Certificate in International Higher Education
Certificate in International Higher Education
Designed to provide you with a broad understanding of global higher education, our certificate program examines the challenges and opportunities facing higher education systems in different regions of the world.
The program outlines major trends and issues affecting this fast-growing field, and provides the skills to understand and analyze policy, practice, and theory. You’ll explore cross-cutting topics, such as leadership and management, economics and finance, student affairs, and teaching and learning, all from both global and regional standpoints.
The certificate provides you with the opportunity to hone your scholarly perspective, develop new skills, deepen your knowledge of key issues and trends in the international education field, and expand your professional network.
Successful completion of this certificate can be applied to a Master of Arts (M.A) in International Higher Education.
- Develop an understanding of key trends and issues facing contemporary higher education institutions in a global context.
- Be acquainted with high-quality research and analysis on international and comparative higher education that emanates from sources representing a range of geographic regions and stakeholder perspectives.
- Be capable of demonstrating, in both written and oral form, thoughtful understanding of specific matters of policy and practice relevant to the field of international higher education.
- Develop an appreciation for the fundamental importance of adherence to standards of ethical behavior and professionalism in both academic activities and professional practice.
- Be sensitized to matters of personal identity and systemic power dynamics, as these relate to policy and practice in the field of international higher education.
As a student in the IHE certificate program, you will gain access to the Center for International Higher Education’s extensive global network. CIHE’s partners from around the world frequently participate in classes as guest speakers and host students for their final project. You will also study with peers from around the world through a range of international partnerships, including with the Universidad de Guadalajara (Mexico), Sophia University (Japan) and Yonsei University (South Korea).
Recent graduates of the Certificate program do international work at universities, non-profit organizations and government agencies. Boston College collaborates with key partners around the world, opening international networking opportunities to our students. You can also take advantage of the resources of the Boston College Career Center, which offers employment counseling and help with placements in the Greater Boston area.
At a Glance
How many courses?
This certificate consists of five courses, including one field experience, for a total of 15 credits.
How long will it take?
Students typically take 18 months to complete the program, but it can be completed in 12.
When can I start?
Students are strongly encouraged to begin the program in the fall semester, but it is possible to begin the program at any time during the year.
Can I complete the program online?
Yes, students can complete the program from a distance. Domestic students can also attend classes on campus.
Adjunct Faculty
Professor Ellen Hazelkorn
Emeritus Professor and Director, Higher Education Policy Research Unit (HEPRU), Dublin Institute of Technology (Ireland)
Dr. Ariane de Gayardon
Researcher, Center for Higher Education Policy Studies, University of Twente
What will I study?
Curriculum
- Courses: 5
- Credits: 15
| Course | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ELHE7202 | Global and Comparative Systems of Higher Education This course offers a perspective on the organization and structure of higher education worldwide, as well as an analysis of central issues affecting academe internationally. Examples from other countries are related to the American context. Among the topics considered are global trends in the expansion and organization of higher education, international study and its impact, the political role of universities, student activism, the role and status of the academic profession, styles of academic leadership in other countries, and others. |
3 |
| ELHE7603 | Internationalization of Higher Education An introduction to higher education in America, this course focuses on the complex relationships between colleges and universities, and the political and social systems of society. This analysis includes a historical perspective on the evolution of American higher education, and especially the development of the contemporary university since the beginning of the twentieth century. Attention is also paid to the impact of federal and state governments on higher education; the role of research in the university; issues of accountability, autonomy, and academic freedom; the academic profession, student politics and culture; affirmative action issues; and others. |
3 |
| ELHE7776 | Preparation for Field Experience in International Higher Education This course provides the framework for the field experience requirement (ELHE7903) and helps students prepare for their project. |
0 |
| ELHE7903 | Applying Research in International Higher Education This course provides a"real world" experience for students interested in international higher education, in combination with an in-depth research project. This combination of practical experience with research gives students an appreciation for the ways that the daily work of different kinds of organizations--higher education institutions, individual programs and offices, policymaking organizations, governmental units, and professional associations--are framed by questions and concerns that require the ability to undertake a significant exploration of information and ideas in order to inform practice. |
3 |
Students will select 2 courses from the options listed below.
| Course | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ELHE7803 | Global Perspectives on Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Whether you are an administrator, policy maker, faculty, or researcher, all professionals in roles related to higher education are educators. To be a positive agent in the education venture is to ensure learning that is meaningful, empowering, and just--for students, colleagues, and external stakeholders. In this course--we strive to understand the contours of learning, teaching, and curriculum with a critical lens and from an international perspective, through an exploration of key trends and relevant issues in higher education institutions and systems around the world. |
3 |
| ELHE7804 | Global Perspectives on Higher Education Leadership and Managment This course aims to provide students with an understanding of the multi-dimensional nature of contemporary higher education leadership and management, and to examine these issues from a comparative and international perspective. Strong emphasis is placed on the global context and appreciating how different national contexts and issues impact and affect higher education. Students learn about different issues and experiences directly from leaders, practitioners, and case studies, and are encouraged to draw upon their own experiences - as university administrators, policy makers, faculty or researchers - at the country and institutional level. |
3 |
| ELHE7805 | Global Perspectives on Student Affairs in Higher Education In this course students will explore the realities of the student experience around the world, and the ways in which higher education institutions and systems endeavor to understand and respond to them. The course will examine conceptual and practical, historical and contemporary approaches to student affairs. Critical analysis of the similarities and differences in approaches to student affairs across the world will provide students with insights into the relationship between theory and practice in the field. |
3 |
| ELHE7806 | Global Perspectives on Higher Education Economics and Finance This course aims to provide students with an understanding of the complexities of higher education financing, through a comparative and international perspective. The course analyses the rising cost of higher education and how this has led to different financing schemes in different national contexts. Students will learn about the different issues directly from experts and case studies, and get to reflect on their own experience at the national and institutional levels. |
3 |
Application Information
PrintDeadlines
- Rolling Admissions
Apply Now
A non-refundable application fee of $65 is required, however, this fee is waived for select applicants.
Resume
In addition to your academic history and relevant work experience, please include:
- Any teaching or counseling experience (including any licenses already held);
- Any social justice related experience;
- Any language skills other than English (especially Spanish language skills) and;
- Any research experience or publications
Personal Statement
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.
In 250-500 words, describe your academic and professional goals, any experience relevant to this program, and your future plans, expectations, and aspirations.
Transcripts
All official undergraduate and graduate transcripts must be sent to our office before the application deadline. Please note the following:
Only official sealed (unopened) transcripts are acceptable. An official postsecondary transcript must be printed on official institutional paper and include at least one of the following: an institutional watermark, the registrar’s signature, or the registrar's seal.
Copies and unofficial transcripts sent directly from applicants are not acceptable, the transcript must come directly from the institution.
If you are a current student and have not completed your undergraduate and/or graduate degree, the most updated version of your transcript is acceptable.
Official electronic transcripts are accepted when sent directly to gsoe@bc.edu from the institution. When requesting electronic transcripts, you must manually type in gsoe@bc.edu to ensure it is received by our office.
Mailed transcript(s) should be sent to the following address:
Lynch Office of Graduate Admissions, Boston College
Campion Hall 135
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Academic Tools
Contact Us
gsoe@bc.edu
617-552-4214