Master of Arts in International Education Administration

MAIE is a one-year, 38 credit, practitioner-based graduate degree that is strategically designed to prepare students for leadership positions in the field of study abroad as well as the broader industry of higher education. Given the breadth of the curriculum and professional experience afforded by the program, graduates will also be well-positioned for employment in the areas of diplomacy, government, human resources, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as in the corporate sphere. In this Mediterranean-based program, students spend the fall semester at ACM’s center in Barcelona participate in a traveling J-Term seminar, and spend the spring semester on the Aix-en-Provence, France campus.

Students will also complete a professional practicum within ACM’s study abroad institute, the Institute for American Universities (IAU), which will take place at one of IAU’s program or administrative sites (France, Spain, Morocco, Italy, U.S.). Students explore the cultural and linguistic richness ofthese regions while taking courses that provide a comprehensive background in the historical and theoretical foundations of international education.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate foundational knowledge of international education, including key trends, theoretical frameworks, and global best practices.
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders about the goals, benefits, and outcomes of study abroad and international programs.
• Apply knowledge of higher education structures and systems to address real-world challenges in international program design and administration.
• Evaluate and support student development, wellness, and intercultural learning in international and cross-cultural contexts.
• Articulate an ethical, student-centered vision for leadership in international education, grounded in cultural humility and self-awareness.

Coursework focuses on the development of essential knowledge and skills related to program development, management, budgeting, higher education policy, mental health and wellness, risk and crisis management, accessibility, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The MAIE program is comprised of a Language and Culture component, International Education Content Core modules, Experiential Project Design, Observations, Capstone Project, Professional Practicum, and elective courses in Mediterranean Regional studies.

Degree Requirements

All students will complete the required elements of the program, which include coursework related to language and culture, Mediterranean studies, international education content as well as hands on experience related to intercultural engagement and a professional practicum. The degree culminates with a capstone project.

International Education Content Core Modules

The interdisciplinary core modules focus on the essential knowledge and skillsets that are integral to international education management.

Mediterranean Regional Component

In this Mediterranean-based program, students can elect to complete coursework to provide them with historical and/or sociopolitical knowledge of the region. Mediterranean-based courses are selected in collaboration with their academic advisor.

Experiential Project Design

An important part of students’ learning during study abroad happens through their experiences outside the classroom.Students may not engage in behaviors that benefit theirintercultural learning if left to their own devices and/or be ableto process their experiences through an intercultural lenswithout support. This project allows Master students to get hands-on experience working with study abroad students as observers and educators.

Observations

During the program, students will conduct observations during which they will shadow ACM-IAU administrators and staff in a variety of professional positions (academics, student affairs, wellness, etc.). Students will engage in 10 hours of observation in Aix-en-Provence and 10 hours in Barcelona. The observations are integrated into the required core modules and discussions will be facilitated by core module faculty.

Field Studies

The field of international education is comprised of a wide array of study abroad program models, each presenting both benefits and challenges to students and institutions. It is important that MAIE students understand each of these different program models. Therefore, all MAIE students will participate in one or more field study trips to visit various programs and meet with program administrators.

Capstone Project

This culminating project encompasses the frameworks presented in the international education content core modules subject areas. Students thoughtfully design an international education program considering the various planning phases that are the make-up of a high-impact program. Students also design assessment tools to measure program effectiveness and impact.

Professional Practicum

MAIE students will apply skills learned while completing their professional practicum at an IAU undergraduate program site. Depending on availability, students may complete their practicum in the U.S. Office of Admissions and Alumni Affairs in San Diego, California. Students work alongside administrators and faculty in managing international programming while supporting undergraduate students in their intercultural exploration. During the practicum, students are supported by ACM faculty as they complete a discussion-based virtual course and document the integration of their knowledge and skills in an international professional setting.

Courses

During this year-long program (early start program, two semesters plus January Term and summer practicum), students will take courses according to the schedule in the following section.

Early Start Program (1 credit):

Students will begin their semester by participating in the Early Start Program (1 credit), which is an intensive cultural language and immersion experience designed to aid with student integration into France, create community amongst all graduate students, and provide a linguistic experience.

Semester 1 (14 Credits) - Barcelona

Students will take one Spanish language course (4 credits) as well as international education modules (10 credits), which includes the Experiential Project Design component.

January Term (3 Credits)

MAIE students will participate in one January term seminar that includes travel to ACM program sites.

Semester 2 (14 Credits) - Aix-en-Provence

Students take one French language and culture course (3 credits) as well as international education core modules (11 credits).

Summer (6 Credits) - Options include Aix-en-Provence, Barcelona, Florence, Madrid (based on program needs)

MAIE students will apply skills learned while completing their professional practicum (6 credits) at an IAU undergraduate program site. During the practicum, students work alongside administrators and faculty in managing international programming while supporting undergraduate students in their intercultural exploration. During the practicum, students are supported by ACM faculty and document the integration of their knowledge and skills in an international professional setting.

Total= 38 credits