Master's Degree in International Educational Leadership

Offered by the Department of Educational Leadership in collaboration with the Office of International Programs at the University of Montana

The growth of study abroad and international education programs in the past ten years has driven an increase in the demand for professionals with advanced training in international education leadership, theory, and advocacy all over the world. A master's degree is becoming the required academic level for mid-level and even some entry level positions in the field.  With the aforementioned growth in the field, research, and particularly research through advanced degrees, it is imperative to inform the field. 

The Master’s Degree in International Education Leadership will consist of 36 credits.  Each student will be required to take six core courses.  Three of the core courses already exist and are offered through the Educational Leadership Department.  They are Introduction to Statistics (EDLD 486 or EDLD 519), Educational Research (EDLD 520), and Foundations of Educational Leadership (EDLD 550).  In addition, three new courses will be required of all students.  They are, Cross-cultural Competence, Globalization in Education, and Leadership Across Cultures.  These three courses, in combination, provide students with the background to understand leadership theory, as related in Foundations of Educational Leadership, in the context of an internationalized institution or organization.

In addition to the six core courses, students will select one of two options.  The first option is a choice of six electives that would focus the student’s area of interest.  There are nine possibilities to choose from.  Three of these electives are new courses.  They are, Best Practices in International Programs Leadership, International Program Development, and International Student Perspective.  For the second option, students would select two electives and do an internship.

To graduate with an M.Ed. in International Education Leadership students will need to meet a world language requirement.  The world language requirement is met when a student's undergraduate degree transcript indicates the completion of one world language semester courses (equivalent to a 3-credit semester course at UM). The requirement may be met after admission by earning a passing grade in one three-credit college-level world language course at UM, by earning transferable credits in a foreign language course at another institution, or by demonstrating proficiency. For citizens of non-English speaking countries, this requisite can be fulfilled by meeting their English language proficiency admission requirement.

M.Ed. students must maintain their course requirements with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

This Master's program provides students with skills and knowledge applicable in the design, implementation, management, and evaluation of international education programs in schools, colleges, foundations, multinational corporations, and public and private educational and cultural agencies.

Examples of job placements for international educators:

  • Colleges, Universities, and 2 year institutions: Work in an international student office, education abroad office, or foreign language and TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) department. There are many specializations within each office /department such as advisors, teachers, specialists, and counselors.

  • ESL Programs: Teach English as a Second Language within or outside the United States.

Program Overview

  • The GRE is not required for this program
  • 36 credits
  • Six required core courses
  • Choice of six electives to focus on the student’s area of interest
    • Required world language requirement – met when student’s undergraduate degree transcript indicated the completion of one world language semester course
      • Equivalent to a 3-credit semester course at UM
      • May be met after admission by earning a passing grade in one 3-credit college-level world language course at UM, by earning transferable credits in a foreign language course at another institution, or by demonstrating proficiency.
      • For non-English speaking countries, this requisite can be fulfilled by meeting their English language proficiency admission requirement. 

Course Information

CORE COURSES:
EDLD 519: Measurement and Analysis Data
EDLD 520: Educational Research
EDLD 550: Foundations of Educational Leadership
EDLD 682: Cross-Cultural Competence
EDLD 677: Globalization in Education
EDLD 673: Leadership Across Cultures

AND

OPTION ONE (choose six):
 EDLD 670: Best Practices in International Programs
EDLD 542: The College Student
EDLD 552: Supervision and Evaluation
EDLD 540: Finance of International PRograms
EDLD 546: Federal/State Higher Education Policy
EDLD 672: International Program Development
EDLD 668: College and University Administration
EDLD 683: International Student Perspective (seminar or field experience)

OR

OPTION TWO:
EDLD 595: Internship (12 credits)
AND (choose two):
EDLD 670: Best Practices in International Programs
EDLD 552: Supervision and Evaluation
EDLD 546: Federal/State Higher Education Policy
EDLD 672: International Program Development
EDLD 668: College and University Administration
EDLD 683: International Student Perspective (seminar or field experience)

Critical Tasks for Completion

The following tasks are provided to assist the student in planning and completing their Master of Education Degree (M.Ed.) in International Educational Leadership.

After being accepted in Educational Leadership M.Ed. program:

  1. Review the acceptance materials and contact your advisor if you have any questions
  2. Review the Graduate School’s Policies
  3. Successfully complete the 12 required courses for the EDLD M.Ed.

Prior to your last semester:

  1. Apply for Graduation

During your last semester:

  1. Successfully complete your final courses

M.Ed. Application Requirements

Please visit the Application Requirements page for more information.

For more information:

Contact the Educational Leadership Department at edld@mso.umt.edu or 406.243.5586.

If you are currently enrolled in the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program and are interested in pursuing the M.Ed. in International Educational Leadership, please contact your advisor to review your plan of study.

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