Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis: Global Higher Education MS
Master of Science in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis
Is this program right for you?
The Global Higher Education (GHE) program focuses on training future generations of professionals and scholars striving for diversity, equity and inclusion in a global context. GHE enables individuals to engage with higher education administration and leadership around the world, and to strive for diversity, equity and inclusion in a global context.
- The program provides pathways to careers in higher education administration and student affairs, especially in international education, for academic positions such as advisors, counselors, and program coordinators
- A family-like collaborative learning community with Individualized mentoring and career coaching throughout the program
- Includes an embedded internship and career development program
Education that works for you
Be part of an interactive and collaborative learning community and graduate ready to lead and research with UW–Madison’s Global Higher Education program.
Program type
Master’s degree
Degree awarded
Master of Science in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis
Commitment
1–2 years
Tuition
Resident: $670.47 per credit
Nonresident: $1,503.40 per credit
Format
Evening/weekend
Face-to-face
Credits
30 graduate credits
Admission terms
Program only admits for fall term
Offered by
STEM opt eligible
No
Supports F-1 Visa
Yes
Learn moreApplication deadlines
Fall 2027
- Priority deadline: December 1, 2026
- International deadline: March 31, 2027
- Deadline: July 1, 2027
Your questions, answered
Have questions? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!
Admissions and events
Program requirements
Application materials required
September 9, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Program Overview: MS Learning Analytics
Join Program Director Julia Rutledge to learn more about the MS in Learning Analytics program, including curriculum, application process, scholarships, and career paths.
Register now →September 23, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Program Overview: MS in ELPA: WI Idea Principal Preparation
Join Program Director Tina Salzman to learn more about the MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation, including curriculum, application process, and potential career paths.
Register now →October 14, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Program Overview: MS Education: Instructional Coaching
Join Program Director Lisa Hebgen to learn about the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching program, including curriculum, application process and career paths.
Register now →October 14, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Program Overview: MS in ELPA: Global Higher Education
Join Program Director Weijia Li to learn more about the MS in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis: Global Higher Education program. We’ll cover curriculum, application process, career paths, and more.
Register now →October 14, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Pathways: MS in ELPA: WIPP & MS in Sports Leadership
Join Tina Salzman, program director for the MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation, and Sara Jimenez Soffa, program director for the MS in Sports Leadership, to learn more about the diverse pathways into K-12 leadership.
Register now →October 21, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Career Outlook: MS Learning Analytics
Join Program Director Julia Rutledge to learn more about career options for students in the MS in Learning Analytics program.
Register now →October 21, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Pathways: MS in ELPA: WI Idea Principal Preparation
Join Tina Salzman, program director for the MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation, to learn more about the path to school leadership
Register now →October 28, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Student Panel: MS Education: Instructional Coaching
Join students from the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching program to learn about their experiences. You’ll have time to ask questions and see if the program is a good fit for you!
Register now →November 11, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Program Overview: MS Learning Analytics & MS Education: Instructional Coaching
Join Julia Rutledge and Lisa Hebgen, the program directors for the MS in Learning Analytics and the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching for overviews of their programs. You’ll learn more about the curriculum, application process, and career paths, as well as similarities and differences between the two programs.
Register now →November 18, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Application Assistance: MS in ELPA: WI Idea Principal Preparation
Join Program Director Tina Salzman and learn strategies to make your MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation application stand out
Register now →December 2, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Faculty Spotlight: MS Education: Instructional Coaching
Join an instructor from the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching to learn more about the program. You’ll get a preview of the course they teach and be able to ask questions!
Register now →December 9, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Program Overview: MS Learning Analytics
Join Program Director Julia Rutledge to learn more about the MS in Learning Analytics program, including curriculum, application process, scholarships, and career paths.
Register now →January 27, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Program Overview: MS Education: Instructional Coaching
Join Program Director Lisa Hebgen to learn about the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching program, including curriculum, application process and career paths.
Register now →January 27, 2027 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Program Overview: MS in ELPA: WI Idea Principal Preparation
Join Program Director Tina Salzman to learn more about the MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation, including curriculum, application process, and potential career paths.
Register now →February 10, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Student Panel: MS Education: Instructional Coaching
Join students from the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching program to learn about their experiences. You’ll have time to ask questions and see if the program is a good fit for you!
Register now →February 10, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Career Outlook: MS Learning Analytics
Join Program Director Julia Rutledge to learn more about career options for students in the MS in Learning Analytics program.
Register now →February 17, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Program Overview: MS in ELPA: Global Higher Education
Join Program Director Weijia Li to learn more about the MS in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis: Global Higher Education program. We’ll cover curriculum, application process, career paths, and more.
Register now →February 24, 2027 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Pathways: MS in ELPA: WI Idea Principal Preparation
Join Tina Salzman, program director for the MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation, to learn more about the path to school leadership
Register now →March 10, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Faculty Spotlight: Education: Instructional Coaching MS
Join an instructor from the Education: Instructional Coaching MS to learn more about the program. You’ll get a preview of the course they teach and be able to ask questions!
Register now →March 10, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Student Panel: MS Learning Analytics
Join students from the MS in Learning Analytics program to learn about their experiences. Ask questions and see if the program is a good fit for you!
Register now →March 17, 2027 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Application Assistance: MS in ELPA: WI Idea Principal Preparation
Join Program Director Tina Salzman and learn strategies to make your MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation application stand out.
Register now →April 7, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Program Overview: Education: Instructional Coaching MS
Learn about the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching program, including curriculum, application process and career paths.
Register now →Results that work for you
Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis: Global Higher Education MS
#1
The UW–Madison School of Education was ranked first in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Education Graduate Schools rankings — marking the 13th straight year it has been rated among the top five.
U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Education Graduate Schools rankings
What you’ll learn
Lead the future of higher education with the Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis: Global Higher Education MS program. Through a blend of online coursework and collaboration, you’ll gain skills and knowledge to drive positive change in international education.
- Leadership
- Policy analysis
- Student success and well-being
- Accessibility and equity
- Student mobility and diversity
Video insights
Want a closer look at the MS program? Check out our official YouTube playlists for a program overview, application tips, and student outcomes.

Connect with an enrollment coach
Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here to answer your questions. Connect with us to:
- Explore your program options
- Review courses and outcomes
- Check eligibility requirements
- Get help with your application
- Learn about financial aid
Email us: coach@pdc.wisc.edu