ELHE
Educational Leadership & Higher Education
Educational Leadership & Higher Education (ELHE)
Fulfilling our social justice mission, our Educational Leadership and Higher Education programs develop agents of cultural change—reflective practitioners committed to making schools more equitable.
The department of Educational Leadership and Higher Education prepares administrators and leaders of educational institutions ranging from pre-schools, to K-12, public, Catholic, charter schools to universities, to post graduate institutions.
Graduates are prepared to bring perspectives from sociology, psychology, history and philosophy, as well as social justice and public policy to their analysis and articulation of educational issues.
Course work and field-based learning experiences develop reflective practitioners who integrate theory with practice.
Courses in the department encompass these primary themes:
- Social Justice
- Diversity
- Reflective practice
- Partnerships and collegiality
Courses in the various programs of study explore how economic, societal, political, and global forces change the way people think about schooling, educational leadership, and post-secondary administration.
To keep up with the constantly changing world there have been broad shifts in the knowledge and skills required of educational leaders today:
- from technical skills to interpersonal skills
- from command and direction to consensus building and motivating
- from resource allocation to being accountable for learning processes and outcomes
- from campus administrators to coordinator of institutional and community services
- from policy recipient to shaping and informing policy
These shifts have been reflected in courses throughout the Educational Leadership and Higher Education programs.
Students engaging in Educational Leadership and Higher Education programs benefit considerably from the location of Boston College. Boston as a city is one of the richest post-secondary environments in the world, and offers a diverse range of educational environments.
The Boston College O'Neill Library has an excellent collection of books and journals in higher education and educational leadership resulting from decades of focus in the field. The university offers strong supporting faculty in education, management, and the social sciences, and a strong tradition of collaborative scholarship.
Close relations with other academic institutions in the area mean extensive opportunities for internships and research around the metropolitan area. Boston College's Jesuit identity also offers an underlying concern with social justice issues that is unique among education programs, and of course the program benefits from the Jesuit tradition of rigorous intellectual discourse.
Programs
Curriculum & Instruction, Ph.D.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Actively addresses social inequities and contributes to creating a more just society.
- Multiple opportunities to engage in hands-on curriculum and praxis-focused research.
- Choice of specialization:
- Educational Leadership, Policy & Educational Change
- Language, Literacy, & Culture
- Methods and Modes of Inquiry in Curriculum & Instruction
- Science, Mathematics, and Technology
- Teaching, Curriculum, and the Politics of Schooling
Designed to develop professionals who have the knowledge, intellectual disposition, professional skills, ethical sensibilities, and leadership potential to make a difference in the lives of all schoolchildren.
Researcher
School Principal
Teacher Leadership
Professor
Director of Curriculum
Superintendent
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Curriculum-and-Instruction-PhD
Early Childhood Policy and Leadership Certificate
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Complete a three-course certificate in Early Childhood Policy and Leadership, including courses in the science of early childhood development; program and policy development and evaluation; and leadership, advocacy, and partnerships.
- Participate in monthly seminars, targeting key issues related to early childhood research, practice, policy, advocacy, and leadership over the course of three semesters.
- Complete a three-month, paid summer internship in a local, national, or international setting to solidify skills in policy development and analysis, leadership, advocacy, or research translation in the early childhood field.
- Translate learning from the internship and certificate courses by completing a capstone project, such as a policy brief, academic paper, or policy analysis.
Develop a deep understanding of the science of early childhood development and the policies and systems that intersect with young children and their families.
bc:schools/LSOE/Department/elhe
Educational Leadership & Policy specialization, Curriculum & Instruction, Ph.D.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Actively addresses social inequities and contributes to creating a more just society.
- Multiple opportunities to engage in hands-on curriculum and praxis-focused research.
- This specialization focuses on how educational leaders engage in policy and practice to support education reform and instructional improvement at the school, district, state, and federal levels.
Designed to develop professionals who have the knowledge, intellectual disposition, professional skills, ethical sensibilities, and leadership potential to make a difference in the lives of all school children.
Researcher
School Principal
Teacher Leadership
Professor
Director of Curriculum
Superintendent
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Curriculum-and-Instruction-PhD
Educational Leadership & Policy, M.Ed.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Draw on social-justice values and leadership strategies to boldly improve equitable opportunities for traditionally marginalized students.
