Global Higher Education (GHE) master’s program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison prepares globally minded professionals and scholars to lead in international education, higher education administration, and student affairs. We are dedicated to supporting each student’s success, well-being, and professional growth through a collaborative and caring learning community.
Who should apply for the Global Higher Education (GHE) MS Program?
- The Global Higher Education (GHE) master’s program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is designed for people who want to build careers in higher education administration, student affairs, and international education leadership. This program is an excellent choice for those seeking a master’s degree in higher education or a graduate program focused on international and global aspects of student affairs. About 70% of our alumni work at colleges and universities across the United States and around the world.
- The GHE program prepares students for professional roles such as international student advisor, study abroad advisor, international admissions counselor, education program coordinator, academic advisor, and career advisor who support both domestic and international students.
- The program also provides a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing doctoral study or research in higher education leadership, policy and administration, comparative and international education, and global student mobility. Approximately 24% of GHE alumni have continued into Ph.D. programs in the United States, and 20 of them have earned their doctoral degrees by August 2025.
Click here to read more about GHE alumni job placement.
Global Higher Education (GHE) master’s program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison stands out for its strong commitment to student success, career readiness, and lifelong professional growth.
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Career-Focused Learning: Every aspect of the GHE program is designed with your career outcomes in mind. Students gain practical skills and experience that prepare them for positions in higher education administration, international programs, and student services around the world.
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Embedded Internship and Career Development: Students participate in hands-on internship experiences and receive structured career development support throughout the program, connecting academic learning to professional practice.
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Supportive, Collaborative Community: The GHE program fosters a close-knit, supportive, and family-like community where students learn from one another and form lasting friendship and professional relationships.
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Personalized Mentoring and Coaching: Each student receives individualized mentoring, academic advising, and career coaching from faculty who are deeply invested in their success.
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Lifelong Alumni Network: Our support doesn’t end at graduation. GHE alumni stay connected through a global professional network that offers ongoing guidance, collaboration, and career opportunities.
Graduates leave the program confident, globally minded, and ready to make a difference in higher education institutions and organizations worldwide.
Read What GHE alumni said about the family-like learning community?
Program at a Glance
- Degree: Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
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Program Length: There are three options:
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Regular track: 1.5 years
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Comprehensive track: up to 2 years
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Intensive track: 12 months
Students typically select a track after the first two months in the program.
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- Delivery: Face-to-Face
- Course requirement: Minimum 30 credits at the graduate level
- Program starts in Fall semester each year.
- Tuition: $6162.07 per semester for resident (in-state) students; $12,825.51 per semester for non-resident and international students (based on 8 or more credits of graduate level in Fall semester 2024). For most recent tuition rate, please check out University Tuition and Fees.
- Our graduates job placement rate is 93% or higher since 2013.
- The success rate of our graduates receiving Ph.D. program admission offers is around 93% since 2015.
- Tuition and Funding Policies:
- The Global Higher Education (GHE) program does not offer financial support to master’s students, including scholarships or assistantships with tuition remission. We recognize that pursuing graduate study represents a significant personal and financial commitment, and we believe in being transparent about program costs. Our tuition rate remains lower than that of many peer institutions, and the program’s exceptional quality, individualized mentoring, and strong career outcomes make it a valuable investment in your professional growth.
- Per university policy (UW-1029), GHE students may accept a graduate assistantship (including those above 33.33% FTE); however, the student will not receive tuition remission that is typically part of the compensation package for a graduate assistantship.
- Hiring departments are not obligated to provide tuition assistance. However, an academic unit that wishes to provide tuition assistance may complete the Internal Third-Party Deferral Process for financial incentives which credits a student’s tuition account with funds paid by a UW–Madison academic unit.
For more details, please see UW-Madison Policy (UW-1029) regarding Graduate Assistantships and Service-Based Pricing
- Curricular Policies:
Students must receive approval from their faculty advisor and/or the program director to take courses outside the required curriculum. Concurrent enrollment in other undergraduate, graduate, or certificate programs is not allowed. - Program Page in the UW Guide
The Department
The mission of the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis (ELPA) is to create, evaluate, exchange, and apply knowledge about leadership, learning, and organizational performance to prepare scholars and scholar practitioners who cultivate equity and educational opportunity in a diverse and changing world.
The School of Education
The UW-Madison School of Education is consistently ranked one of the top schools of education in the nation. Complementing UW-Madison’s status as one of the most globally connected universities in the world, the School of Education plays an important role in preparing students to be global citizens and in helping to shape UW’s broader global agenda.