Learning outcomes

The Global Higher Education (GHE) Program is an intensive, face-to-face, 30-credit Master’s program within the nationally ranked Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis (ELPA) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Striking a deliberate balance between global perspectives and American higher education systems, our curriculum bridges rigorous research with hands-on practice. We empower you with the concrete, career-ready skills and confidence needed to excel as an impactful leader—whether your goal is to spearhead international education initiatives, guide student success in higher education administration, or pursue advanced doctoral research.

Core Professional Competencies (Learning Outcomes)

By successfully completing the GHE program, you will develop the specialized expertise to:

• Strategic Global Leadership & Inclusion: Analyze emerging international higher education trends through an equity and inclusion lens, equipping you to design programming that supports diverse and transnational student populations.

• Education Abroad Portfolio Management: Master the complexities of study abroad operations, from strategic program development and cross-cultural student advising to targeted promotion and marketing.

• International Student Advocacy & Services: Design and execute high-impact international student advising, support services, and specialized career development programs that foster a profound sense of belonging and professional growth.

• Data-Driven Student Affairs Administration: Apply foundational student development and identity theories to effectively lead, organize, and administer student affairs sectors across diverse higher education landscapes.

• Modern Tech & AI Governance: Harness the power of generative AI and digital media to optimize institutional communication, navigate ethical administrative implications, and lead technological transformation in university settings.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: Collect, interpret, and synthesize qualitative and quantitative institutional research—including survey design and data analysis—to solve complex, real-world administrative challenges.

• Institutional Assessment & Evaluation: Develop and implement rigorous assessment frameworks to measure educational processes and outcomes, ensure institutional accountability, and drive continuous improvement across academic units and student services.

• Community College & Access Advocacy: Navigate the unique structural, policy, and advocacy dynamics of the American community college system to support a highly diverse student body within a globalized context.

• Reflective Leadership & Resilient Practice: Cultivate deep self-reflection, self-assessment, and sustainable self-care practices necessary to thrive as a resilient, long-term professional leader in high-impact educational fields.