- Tailor your education and concentrate in Educational Policy Development or Social Justice Leadership.
- Licensure track leading to school principal licensure.
Assume a leadership role in educational systems serving students, families, and communities.
School Principal
Researcher
Dean of Students
Superintendent
School Vice Principal
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Master-of-Education-MEd-in-Educational-Leadership-and-Policy
Educational Leadership, Ed.D.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Cohort model centered on collaborative learning, support, and creating a network of district-level leaders throughout Massachusetts.
- Member of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate.
- Prepares future school leaders for public, Catholic, charter, and independent schools.
Designed for superintendents, this program is anchored in values of social justice, community, and school reform and results in superintendent licensure.
Educational Leadership
Superintendent
School Leader
School Administrator
Vice Superintendent
Deputy Superintendent
Educational Policy Development Certificate
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Learn how policies shape the cultural norms and day-to-day practices at both a micro level and a macro level.
- Program utilizes a lens of social justice and equity as a basis throughout the curriculum.
Develop the skills to use policy creatively and effectively to advance organizational goals and educational change.
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/edu-policy-dev
Higher Education, Executive Ed.D.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Online program with yearly week-long summer residencies, allowing candidates to maintain their career while working towards a doctorate.
- Catholic Higher Education concentration available.
- Program culminates in a practice-based capstone project.
Develop the skills, mindsets, and technical knowledge to match the changing pace of higher education in this program designed for experienced professionals.
Dean of Students
Vice President for Enrollment
Chief Diversity Officer
Director of Global Initiatives
Vice President of Advancement
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/higher-ed-edd
Higher Education, M.A.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Choose one of four concentrations:
- Administration
- Student Affairs
- International Perspectives
- Spirituality, Faith, and Formation.
- Develop expertise in critical issues facing higher education.
- Graduate assistantships are integral to the program as they provide valuable professional experience while reducing the financial burden on students.
Develop expertise in student affairs, administration, international higher education or Catholic universities in one of the first higher education graduate programs in the country.
College Student Affairs
College Admissions
Diversity and Inclusion
Higher Education Leadership
Institutional Advancement
International Programs
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Master-of-Arts-MA-in-Higher-Education
Higher Education, M.A. & Business Administration, M.B.A.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Field experiences allows students to apply their skills in educational management.
- Coursework happens concurrently so students can maximize the connection between the two programs.
Emerge from this dual degree program ready to share your skills with universities and policy-making organizations in financial management, resource planning, and technology management.
Director of Finance and Administration
University Controller
Vice Provost of Budget and Planning
Dean of Administration and Resource Management
Chief Information and Technology Officer
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Dual-in-Higher-Education-and-Business-Administration
Higher Education, Ph.D.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Coursework engages with important issues facing higher education from a multi-disciplinary perspective (history, sociology, philosophy, psychology, economic and political science).
- Boston College's Center for International Higher Education provides a significant global focus to the Higher Education program.
Prepare for a career in teaching or research in the field of higher education with a focus on equity and social justice.
College President
Education Attorney
Vice President of Enrollment Management
Professor
Dean of Colleges
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Doctor-of-Philosophy-PhD-in-Higher-Education
International Higher Education Certificate
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Offered through BC's renowned Center for International Higher Education.
Deepen your understanding of global higher education models and critical issues impacting higher education around the world.
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Certificate-in-International-Higher-Education
International Higher Education with Universidad de Guadalajara, M.A.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Students in the dual degree program must complete one semester of coursework in-person at the Boston College campus, in addition to one year of coursework in-person at the University of Guadalajara.
- Students must be bilingual (English/Spanish) in order to apply.
The Dual Degree M.A. in International Higher Education offers bilingual students (Spanish/English) the opportunity to combine courses offered as part of the Boston College M.A. in Higher Education with courses offered as part of the M.A. in International Higher Education at the Universidad de Guadalajara (UdG) in Mexico.
International Services Specialist
Study Abroad Advisor
Admission Counselor
International Educational Policy Analyst
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Master-of-Arts-MA-in-Higher-Education
Law, J.D. & Education, M.A. or M.Ed.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Access to field experiences that incorporates educational advocacy.
