Master of Arts (M.A.) in International Higher Education
Master of Arts (M.A.) in International Higher Education (IHE)
The M.A. in International Higher Education is not enrolling new students for the 2023–24 academic year. Please explore the International Perspectives concentration in the M.A. in Higher Education program.
Our degree program offers a rich comparative perspective on diverse higher education contexts around the world, the tools to conduct high-quality research and put it into practice, and specialized tracks to support both research —and practice— focused careers in higher education.
At a Glance
“At BC, we recognize the importance of a sense of mission that goes beyond acquiring skills and content. International connections are transformative, and we help students think about how institutions can incorporate global and intercultural dimensions into all their activities.”
Our Alumni
Ashley Brookes '17
Wake Forest University
Ashley Brookes '17
Wake Forest University
During her time as an undergrad at Gettysburg, Ashley Brookes had the opportunity to study abroad in Uganda and Rwanda. This transformative experience inspired her to help other students engage in transformational study abroad experiences during their undergraduate careers. Ashley worked with the College Year in Athens (CYA) program for three years before starting the MA in IHE program.
Brookes was the first graduate of the MA in IHE program and credits her degree with obtaining her current position in study abroad at Wake Forest University. Ashley's current portfolio includes working with semester study abroad students, various diversity and inclusion efforts, and WFU's Community-Based Global Learning program, an ethical service-learning program that she helped develop, which takes diverse student groups to sub-Saharan Africa, southeast Asia, and south and Latin America and is paired with extensive training in ethical community engagement.
Courtney Hartzell '20
Academic Cooperation Association, Brussels
Courtney Hartzell '20
Academic Cooperation Association, Brussels
As an ESL teacher in Turkey, India, and Germany, Courtney Hartzell appreciated the international focus that the Masters of International Higher Education program that Boston College offered, as it would help her to actualize her career goals.
During her time in the program, Hartzell discovered her enthusiasm for studying international education networks, a topic that she explored through her master's thesis focusing on European University Networks. She credits her time at Boston College with inspiring her and giving her the confidence necessary to pursue her Ph.D., a goal that she did not realize until her time in the MA program.
Ismael Crotte '18
Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico
Ismael Crotte '18
Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico
With 19 years of experience working on international higher education issues, performing administrative functions at the Center of Studies for Foreigners and the General Coordination for Cooperation & Internationalization at the Universidad de Guadalajara, Ismael Crotte applied to the International Higher Ed program hoping that it would provide the academic theory to support his years of administrative experience.
During his time at Boston College, he found an academic new world and also discovered a new path: writing articles and performing research.
Sanfeng Miao '19
Doctoral Student at Michigan State University
Sanfeng Miao '19
Doctoral Student at Michigan State University
In search of a program that would expose her to world-class scholars and cutting-edge ideas and research that would help her to realize her academic goals, Sanfeng Miao was eager to begin her program at Boston College.
During her time at BC, the research training that Miao received helped her to build a solid foundation for a scholarly career in the field of international higher education. Today, her doctoral work considers the global academic labor force, international students’ experience, and curriculum internationalization across disciplines. She continues to frequently apply what she learned from CIHE to her work and feels grateful to have studied here.
Karen Miller '20
Global Partnerships and Programs Coordinator
Karen Miller '20
Global Partnerships and Programs Coordinator
Through her own “alternative” educational experiences of homeschooling and graduating from a community college to shape her approach to internationalization, Karen Miller became a certified ESL instructor in Mexico, Boston, and New York. While pursuing the master's program at Boston College, Karen was actively involved in international organizations and conducted research with the American Council on Education and the New England Board of Higher Education.
Today Miller leads internationalization at home efforts including internationalization of the curriculum, coordinates the school’s dual-degree programs, trains faculty in their virtual exchange workshop, operates the Cultural Ambassador Program for students, and continues to advocate for international opportunities for all, regardless of background or status.
The Center for International Higher Education
The M.A. in International Higher Education leverages the renown of Boston College’s Center for International Higher Education (CIHE) to prepare you for a career as a practitioner, policymaker, administrator, or researcher in the fast-growing field of international higher education. We take a comparative approach rather than centering the U.S. context.
