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International and Comparative Education

Department of International & Transcultural Studies

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Program Description

The International and Comparative Education Program brings together faculty committed to the improvement of education policies and practices around the world. We approach education (broadly defined) from critical interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary perspectives, and we draw on multiple ways of knowing with sensitivity to social contexts. In our collective work, faculty, students, and alumni engage with multiple stakeholders across national and international contexts, including government institutions such as education ministries, bi- and multilateral donors, United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations, private organizations, community organizations, families, and social movements. Our scholarship is responsive to current developments in the field, including education in conflict and post-conflict regions, sustainable development, and multilingual education for inclusiveness.

The Program prepares scholars, practitioners, and policymakers for leadership positions in the field of international and comparative education. Our teaching framework emphasizes theory, content knowledge specific to clusters and related sub-fields, research methods (quantitative analysis, qualitative inquiry, and mixed methods), and applied skills (e.g., program design, strategic planning, curriculum development, program monitoring and evaluation). Our Master’s students typically aim to work in support of educational practices and programs upon graduation, while our doctoral students are poised to enter academia and/or assume leadership positions in various international organizations.

Description of the Program:

In 1899, Teachers College became the first graduate institution in the United States to develop a Program in Comparative Education. In 1956, its faculty members co-founded the Comparative and International Education Society and created one of the field's most prominent peer-reviewed journals, Comparative Education Review.

By the 1960s, Teachers College became instrumental in the study of the international development of education as well and founded the Program in International Educational Development. The Program's faculty plays prominently in research and other education-related initiatives around the world.

Since the early 2000s, the two Programs – Comparative and International Education (CIE), and International Educational Development (IED) – operate as two degree-programs under one academic unit International Comparative Education. Both Programs offer M.A. and Ed.M. degrees; CIE offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) and IED offers a Doctor of Education degree (Ed.D.).

The primary distinction between the degree programs is the area of specialization. Students applying to the Comparative and International Education track select a discipline focus (Anthropology, Economics, History, Philosophy, Political Science, or Sociology), whereas students applying to the International Educational Development track select a cluster within the field of education  (Global Governance, Policy, and Planning; Human Rights, Emergencies and Peacebuilding; Multilingual and Decolonial Dimensions of Education). The courses offered in these clusters vary each academic year.

Students in the International and Comparative Education Program are encouraged to select a geographical area of specialty. Geographical areas currently represented by faculty in the Department of International and Transcultural Studies are Africa, the Caribbean, Central Asia, East Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, and the U.S. (for a transcultural/immigration focus). Area studies courses are available within our program and through various departments at Teachers College and Columbia University, and our students in International and Comparative Education have access to those offerings.

Applications are reviewed once a year for matriculation in the fall semester only. The deadlines for applications are in December or January depending on the degree program.

Degree Program: Comparative and International Education

Up to 30 graduate-level credits may be transferred into the Ed.M. and Ph.D. degree programs.

Areas of specialization offered inside the Department of International and Transcultural Studies:

  • Anthropology

The list of courses offered in Anthropology can be found under the degree programs, listed in this section of the catalog.

Areas of specialization offered outside the Department of International and Transcultural Studies:

  • Economics
  • History
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science
  • Sociology

The courses for these areas of specialization in the Comparative and International Education Program - offered outside the department - can be found under the respective degree programs, listed in other sections of the catalog.

The Ph.D. degree program in Comparative and International Education includes a foreign language requirement as well as comprehensive training in research methods and data analysis. Ph.D. students are expected to take some of the courses in their discipline at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Columbia University.

Degree Program: International Educational Development

Up to 30 graduate-level credits may be transferred into the Ed.M. and 45 credits into the Ed.D. degree programs.

The following presents a description of clusters in International Educational Development.

Cluster I: Global Governance, Policy, and Planning

Liaison Faculty: Associate Professor Oren Pizmony-Levy and Professor Gita Steiner-Khamsi

The Global Governance, Policy, and Planning cluster prepares students for policy, planning and advocacy in an international context. The students acquire skills to prepare data-based reports, develop education sector plans and sector strategies, learn how to monitor and evaluate programs, and understand the different approaches for comparing educational systems. In addition to practicing these professional skills, students learn to problematize and reflect on the opportunities and limitations of global norm-setting for national developments and priorities, including the impact of PISA, TIMSS, and other large-scale student assessments.

