ensure that culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students experience optimal opportunities to learn. Shifting demographics in the US have led to increasing enrollments of CLD students. These students come from a diversity of backgrounds and prior educational experiences, and speak a wide variety of languages, with varying English proficiency. They share a common experience as immigrants or children of immigrants. This course will help current and aspiring school and district administrators structure their schools to effectively educate CLD students. |
3 |
Access the POS form for your program here.
Where Do Our Graduates Work?
Employers
Princeton University
Brown University
University of Miami
Kyung Hee University
Fordham University
University of Connecticut
Merrimack College
Elms College
Monsignor Haddad Middle School
The Legal Aid Society
Roles
Communications & Outreach Coordinator
Study Abroad Advisor
Director of Enrollment Marketing and Operations
Policy Analyst
Admission Counselor
Career Consultant
Resident Director
President
Guidance Counselor
Education Attorney
Career paths chosen by previous graduates of the ELHE Department.
Deadlines
- Early Decision
- November 1
- Regular Decision
- November 30
Application Form
A non-refundable application fee of $65 is waived for the Spring 2019, Summer 2019, and Fall 2019 program start dates.
Résumé
To be uploaded to your online Application Form
In addition to your academic history and relevant work experience, please include any licenses currently held, any social justice-related experience, any language skills other than English, and any research experience or publications.
Personal Statement
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.In 1,000-1,500 words, describe your academic and professional goals, any experience relevant to this program, and your future plans, expectations, and aspirations. |
Transcripts
Undergraduate transcripts are required as part of the application process and graduate transcripts are accepted, but not required. Please note the following:
Only official transcripts, bearing the official seal of the institution and the signature of the relevant administrator, are acceptable.
Copies and unofficial transcripts are not acceptable.
If you are a current student and have not completed your undergraduate degree at the time your transcript is sent, the most updated version of your transcript is acceptable.
Transcripts must be mailed to the following address:
Boston College, Lynch School of Education
Office of Graduate Admission, Financial Aid, and Student Services
Campion Hall 135
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded to your online Application Form for purposes of application review. However, official transcript(s) must also be submitted upon acceptance/matriculation.Both undergraduate and graduate transcripts are required. Official transcripts should be sent to the following address: Boston College |
Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded to your online Application Form for purposes of application review. However, official transcript(s) must also be submitted upon acceptance/matriculation.Both undergraduate and graduate transcripts are required. Official transcripts should be sent to the following address: Boston College |