- Option to pursue one of three education master's programs: Higher Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction.
Use legal and educational expertise to become an advocate for social justice and promote quality education for all.
Education Law and Civil Litigation
State and Federal Court Clerks
Researchers
Policy Analyst
Board of Directors (ie. local school districts, community colleges etc.)
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Dual-in-Law-and-Education
Social Justice Leadership Certificate
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Students develop and enact their own theory of change to apply in practice.
- A Reflection on Leadership course prepares students for values-based school leadership where a respect for diversity is cultivated throughout their organization.
Boldly advance equity in schools and enact a systemic response to confront the barriers students face.
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/social-justice-lead
Ed.D. vs Ph.D.
Ed.D. in Higher Education
For mid-career practitioners interested in cultivating agile and socially just leadership.
- A part-time program taking 3 years to complete
- 100% online with 1-week summer residencies
- Around 15 members in each cohort
- Executive Doctorate Dossier
Ph.D. in Higher Education
For research-focused training on social justice issues in higher education.
- A full-time program taking 4-5 years to complete (part-time option available)
- In-person
- Small cohort (~3 members per year)
- Independent research-based Dissertation
Faculty
Internationally recognized faculty integrate interdisciplinary theory with the most current evidence-based practices.
Senior Instructor, Master in Educational Leadership Program
Education:
- Ed.D., Boston College
- Ed.M., Teachers College, Columbia University
- M.A., University of Massachusetts Boston
- B.A., University of Delaware
About Jill Geiser
Jill Geiser is a dedicated activist-educator who aims to foster equity and equality in public education for all students. She has spent her career in education leadership in urban and suburban settings, working to develop educational programs that serve all students well.
She is currently the assistant superintendent of Billerica Public Schools, focusing on building instructional capacity in schools across the district, using data to inform instructional and programmatic decisions, infusing creativity in learning experiences, and strengthening connections between families and schools.
Stemming from her dissertation research, she explores the relationship between policy and practice and the different ways policy decisions impact schools, organizational learning, and culture.
Prior to her current position, Geiser served as principal of a Pre-K-8 school in Somerville, MA, assistant principal of an urban high school, and principal of a turnaround middle school in Lawrence, MA. Geiser’s interest in education leadership was fueled by her work at a refugee youth program in New York City, where she developed after school and summer school programs for newly-arrived refugee youth. Prior to stepping into administrator roles, she taught elementary, middle, high school, and higher education in the U.S. and overseas.
Senior Instructor, Master in Educational Leadership Program
Education:
- Ed.D., Lehigh University
- J.D., Widener University School of Law
- M.S., Temple University
- B.A., Lehigh University
About Beth Godett
Beth Godett's experience spans across the education and law sectors, with her research interests lying in the intersection of schooling and policy. Having served in both assistant superintendent and superintendent roles, Godett also has experience working as an adjunct professor of law at both Fairleigh Dickinson University and Rider University in New Jersey.
Godett recently published a new book, titled "Exploring Administrative Decision-Making in Public Education: The Negligence Evolution." The book speaks to how elements of negligence apply in the world of public education, and particularly what school administrators should consider today and in the future that they may not have considered in the past. Her first book, "Toward the Bigger Half: Equity in Public Education," brings stories from law and history to give voice to those in the classroom and beyond.
Senior Instructor, Master in Educational Leadership Program
Education:
- Ed.D., Boston College
- C.A.G.S., Bridgewater State University
- M.Ed., Lesley University
- B.S., Lesley University
About Bridget Gough
At Boston College, Bridget Gough’s doctoral dissertation focused on the perceived influence of social justice leadership on the job satisfaction of novice teachers. Currently the superintendent of the Walpole Public Schools, she focuses on theories of educational leadership and how those theories are authentically enacted in schools and organizations in order to lead and implement change.
Previously, Gough served as an assistant superintendent and director of curriculum and instruction. She has 30 years of experience in the field of education, which included roles as a middle school principal, assistant principal and English teacher.