Students who complete the degree at the Masters level typically work in policy or planning sections of governments or non-governmental organizations or are hired as consultants for preparing program design, evaluation, and planning documents. They work for intergovernmental organizations (OECD, Global Partnership for Education, UNESCO, UNICEF, World Bank), bilateral donors (FCDO, JICA, USAID, etc.), international NGOs (Save the Children, Open Society Foundations, World Vision, etc.), foundations (Al Qasimi Foundation, Lego Foundation, Mastercard Foundation) and other organizations that work internationally.

Cluster II: Human Rights, Emergencies and Peacebuilding

Liaison Faculty: Associate Professor Mary Mendenhall and Associate Professor S. Garnett Russell

The Human Rights, Emergencies and Peacebuilding cluster is designed for students interested in research, policy, and practice in humanitarian (natural disasters and armed conflict), forced displacement, post-conflict, and peacebuilding settings. The cluster brings together interdisciplinary and critical approaches to examine the role of education (including its limitations) in fostering social justice, social cohesion, sustainable peace, and human dignity across the humanitarian-development nexus. Students acquire skills in program design, curriculum development, monitoring and evaluation, policy analysis, and empirical research. 

Students who complete the master’s degree typically assume roles doing project design; program implementation; technical assistance; and research, evaluation and learning. They work for international, national, and local non-governmental organizations (e.g., ChildFund International, Concern, Education Development Center, Facing History and Ourselves, FHI360, Global Nomads Group, International Rescue Committee, IREX, Save the Children, Norwegian Refugee Council, Sesame Workshop, The Brookings Institute, The DREAM Project, Visions Global Empowerment, World Education); intergovernmental agencies (Global Partnership for Education, UNESCO, UNESCO IIEP, UNHCR, UNICEF, World Bank); global networks (Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies); foundations (LEGO Foundation, Open Society Foundation); and bilateral donors (USAID).  

Cluster III: Multilingual and Decolonial Dimensions of Education

Liaison Faculty: Professor Regina Cortina, Professor Hope Leichter, and Associate Professor Nicholas Limerick

The Multilingual and Decolonial Dimensions of Education cluster focuses on building knowledge about language policies, multilingualism, and literacies; gender inequalities; interculturality; and the role of families and communities as they relate to policy and practice. It is an interdisciplinary field of study that encourages students to focus on key social, cultural, and political dynamics that affect education systems around the globe, and alternative ways of seeing education. Through courses, individual research, and group projects, students develop critical thinking skills from a comparative perspective to advocate for educational access and quality. Students consider strategies for the inclusion of Indigenous and other non-dominant languages and cultures in education and the decolonization of schooling practices throughout the Global South. The cluster’s strengths include topical knowledge and research methods such as comparative policy analysis, participant observation, discourse analysis, assessment of student achievement and literacies, and classroom-based observation.

Students who complete this master’s degree become educators and professionals in various international organizations, civil society organizations, foundations, and schools. Alumni with strong interest in forms of multilingualism and education, for example, are working at USAID, the Education Development Center, Pass Education, and various NGOs and schools. Graduates who completed their degree and focus on Latin America are working in the Fundación Escuela Nueva and The Alas Foundation, organizations advocating for education quality, intercultural and bilingual schools, education for climate change and biodiversity, and as teachers and administrators within international schools domestically and abroad at the World Bank, UNICEF, and Brookings Institution. Several graduates interested in Latinx education have become consultants and project managers in companies and organizations advocating for education equity, immigrant rights, language rights, and culturally competent teachers in U.S. schools.

Degrees

  • Master of Arts

    • Points/Credits: 32

      Entry Terms: Fall Only

      Degree Requirements

      Comparative and International Education (CIE – code: COMP)

      Check the Course Planning sheet in the Student Handbook for the most recent degree requirements.

      Coursework (at least 32 graduate level credits).

      M.A. coursework falls into four broad areas:

      Area 1: Core Courses (12 credits)

      • ITSF 4580 International Comparative Education & Development Studies (Part 1) 
      • ITSF 4581 International Comparative Education & Development Studies (Part 2) 
      • Two Research Methods Courses (Not Limited to ITS Methods Classes)

      Area 2: Concentration (at least 9 credits)

      • Courses counting towards the concentration must be faculty advisor- approved.
      • Students considering a change in concentration must discuss the change with the faculty advisor.