Faculty
Adjunct & Visiting 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 (The Netherlands)
Professor Sioux McKenna
Director of Postgraduate Studies, Rhodes University (South Africa)
Theory Meets Practice
“I had been waiting for years for this particular master’s program to be offered—with just the right combination of theory of international education and practice focusing on the management of global engagement operations.”
Curriculum
Students have two possible tracks, each of which culminates in a final assessment (either a thesis or an applied research project). Academic advisors will help you decide which track best aligns with your interests. Online and hybrid options enable international students and scholars to join counterparts in Boston, fostering a truly global conversation.
Requirements
- Courses: 10
- Credits: 30
- Comprehensive Exam or Master's Thesis
The Scholar-Practitioner track (18 months) is designed for those focused on professional careers in international higher education. In addition to taught content, students complete an applied research project, conducted “in placement” with an organization in the field, and a final comprehensive exam. International applicants already working in higher education can choose to focus their final project on their home institution, by spending one year in Boston and then returning home to complete the applied project component.
| 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 Higher education around the world today is increasingly affected by the forces of internationalization. Professionals working in postsecondary education in the United States and elsewhere must have a clear understanding of the range of opportunities and challenges presented by the evolution of this phenomenon. This course has two main objectives. The first is to introduce students to the central issues relevant to the international dimension of higher education in different national contexts. The second objective is to promote students' understanding of the practical implications of internationalization for their own work in higher education administration and/or policy-making contexts. |
3 |
| ELHE7101 | Higher Education in American Society 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 |
| Course | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ELHE6460 |
Interpretation and Evaluation of Research This course will improve a students' understanding of the empirical research literature in education and psychology. It concentrates on developing the conceptual foundations of empirical research and the practical analytic skills needed by a competent reader and user of research articles. Topics address purpose statements, hypotheses, sampling techniques, sample sizes and power, instrument development, internal and external validity, and typical quantitative research designs. Exercises emphasize the critical evaluation of published research. |
3 |
3 electives must be selected from the IHE electives listed below. The two additional courses (3 credits each) will be selected from other offerings at the Lynch School with your advisor.
| Course | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ELHE7803 | Global Perspectives on Academic Affairs 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 |
| ELHE7555 | Special Topics in Higher Education Higher Education the world over is coming to terms with a growing need to think "globally" and act accordingly. One key aspect of this emerging awareness is the notion of "global citizenship." ELHE760201 "Contemporary Issues: Global Citizenship & Higher Education" provides a forum for the exploration of definitions of this evolving concept; examines the reasons why global citizenship has become important in recent years and what's at stake in this discussion; and looks how the global citizenship discourse plays out in both policy contexts as well as in the practical life of higher education institutions. |
3 |
| Course | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| ELHE8100 | Comprehensive Exam In order to ensure that all students graduating from the master's program have a fundamental understanding of the field which they are about to enter, they are required to take a written comprehensive examination covering the broad areas of the core courses. The goal of the exam is for the student to demonstrate their substantive and integrative knowledge of higher education and its professional literature in coherent essays. |
0 |
The Research Intensive track (2 years) is suited for those interested in research careers in international higher education. Students complete a traditional academic thesis in the second year.
| 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 Higher education around the world today is increasingly affected by the forces of internationalization. Professionals working in postsecondary education in the United States and elsewhere must have a clear understanding of the range of opportunities and challenges presented by the evolution of this phenomenon. This course has two main objectives. The first is to introduce students to the central issues relevant to the international dimension of higher education in different national contexts. The second objective is to promote students' understanding of the practical implications of internationalization for their own work in higher education administration and/or policy-making contexts. |
3 |
| ELHE7101 | Higher Education in American Society 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 |
All students take two research courses: one required course (APSY7460), plus one research methods elective, chosen from all Lynch School offerings in consultation with an advisor.
| Course | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ELHE6460 | Interpretation and Evaluation of Research This course will improve a students' understanding of the empirical research literature in education and psychology. It concentrates on developing the conceptual foundations of empirical research and the practical analytic skills needed by a competent reader and user of research articles. Topics address purpose statements, hypotheses, sampling techniques, sample sizes and power, instrument development, internal and external validity, and typical quantitative research designs. Exercises emphasize the critical evaluation of published research. |
3 |
Students must choose 3 electives. Two of these electives must be from the IHE electives listed below. The third elective will be selected from other offerings at the Lynch School with your advisor.
