Global Leadership and Learning, Master of Arts

Curious about how education works around the world—and why some systems outperform others? A Master’s in Global Leadership and Learning gives you the tools to become a transformative global education leader. Explore international education practices, policies, and cultures while examining data to understand what drives success in schools, universities, and learning organizations worldwide. You’ll develop skills in leadership theory, organizational strategy, and research methods, applying them to real-world challenges in education and beyond. This program prepares you to lead with insight, implement meaningful change, and make an impact on educational systems globally.

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.

Please Note: This program does not satisfy State of Michigan requirements for K-12 Principal Certification nor Central Office Endorsement.

To learn about admission requirements, please visit the Graduate College's webpage

The MA in Global Leadership and Learning is a 30-credit program that prepares students to lead in diverse, international contexts. Coursework blends leadership, research, and global learning, covering organizational culture, adult learning, and team dynamics. A guided elective lets students tailor their studies, and those without prior international experience complete a field or study abroad experience. Graduates leave ready to implement inclusive, effective leadership and drive meaningful change in education and learning organizations worldwide.

• 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.

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

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 Global Leadership and Learning 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.

• Cost of attendance
• Scholarships
• CEHD assistantships
• WMU assistantships
• Grants
• Loans
• Employer-paid tuition
• Military and veterans