Senior Instructor & Coordinator of Principal Licensure Preparation, Master in Educational Leadership Program
Education:
- Ed.D. in Educational Administration, Boston College
- M.Ed. in Secondary School Administration, Providence College
- B.A. in Mathematics and Secondary Education, Providence College
About Jose Libano
Jose Libano has 18 years of school administrative experience, including 14 as the high school principal in Sharon, Massachusetts. A Texas native and an alum of Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, Libano earned degrees at Providence College and Boston College. Prior to becoming a school administrator, he taught high school math in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Since graduating from the Lynch School in 2012, Libano has worked with graduate students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees at BC—first as a field supervisor to those completing their principal practicums, and now as a Senior Instructor and the Coordinator of Principal Licensure Preparation. He is licensed as a principal in multiple states, including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York. Libano lives in Cumberland, RI, with his wife, Yvonne, and their pet pug, Frankie. Among other interests, his passions in the field of education include equity, adaptive/situational leadership, and school day scheduling.
Senior Instructor, Master in Educational Leadership and Policy Program
Education:
- Ed.D., Boston College
- C.A.S., Harvard Graduate School of Education
- Ed.M., Harvard Graduate School of Education
- B.A., Williams College
About Leslie Patterson
Leslie Patterson began her career as a math teacher at Newton North High School before accepting a role as associate principal at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School (L-S), where she eventually moved into her current role as director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
At L-S, Leslie has shepherded a variety of initiatives and gained significant experience in the areas of student support, family engagement, supervision/evaluation, high expectations teaching, strategic planning, school culture, and professional development. Additionally, Leslie has embraced various leadership opportunities that support a positive racial climate.
Leslie earned a B.A. in mathematics and music from Williams College, an Ed.M. and C.A.S. from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and an Ed.D. from Boston College Lynch School of Education and Human Development. Recently, while pursuing her interest in HR, Leslie received the SHRM-SCP certification. Leslie lives in Stow, MA with her husband and twin boys.
ELHE on the Road
Our faculty and community take research to the next level by actively engaging in committees, contributing to groundbreaking research and innovation, and delivering impactful presentations at conferences around the world. Here are some examples of our faculty and graduate students in action this year.
Higher education in prison in international contexts: A comparative analysis of five countries
Boston College presenters: Marisa Lally and Patrick Conway
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 | Minneapolis, MN
Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions: A Systematic Literature Review of a Decade of Research
Boston College presenter: Ishara Casellas Connors
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 | Minneapolis, MN
Beyond Borders and Transformative Journeys: Exploring Time, Global Mobility, and Pedagogy in International Higher Education
Boston College presenters: Chris Glass and Ekaterina Minaeva
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 | Minneapolis, MN
Ecologies of emergingness: Institutions, state systems, and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution administrators
Boston College presenter: Ishara Casellas Connors
Thursday, November 21, 2024 | Minneapolis, MN
The Role of Counselor Recommendation Letters in the Holistic Admissions Process
Boston College presenters: Heather Rowan-Kenyon, Steph Carroll, Ryan Creps, Luke Brown, Mandy Savitz-Romer
Thursday, November 21, 2024 | Minneapolis, MN
Leveraging the Grace Period: Developing a Student Loan Repayment Curricular Intervention
Boston College presenter: Jonathan Lewis
Thursday, November 21, 2024 | Minneapolis, MN
"Work of the Heart": Lived Experiences of Undocumented Student Resource Center Professionals
Boston College presenter: Natalie Borg
Thursday, November 21, 2024 | Minneapolis, MN
"Hopefully This Thing is Legit": Student Experiences of Administrative Burden with a Promise Program
Boston College presenter: Sasha Smith
Thursday, November 21, 2024 | Minneapolis, MN
A Quantitative Analysis of Organizational Conformity in Sororities and Fraternities: Understanding Influences on "Fitting In"
