Dual Degree Program (M.A./M.B.A.) Master of Arts in Higher Education and Master of Business Administration

Dual Degree Program (M.A./M.B.A.) Master of Arts in Higher Education and Master of Business Administration

The dual degree program in Higher Education and Business Adminstration prepares students to assume leadership positions in such areas as financial management, resource planning, and technology management in universities and policy-making organizations. Students take courses in both the Lynch School of Education and Human Development and the Carroll Graduate School of Management. 

Applicants for the joint degree program apply to both degree programs simultaneously and must be accepted separately into each program. Application materials are reviewed by each school's admission committee.

At a Glance

How many education courses/credits are required?


The M.A. requires a total of 10 courses (30 credits): 9 education courses (21 credits), two field experiences (3 credits), and two electives (6 credits) taken in the business school.

How many business courses/credits are required?


The M.B.A. requires a total of 11 courses (37 credits), plus 2 elective courses (6 credits) taken in the business school and selected in conjunction with your advisor.

How long does it take to complete the dual degree program?


Full-time students can typically complete the program in 3 years, with one year of study in the Lynch School and two years of study in the Carroll School.

How much does the program cost?


To estimate your total program cost, multiply the number of credits required in your program by the tuition cost per credit.

Curriculum

Dual degree students will complete the curriculum for both the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Higher Education and the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.). Explore the individual programs and the M.A. curriculum below. Please visit the Boston College Carroll School's website to review program requirements for the M.B.A. degree.

M.A. in Higher Education / Administration Concentration

Students enrolled in the M.A./M.B.A. dual degree program must choose the administration concentration within the higher education program. The adminstration concentration prepares you to work as a professional within college and university offices, policy organizations, and advocacy organizations. You will gain an understanding of the foundations of higher education with a focus on law, policy, and administration, and you will link theory and practice through your field experience.

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

Please review the curriculum on the Carroll Graduate School of Management (CGSOM)'s website for up-to-date course infomation.

Requirements

Dual degree students in the M.A./M.B.A. program must complete 21 credits of Lynch School of Education and Human Development (LSEHD) coursework, in addition to two field experiences (3 credits) for the M.A. in Higher Education degree.

The courses that will count toward the dual degree must reflect content coverage which allows the student to participate in experiences which reflect the issues at the intersection of business and higher education administration. Student should select courses that allow an opportunity to promote their interdisciplinary inquiry; all cross-listed business and education courses should be taken under the ELHE number rather than the CSOM number so that students can achieve the required 21 credits of LSEHD coursework for the master’s degree.

Students should plan to take both electives for the program (6 credits) in the Carroll Graduate School of Management (CGSOM). An additional 3 credits from CGSOM should be an appropriate substitution for one of the LSEHD requirements.

Tuition & Aid

Education should level the playing field. We feel the same way about financial aid.

The Lynch School of Education and Human Development provides more than $11.4 million in financial aid to students each year. As a result, the quality of BC’s instruction, the benefit of our alumni network, and the impact a BC degree will have on your employment options is both affordable and invaluable. 

Contact

Master of Arts in Higher Education

Heather Rowan-Kenyon
Lynch School of Education and Human Development       
Boston College
Campion Hall 227
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-552-4797

Master of Business Administration

Maryellen Jordan
Carroll School of Management
Boston College
Carney Hall 175
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-552-2327

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Application & Deadlines

Applicants for the dual degree program must apply and must be admitted separately to both the Carroll Graduate School of Management (CGSOM) and Lynch School of Education and Human Development (LSEHD) at Boston College. 

Information on application to CGSOM, including requirements and deadlines, is available here:

A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required. The fee is waived for select applicants.

Deadlines

Applicants should apply to LSEHD by the deadline indicated on the M.A. in Higher Education program page.

Résumé

To be uploaded to your online application.

In addition to your academic history and relevant volunteer and/or work experience, please include any licenses currently held, any social justice-related experience, any language skills other than English, and any research experience or publications.

Personal Statement

To be uploaded to your online application.

In 1,000-1,500 words, describe your academic and professional goals, any experience relevant to this program, and your future plans, expectations, and aspirations.

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required, with at least one preferably coming from an academic source. Applicants may submit one additional recommendation of their choice.

Transcripts

Transcripts from all college/university study are required.

Applicants who have received degrees from institutions outside the United States should view the "International Students" section for additional credential evaluation requirements.

Please begin your online application before submitting your transcripts. Details on how to submit transcripts and international credential evaluations can be found within the application. In order to ensure your transcript reaches our office, it is important to review and follow the instructions.

Standardized Tests

GRE scores are not required. If you wish to send GRE scores, the Lynch School GRE code is 3218.

Please view the "International Students" section for information on English Proficiency test requirements.

Writing Sample

Not required for LSEHD program admission.

International Students

Applicants who have completed a degree outside of the United States must have a course-by-course evaluation of their transcript(s) completed by an evaluation company approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Submission of falsified documents is grounds for denial of admission or dismissal from the University.

Applicants who are not native speakers of English and who have not received a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction must also submit a TOEFL or IELTS test result that meets the minimum score requirement.

Please click the link below for full details on these requirements.

Requirements for International Students

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  617-552-4214