Professional Development in International Education

The Example of the Boston College MA in International Higher Education

The evolution of internationalisation in higher education, from ad hoc, marginal and fragmented to comprehensive and complex, demands different professional skills and experiences than in the past. Professional development has been and continues to be short-term and primarily offered by professional associations. This article makes an appeal for a more comprehensive approach to professional development, including doctoral and master programmes in internationalisation of higher education. The Master’s in International Higher Education at Boston College is described as an example of such a programme. The authors state that given the fact that internationalisation has moved from the margins of higher education research, policy and practice, the professional development needs of those tasked to advance the cause of internationalisation in order to enhance the quality and relevance of higher education, locally and globally.