Â鶹ԭ´´

EdM in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies

The Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Program at the Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development is designed to prepare aspiring and developing:

PreK–12 public, independent, and international school and district leaders.

Higher education administrators.

Community, state, federal, and institutional leaders and analysts.

Other professionals with an interest and/or a specialization in education.

Our mission is to produce scholars, leaders, and analysts who are grounded in policy, practice, and research, and who are equipped to develop, implement, and evaluate innovative educational programs, practices, and services for local, regional, national, and international schools, institutions, and organizations. Our diverse and highly experienced faculty are committed to developing 21st-century educational leaders who are people focused, data informed, and future oriented.

Candidates may pursue an EdM in one of three distinct concentrations or pursue a dual degree:

Higher Education Administration

Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, Nonlicensure Track

PreK–12 Educational Leadership: Licensure Track

Dual Degree in Educational Leadership & Social Work (EdM/MSW)

Higher Education Administration (Total Units: 36)

This program is offered online and in person.

On Campus

The Higher Education Administration (HEA) specialization is for students seeking to begin or advance their careers in college and university administration. Through required and elective courses, the curriculum provides foundational expertise in the history, purposes, and structure of higher education; explores the interrelationships between theory practice in areas such as student learning and development, legal issues, leadership and management, and educational equity, diversity, and justice; and enables students to apply learning to the analysis of current issues facing higher education through policy analysis and research and assessment. The program prepares graduates to work in a wide variety of professional and educational roles, including student affairs, academic administration, precollege advisement, career advisement, fundraising and development, admissions, and financial aid, among others. Full-time students typically complete their degree in one academic year; part-time students typically complete their degree in four terms plus one summer term. Full-time and part-time students may begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer term.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the program, students will be able to:

Demonstrate a proficient understanding of the complex context shaping higher education's past, present, and future (including cultural, developmental, financial, historical, legal, pedagogical, and political features). Appreciate the rich diversity of institution types and missions that comprise higher education and how the higher education industry relates to broader societal purposes.

Source and understand scholarly research, understand student development theory, and apply sound assessment practices that lead to improved curricular and cocurricular outcomes. Appreciate the interrelationship between theory and practice in the development of feasible action plans and management practices. Demonstrate proficiency in written and oral communications, especially those that are relevant to professional practice.

Respond adroitly to complicated issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion within various higher education settings. Appreciate how issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education relate to broader societal purposes.