| Course | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ELHE7803 | Global Perspectives on Academic Affairs 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 |
| ELHE7555 | Special Topics in Higher Education Higher Education the world over is coming to terms with a growing need to think "globally" and act accordingly. One key aspect of this emerging awareness is the notion of "global citizenship." ELHE760201 "Contemporary Issues: Global Citizenship & Higher Education" provides a forum for the exploration of definitions of this evolving concept; examines the reasons why global citizenship has become important in recent years and what's at stake in this discussion; and looks how the global citizenship discourse plays out in both policy contexts as well as in the practical life of higher education institutions. |
3 |
| Course | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ELHE7776 | Preparing to Conduct Research in International Higher Education This course provides the framework for the field experience requirement (ELHE7903) and helps students prepare for their project. |
0 |
| ELHE7903 |
Conducting Research in International Higher Education |
3 |
| ELHE7807 | Thesis Project Under the direction of a faculty member, a student develops and completes a significant study. |
4 |
Please note: The MA in International Higher Education will not be enrolling new students for the 2023-24 academic year. We encourage interested applicants to explore the "International Perspectives" concentration within our MA in Higher Education.
- Knowledge of the key trends and issues facing contemporary higher education institutions in a global context.
- Familiarity with a broad range of high-quality scholarship, representing a diversity of geographic regions and stakeholder perspectives.
- Ability to conduct high-quality, ethical research and analysis to inform policy and practice in the field of international higher education.
Roles
- Study Abroad Advisor
- International Student Advisor
- Coordinator of Global Partnerships and Programs
- Assistant Director, International Business School
- Academic Services Coordinator
- Associate Director of Graduate Student Services
- Student Support Advisor
- Academic Advisor
- Policy Officer
Organizations
- OECDNYU Shanghai (People's Republic of China)
- University of Guadalajara (Mexico)
- Kansai University (Japan)
- Coimbra Group of Universities
- Academic Cooperation Association
- Boston University
- Northeastern University
- University of California San Diego
- Colorado State University
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.
Graduates of the program have pursued doctoral study at institutions such as the University of Calgary, George Washington University, the University of Minnesota, and Michigan State University. Others work in fields including study abroad administration at Wake Forest and Colorado State Universities, internationalization oversight at Tompkins-Cortland Community College, and academic services at the University of Guadalajara’s Center for Economic & Administrative Sciences.
Financial Aid
Education should level the playing field. We feel the same way about financial aid.
The Lynch School of Education and Human Development provides more than $8.4 million in financial aid to students each year. As a result, the quality of BC’s instruction, the benefit of our alumni network, and the impact a BC degree will have on your employment options is both affordable and invaluable.
Apply
PrintApplication & Deadlines
The MA in International Higher Education will not be enrolling new students for the 2023-24 academic year. We encourage interested applicants to explore the "International Perspectives" concentration within our MA in Higher Education.
Résumé
To be uploaded to your online application.
In addition to your academic history and relevant volunteer and/or 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.
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.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required, with at least one preferably coming from an academic source. Applicants may submit one additional recommendation of their choice.
Transcripts
Transcripts from all college/university study are required.
Applicants who have received degrees from institutions outside the United States should view the "International Students" section for additional credential evaluation requirements.
Please begin your online application before submitting your transcripts. Details on how to submit transcripts and international credential evaluations can be found within the application. In order to ensure your transcript reaches our office, it is important to review and follow the instructions.
Standardized Tests
Submitting GRE test scores is optional for this program for the 2023 entry term(s). If you wish to send GRE scores, the Lynch School GRE code is 3218.
Please view the "International Students" section for information on English Proficiency test requirements.
Writing Sample
Not required.
International Students
Applicants who have completed a degree outside of the United States must have a course-by-course evaluation of their transcript(s) completed by an evaluation company approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Submission of falsified documents is grounds for denial of admission or dismissal from the University.
Applicants who are not native speakers of English and who have not received a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction must also submit a TOEFL or IELTS test result that meets the minimum score requirement.
Please click the link below for full details on these requirements.
Requirements for International Students
Mary Kinnane Award
This award is given annually to a graduating student in the Higher Education program who embodies the quality of academic excellence and service which reflects the Jesuit ideal of education in the service of others.
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Contact Us
gsoe@bc.edu
617-552-4214