International and Comparative Education

Overview

International and comparative education programs teach people how teaching and learning methods vary around the world. Students learn how politics and economics affect education programs.

This program includes topics such as:

• Teaching methods
• Learning styles
• American education system
• Impact of politics and economics on education
• Statistics
• Sociology

This degree prepares students to work in:

• International agencies
• Philanthropic organizations
• Foreign service

Schools

To enter an international and comparative education program, students must already have a bachelor’s degree.

Many universities offer graduate degrees in international and comparative education. This is often an interdisciplinary program that combines courses from several college departments such as anthropology, sociology, and education. Master’s degrees typically require two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Economics
• Education Administration
• Education Measurement and Testing
• Education, General
• Multilingual and Multicultural Education
• Political Science and Government
• Public Policy Studies
• Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
• Statistics
• Urban Education

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

• College and University Administrators
• Education Administrators
• Instructional Coordinators

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

• Sociologists

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

• Contemporary World Issues
• English Composition
• Pre-Calculus
• Psychology
• Public Speaking
• Second Language
• World Geography

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores. Course work in calculus, a second language, and statistics is useful preparation for the graduate program.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
• Miller Analogies Test (MAT)
• Letters of recommendation

Typical Course Work

A master's degree program in international and comparative education typically includes courses such as the following:

• Education and Change in Societies
• Education and Social Issues
• International Experiences
• Policy Issues in International Education
• Sociology of Education
• Statistical Methods for Social Scientists

A doctoral degree program in international and comparative education typically includes more courses such as the above, plus courses on research methods and advanced statistics, such as the following:

• Applied Regression Methods
• Multivariate Analysis
• Research Methods in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

In addition, graduate programs typically require the following:

• Thesis (master's degree)
• Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
• Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)

Things to Know

Some programs include opportunities to travel and study education in one or more foreign countries.

In a doctoral program you may have opportunities to work part time as a research assistant or teaching assistant. Although either of these activities can extend the amount of time it takes to get your degree, you are paid for the work, your tuition fees may be waived, and they help build your career.

Schools

No information available.