Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis: Global Higher Education, MS

The Global Higher Education program prepares the next generation of globally-minded higher education professionals.

Offered by the nationally-ranked Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis department at the No. 1-ranked School of Education, the program is rooted in career readiness for future professionals and researchers.

The Program provides pathways to careers in higher education administration and student affairs, such as academic advising, career development and services, program administration, and assessment etc. In addition, we are the nation’s only master’s program specialized in training future professionals in international education, such as international student advisors, study abroad advisors, international admissions counselors, international education program coordinators, etc.

The Global Higher Education program is offered in person at UW–Madison and can be completed in as little as 12 months (full-time enrollment) or up to 2 years (part-time enrollment). It has an outstanding reputation, with a 93% graduate job placement rate since 2013. Some of our graduates also go on to pursue PhD programs, with 90% of them receiving PhD admissions offers in the U.S.

Now accepting applications for Fall 2026 cohort.

Apply here!

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Degree-at-a-Glance

Format: Face-to-face

Program Type: Master’s

Program Start: Fall

Commitment: 12 months (Intensive track); 1.5 years (Regular track); or 2 years (Comprehensive track). Students can enroll either full-time or part-time.

Credits: 30 graduate credits

Tuition: $6,162 per semester for resident (in-state) students; $12,825 per semester for non-resident and international students.

Application Deadlines: March 31 International applicants; July 1 Domestic applicants

Offered by: School of Education, Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis

Degree Conferred: Master of Science in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis

Program Page in the UW Guide

Why choose this master's degree

Flexible Length

Choose from 3 tracks, and complete your degree in as little as 12 months (full time) or up to 2 years (full time or part time).

Strong Community

Students and faculty describe the program as a family-like, supportive community that extends beyond graduation.

Program Reputation

Since 2013, job placement rates have met or exceeded 93%.

Career Development

Focus on career readiness. Students gain hands-on experience with an embedded internship and grow skills for real-world applications.

PhD Ready

Since 2015, 90% of graduates who have applied to PhD programs have received admissions offers in the U.S.

Customize your Degree

Choose electives that match your interests to build a program that meets your needs.