Boston College presenter: Adam McCready
Friday, November 22, 2024 | Minneapolis, MN
The Politics of Community: Perspectives on Power, Conflict, and Change
Boston College discussant: Ana Martinez-Aleman
Friday, November 22, 2024 | Minneapolis, MN
Has "Better FAFSA" been better or worse? A study of student and stakeholders' experience with the 24-25 FAFSA
Boston College presenter: Jonathan Lewis
Friday, November 22, 2024 | Minneapolis, MN
Leadership Development During College: A Longitudinal Quantitative Study of Sorority Women
Boston College presenter: Adam McCready
Friday, November 22, 2024 | Minneapolis, MN
Academic Migrants in Liminal Space: A Narrative Inquiry of International STEM Postdocs' Lived Experiences
Boston College presenters: Bingran Zeng and Marisa Lally
Friday, November 22, 2024 | Minneapolis, MN
Examining Latinx PhD students' experiences using a bioecological lens
Boston College presenter: Venus Israni
Friday, November 22, 2024 | Minneapolis, MN
"Treat people with dignity and respect": HEI administrators and refugee policy
Boston College presenters: Ishara Casellas Connors and Lisa Unangst
Friday, November 22, 2024 | Minneapolis, MN
Developing a Sense of Belonging in Computer Science Through Curricular and Supplemental Education Experiences
Boston College presenters: Shadman Islem, Bingran Zeng, Ryan Creps, Angela Boatman, Heather Rowan-Kenyon
Friday, November 22, 2024 | Minneapolis, MN
ASHE Presidential Commission on Artificial Intelligence: A Community Conversation
Boston College presenter: Chris Glass
Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Minneapolis, MN
Internationalization for A Sustainable and Equitable Future
Boston College presenters: Bingran Zeng, Mala Gelashvill, Ekaterina Minaeva, Gerardo Blanco
Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Minneapolis, MN
Lessons From a Research-Practice Partnership for Building Leaders' Capacity to Support Youth Well-Being
Boston College presenters: Whitney Hegseth, Babatunde Alford, Rebecca Lowenhaupt, Sarah Bruhn, and Betty Lai
Thursday, November 21, 2024 | Los Angeles
Innovative Designs for Learning Justice and Joy
Boston College presenter: Martin Scanlan
Thursday, November 21, 2024 | Los Angeles
Cross-Sector Care Networks for Immigrant-Origin Students: A Qualitative Social Network Analysis of the Chelsea Children’s Cabinet
Boston College presenters: Rebecca Lowenhaupt, Nishat Akhi, and Betty Lai
Friday, November 22, 2024 | Los Angeles
Leading Through Curriculum Controversy: The UNESCO Program in the Los Angeles Schools 1948– 1953
Boston College presenters: Lauri Johnson
Friday, November 22, 2024 | Los Angeles
New ISSPP Cases in United States: Social Justice, Wellness, and Academics
Boston College presenters: Lauri Johnson
Friday, November 22, 2024 | Los Angeles
Different Approaches to System Rebuilding in Public, Charter, and Catholic Schools
Boston College presenters: Andrew Miller, Whitney Hegseth, Michael O’Connor
Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Los Angeles
Beyond Behavior Management: Exploring the Role of ClassDojo in Parent–Teacher Communication and Problem-Solving
Boston College presenters: Vincent Cho
Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Los Angeles
Becoming Scholarly Practitioners in an EdD Program for District-Level Leadership
Boston College presenters: Gabrielle Abrams, Rebecca Lowenhaupt, Carolyn Allston, Erin McMahon, Julia Bott, Andrew Miller, Karen Rondon Bourn, Rodolfo Morales, Derrick Ciesla, Marybeth O’Brien, Matthew Coleman, Martin Scanlan, Michelle Crawford, Rosa Segarra-Morales, Aliece Dutson, Christopher Smith, Brian Harrigan, Thea Stovell, Lauri Johnson, Margaret Credle Thomas, Roberta Keane
Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Los Angeles
Closing Plenary: What We Mean by Global Learning: Framing Global Learning to Meet This Moment
Boston College presenter: Chris Glass
Saturday, October 26, 2024
WES-CIHE Summer Institute
Held on Boston College's Chestnut Hill campus
June 24-25, 2025
Research
Careers
Fulfilling our social justice mission, our programs develop agents of cultural change—reflective practitioners committed to making schools more equitable.
Harvard Unversity, Dean of Students
University of Houston, Director of Assessment and Planning
Salve Regina University, President
uAspire, Senior Director of Program Design
Kyung Hee University, Policy Analyst
University of Miami, Director of Enrollment Marketing and Operations
University of Connecticut, Assistant Professor
Merrimack College, Associate Professor
Elms College, President
News
Apply a Global Lens to Higher Ed
The 14-course Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education features faculty and guest lecturers from around the world, online coursework integrated with summer residences in Boston and Dublin.