Educational and Global Leadership (EGL) Concentration

Master of arts

 

Admissions deadlines

  • Bachelor's degree with GPA of 3.0 or higher in last two years of undergraduate work.
  • Resume of curriculum vitae (CV).
  • Three-page, double spaced written statement.
  • Three reference forms (via online system).
  • More information

Industry highlights

Researchers expect growth of nearly 200% in global higher education enrollments through 2040 (Calderon, 2018). As a result of this anticipated growth in enrollment, skilled professionals in educational and global leadership will experience continued demand for their expertise. Through its curriculum and experiential activities, the Educational and Global Leadership program at WMU prepares graduates to fill in-demand positions in the area of international education.Calderon, A. J. (2018). Massification of higher education revisited. RMIT University.

Student testimonials

  • "I want to help facilitate global learning opportunities for all students within my career for many years to come, and I know that the EGL program will give me the connections, experiences, and skillsets to do just that. "Madeline Reeves, Study Abroad Specialist, Haenicke Institute for Global Education
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  • "Educational leaders are at the center of a community driving student, teacher, school, and even nationwide success. I chose EGL because I want to hone my leadership expertise and I look forward to engaging more in educational and leadership consultancy. "Deniss Efesper Nkya, Fullbright Scholar (Tanzania)

Program overview

This program is offered in-person with some hybrid coursework.

This 30 credit concentration in the Department of Educational Leadership, Research and Technology is designed for graduate students who wish to develop and enhance their leadership knowledge and skills within educational or other cultural organizations that have an international dimension. It is also designed for students who desire a focus on global education in order to support their educational leadership practice. This program is suitable for students who would like to make an impact in higher education institutions (both domestic and international); international non-profit or non-governmental organizations (NGO); governmental organizations and foundations; international education development agencies; and other organizations that have an international education component.

Applications are accepted three times per year, with the following priority deadlines indicated below:

  • June 1 for Fall admission
  • November 1 for Spring admission
  • April 1 for Summer admission

Applications received after the priority deadlines listed above may be reviewed and processed on a space available basis and at the discretion of the faculty program coordinator.

For more admissions information, view the admissions requirements.

Why this educational leadership and global leadership at Western Michigan University?

Have you always been interested in learning about the educational systems in place around the world? Are you interested in learning why some countries outperform others in the educational field? A masters in Educational and Global Leadership will give you the ability to learn about different educational systems around the world and make an impact as a global education leader. You will get the chance to examine data on how and why some educational organizations perform better than others in order to implement meaningful changes in a variety of educational, non-profit and/or governmental organizations. Be prepared to explore various international education practices, worldviews and cultures to gain a better understanding of how educational leadership works in different countries. You will study different research methods, organizational theories, and leadership styles while exploring international education leadership and policy in action.

Who should apply?

The concentration is suitable for students who serve in or aspire to leadership positions within educational organizations with a global dimension; for students who desire a graduate degree in educational leadership and who do not work in traditional educational settings in the U.S., such as K-12 schools or universities; and for the growing number of international students seeking to study Educational Leadership and who want to focus their studies on issues of education, leadership and development in their home countries.

Career opportunities

There are a wide range of careers you can enter after earning this degree. This includes teaching, policy and evaluation, administration, and research roles. Graduates have the ability to work for private and public schools, governmental institutions, businesses, and different foundations. Most jobs will require a master's degree in international education and time spent abroad working in education. Salaries will vary depending on what area of the world you find work in.

Higher Education Institutions:

  • Instructor of International Education (additional PhD study may be required)
  • International Admissions/Immigration Advisor
  • International Student Activities Coordinator
  • Study Abroad Specialist

Non-Profit Organizations:

  • International Education Development Specialist
  • International Non-Profit Administrator
  • Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Administrator

Public Sector Employment:

  • Foreign Service Officer (U.S. Department of State)
  • Government Employment - Ministry/Department of Education Professional
  • International Policy and Evaluation Specialist

Employer tuition reimbursement

WMU employees may be eligible for the university's tuition discount program, administered by Human Resources, to assist in completing courses for the program. For more information on WMU's employee tuition discount program and/or to apply for this program, please contact Human Resources.

Program learning outcomes

  • Students will acquire knowledge of other countries and cultures, using the education system as a means of analyzing, interpreting and translating knowledge across cultures.
  • Utilize theory to support applications of leadership practice within complex international and multinational contexts.
  • Develop skills necessary to lead diverse, global teams in various educational, non-profit and cultural agencies.
  • Recognize contemporary and future trends in the field of global education.

Program course requirements

For information about required courses, visit our course requirements page.

Resources

Cost & Funding

Helpful links

Faculty 

Dr. Ramona Lewis, Program Coordinator 

Dr. Eric Archer, PhD, CCLS (on sabbatical September 2022 - August 2023)