Program Overview

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Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy

The Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy is a comprehensive program designed to equip current and aspiring leaders in schools and community-based organizations with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive transformative change. This program offers multiple pathways, including a general track, concentrations in Educational Policy Development and Social Justice Leadership, and a Catholic Leadership Cohort.

Program Overview

The Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy addresses leadership challenges through a comprehensive and agile course of study, centered on standards-based reform, technological advances, and evidence-based practices. The program is committed to developing leaders who can create lasting educational impact and advance equity in schools.

Signature Pedagogies

The program organizes teaching and learning experiences to help students develop key behaviors at multiple levels, including:

• Self: Critically self-reflect and regularly examine their own progress towards living a life of purpose and meaning.
• Small Group: Lead effective teams by creating and fostering a shared vision, setting goals, supervising team members, managing conflict, and providing effective feedback.
• Organization: Nurture a culture of organizational learning, characterized by reflective professionals who engage in critical inquiry and data-informed decision making.
• Community: Create authentic community partnerships by building relationships with diverse stakeholders such that diverse voices and needs are included, valued, and heard.
• Policy: Practice ethical leadership through messaging, policy development, choice of priorities, and the strategies used to solve problems.

Program Goals

The program aims to grow leaders who use discernment and critical reflection to expand the capacities of their organizations to educate the whole person to live a life of meaning and purpose. Graduates are expected to:

• Practice critical self-reflection and discernment
• Foster an ethical, mission-driven organization
• Create structures that advance organizational and professional learning
• Apply leadership theories to problems of practice
• Interpret, implement, and/or inform policy through a critical, strategic lens
• Advance equity and agency across multiple constituencies

Curriculum

The program consists of 30 credits and can be completed in two years. It includes core courses, electives, and a final reflection seminar. The core courses cover topics such as introduction to educational leadership and change, organizational theory, family and community engagement, using data and evidence for school improvement, and educational law and public policy.

Concentrations

The program offers concentrations in Educational Policy Development and Social Justice Leadership. These concentrations provide students with specialized knowledge and skills in their area of interest.

Catholic Leadership Cohort

The Catholic Leadership Cohort is a selective, 20-month online Master's program grounded in Ignatian values. It prepares current and aspiring leaders to excel as instructional, spiritual, and operational guides in Catholic schools.

Careers

Graduates of the program can pursue various careers, including:

• Program Support Coordinator
• Dean of New Faculty
• Director of Identity & Mission
• Professor at the School of Education
• Associate Director of Admission
• Language Specialist
• Director of Campus Ministry
• Kindergarten Teacher
• Master Teacher
• Corporate Banking Trainee

Faculty

The program is taught by internationally recognized faculty who are committed to developing agents of cultural change. They integrate interdisciplinary theory with the most current evidence-based practices.

Accreditation

The program is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Upon successful completion of the program, students earn endorsement from Boston College for licensure in Massachusetts.

Apply

To apply, students must submit an online application, which includes:

• A non-refundable application fee (currently waived)
• A resume
• A personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• Transcripts from all college/university study
• Standardized test scores (GRE scores are not required, but can be submitted if desired)
• English proficiency test results (for international students)

Tuition and Aid

The Lynch School of Education and Human Development provides more than $11.4 million in financial aid to students each year. The program offers scholarships, federal financial aid, and other funding opportunities to help make graduate education affordable.