Boston College Campus
Master of Education
Online
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Boston College
Chestnut Hill
United States

Educational Leadership and Policy

About

The Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy at Boston College University provides a dynamic and future-focused academic experience for educators, administrators, and policy professionals who aspire to lead systemic change in education. This two-year online program blends leadership theory, organizational strategy, and policy analysis, preparing students to navigate the complexities of contemporary educational systems. Through an interdisciplinary lens, learners explore how leadership practices, governance structures, and policy initiatives influence educational access, equity, and student success across diverse settings. The program emphasizes ethical leadership and data-driven decision-making, empowering graduates to address the needs of schools, districts, and communities.

Delivered in a flexible online format, the curriculum supports working professionals who seek to deepen their impact without interrupting their careers. Students engage with current research, real-world policy challenges, and leadership case studies while developing skills in stakeholder collaboration, resource management, and strategic planning. The program fosters a commitment to transformational leadership, encouraging educators to become advocates for equity, innovation, and continuous improvement in education systems.

Key information

Duration
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Tuition fee
$27,510.00/year
Start dates & application deadlines
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More details
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Key Facts

  • Program Title: Educational Leadership and Policy
  • Degree Type: Master of Education
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Mode of Study: Full-time, Online
  • Application Deadline: 03 December 2026
  • Location: Boston College, United States
  • Field of Study: Educational Leadership
  • Language of Instruction: English

Program Structure

Semester 1 – Foundations of Leadership and Systems Thinking

  • Introduction to Educational Leadership
  • Organizational Theory and Change in Education
  • Education Law and Policy Frameworks
  • Ethics and Equity in Educational Leadership

Semester 2 – Leadership Practice and School Improvement

  • Strategic Planning and Resource Management
  • Curriculum Leadership and Instructional Supervision
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Community Partnerships
  • Seminar in Equity-Focused School Leadership

Semester 3 – Policy Analysis and Governance

  • Educational Policy Analysis and Advocacy
  • Data-Driven Decision Making in Education
  • Governance and Accountability in Public Education
  • Field-Based Leadership Practicum I

Semester 4 – Applied Leadership and Capstone Project

  • Leading Educational Innovation and Reform
  • Advanced Seminar in Policy Implementation
  • Field-Based Leadership Practicum II
  • Capstone Project in Educational Leadership and Policy

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program are well prepared to assume impactful leadership roles in school systems, policy organizations, and educational nonprofits. Many become school principals, district administrators, education policy analysts, or nonprofit education directors, contributing to initiatives that shape school improvement, instructional quality, and equitable access to learning. Others support policymaking at the local, state, or national level through research, consulting, or advocacy roles. The program’s emphasis on leadership capacity, policy fluency, and ethical decision-making enables graduates to lead with vision and implement reforms that foster inclusive and effective educational environments. For those seeking career advancement or entry into doctoral programs in education policy or leadership, the program also provides a strong foundation in applied leadership theory and policy development.

Why Choose This Program

This program is ideal for professionals who want to lead change at both the school and system levels through a curriculum that combines flexibility, academic rigor, and practical relevance. Delivered entirely online, it accommodates working educators while offering meaningful engagement with faculty and peers from diverse educational contexts. Students benefit from real-time leadership application, individualized mentorship, and field-based learning experiences that connect theory to practice. With a focus on culturally responsive leadership, evidence-informed decision-making, and strategic school and policy reform, the program provides a powerful educational journey rooted in visionary leadership and educational equity, empowering graduates to create lasting impact in schools and beyond.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 617 552 8000
Email: admissions@bostoncollege.edu
Address: University of Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, United States