      Area 3: Transcultural/Area Studies (at least 5 credits)

      • Courses must come from at least two of the following categories: topics, research methods, professional skills, internship/practicum.

      Area 4: TC Electives (at least 6 credits)

      • To fulfill the TC breadth requirement, M.A. students must take at 6 points of courses that are at TC but outside of the International and Comparative Education Program.
      • Courses offered by other programs within the ITS Department (anthropology) may also count as TC breadth electives if they are outside of the student’s concentration.

      Integrative Project (IP)

      • Completion of an IP is required for the M.A. degree. Please see the Guidelines for Master’s Integrative Project (IP) in the handbook.
      • Students should consult with the faculty advisor about the IP at least one semester before the intended graduation date. After the IP topic has been approved, the IP Advisors are available to guide students through the completion of the IP.
      • Students who are working on the IP but are not registered for any other classes may register for IND 4000 (Masters Candidate).

      Graduation

      • Full-time students may complete the M.A. degree within one academic year (fall semester, spring semester, and summer session).
      • In order to graduate, students need to review their coursework on Degree Audit (accessed through myTC portal) and have it approved by their faculty advisor. Once the IP is completed, the student's faculty advisor must approve it through Degree Audit. Students may contact the Registrar for specific deadlines. Students must submit a soft and hard copy of the IP to be filed in the International and Comparative Education Program office (374 GDH). Students will complete a release form indicating whether or not they grant permission for the IP to be viewed by other students.

      For more information, review the full International and Comparative Education Student Handbook here.

    • Points/Credits: 32

      Entry Terms: Fall Only

      Degree Requirements

      International Educational Development (IED – code: INTL)

      Check the Course Planning sheet in the Student Handbook for the most recent degree requirements.

      Coursework (at least 32 graduate level credits).

      M.A. coursework falls into four broad areas:

      Area 1: Core Courses (12 credits)

      • ITSF 4580 International Comparative Education & Development Studies (Part 1) 

      • ITSF 4581 International Comparative Education & Development Studies (Part 2) 

      • Two Research Methods Courses (Not Limited to ITS Methods Classes)

      Area 2: Cluster-related courses (at least 9 credits)

      • Courses counting towards the cluster must be faculty advisor- approved.

      • Students considering a change in cluster must discuss the change with the faculty advisor.

      Area 3: Transcultural/Area Studies (at least 5 credits)

      • Courses must come from at least two of the following categories: topics, research methods, professional skills, internship/practicum.

      Area 4: TC Electives (at least 6 credits)

      • To fulfill the TC breadth requirement, M.A. students must take at 6 points of courses that are at TC but outside of the International and Comparative Education Program.

      • Courses offered by other programs within the ITS Department (anthropology) can also count as TC breadth electives if they are outside of the student’s concentration.

      Integrative Project (IP)

      • Completion of an IP is required for the M.A. degree. Please see the Guidelines for Master’s Integrative Project (IP) in the handbook.

      • Students should consult with the faculty advisor about the IP at least one semester before the intended graduation date. After the IP topic has been approved, the IP Advisors are available to guide students through the completion of the IP.

      • Students who are working on the IP but are not registered for any other classes may register for IND 4000 (Masters Candidate).

      Graduation

      • Full-time students may complete the M.A. degree within one academic year (fall semester, spring semester, and summer session).

      • In order to graduate, students need to review their coursework on Degree Audit (accessed through myTC portal) and have it approved by their faculty advisor. Once the IP is completed, the student's faculty advisor must approve it through Degree Audit. Students may contact the Registrar for specific deadlines. Students must submit a soft and hard copy of the IP to be filed in the International and Comparative Education Program office (374 GDH). Students will complete a release form indicating whether or not they grant permission for the IP to be viewed by other students.

      For more information, review the full International and Comparative Education Student Handbook here.

  • Master of Education

    • Points/Credits: 60

      Entry Terms: Fall Only

      Degree Requirements

      Comparative and International Education (CIE – code: COMP)

      Check the Course Planning sheet in the Student Handbook for the most recent degree requirements.

      Coursework (at least 60 graduate level credits, including up to 30 transferred credits).

      Ed.M. coursework falls into four broad areas:

      Area 1: Core Courses (12 credits)

      • ITSF 4580 International Comparative Education & Development Studies (Part 1)
      • ITSF 4581 International Comparative Education & Development Studies (Part 2)
      • Two Research Methods Courses (Not Limited to ITS Methods Classes)

      Area 2: Cluster-related courses (at least 18 credits)

      • Courses counting towards the cluster must be faculty advisor- approved.
      • Students considering a change in cluster must discuss the change with their faculty advisor.
      • In some cases, transferred credits may be applied in this area.

      Area 3: Transcultural/Area Studies (at least 15 credits)

      • Courses must come from at least three of the following categories: topics, research methods, professional skills, internship/practicum.
      • Transferred credits may be applied in this area.

      Area 4: TC Electives (at least 15 credits)

      • To fulfill the TC breadth requirement, Ed.M. students must take at least 6 points of courses that are at TC but outside of the International and Comparative Education Program. Courses offered by other Programs within the ITS Department (anthropology) can also count as TC breadth electives if they are outside of the student’s concentration.
      • Other elective courses can be taken outside of the ITS department or transferred from other schools.

      Transfer credit:

      A maximum of 30 credits may be transferred from other accredited institutions. Only graduate courses which have been (1) completed with grades of B or higher, (2) submitted on an official transcript from a regionally accredited institution, (3) granted/assigned graduate credit on the transcript of that institution, and (4) completed prior to enrollment at Teachers College may be considered for transfer credit. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the faculty advisor and according to College policy. After registering for the first semester, students should obtain and fill out an Advanced Standing Review (ASR) application from the Office of the Registrar and return it to the Office of the Registrar. Transcripts will be evaluated and sent to the International and Comparative Education Program Assistant, who will then contact the student with further instructions. The entire process can take several months.

      Integrative Project (IP)

      • Completion of an IP is required for the Ed.M. degree. Please see the guidelines for Masters’ Integrative Project (IP) in the student handbook.
      • Students should consult with the faculty advisor about the IP at least one semester before the intended graduation date. After the IP topic has been approved, the IP Advisors are available to guide students through the completion of the IP.
      • Students who are working on the IP but not registered for any other classes may register for IND 4000 (Masters Candidate).

      Graduation

      • Full-time students who transfer the full 30 credits may complete the Ed.M. degree within one academic year (fall semester, spring semester, and summer session).
      • In order to graduate, students need to review their coursework on Degree Audit (accessed through myTC portal) and have it approved by their faculty advisor. Once the IP is completed, the student's faculty advisor must approve it through Degree Audit. Students may contact the Registrar for specific deadlines. Students must submit a soft and hard copy of the IP to be filed in the International and Comparative Education Program office (374 GDH). Students will complete a release form indicating whether or not they grant permission for the IP to be viewed by other students.

      For more information, review the full International and Comparative Education Student Handbook here.

    • Points/Credits: 60

      Entry Terms: Fall Only

      Degree Requirements

      International Educational Development (IED – code: INTL) 

      Check the Course Planning sheet in the Student Handbook for the most recent degree requirements.

      Coursework (at least 60 graduate level credits, including up to 30 transferred credits).

      Ed.M. coursework falls into four broad areas:

      Area 1: Core Courses (12 credits)

      • ITSF 4580 International Comparative Education & Development Studies (Part 1) 

      • ITSF 4581 International Comparative Education & Development Studies (Part 2) 

      • Two Research Methods Courses (Not Limited to ITS Methods Classes)

      Area 2: Cluster-related courses (at least 18 credits)

      • Courses counting towards the cluster must be faculty advisor- approved.

      • Students considering a change in the cluster must discuss the change with the faculty advisor.

      • In some cases, transferred credits may be applied in this area.

      Area 3: Transcultural/Area Studies (at least 15 credits)

      • Courses must come from at least three of the following categories: topics, research methods, professional skills, internship/practicum.

      • Transferred credits may be applied in this area.

      Area 4: TC Electives (at least 15 credits)

      • To fulfill the TC breadth requirement, Ed.M. students must take at least 6 points of courses that are at TC but outside of the International and Comparative Education program. Courses offered by other programs within the ITS Department (anthropology) can also count as TC breadth electives if they are outside of the student’s concentration.

      • Other elective courses can be taken outside of the ITS Department or transferred from other schools.

      Transfer credit:

      A maximum of 30 credits may be transferred from other accredited institutions. Only graduate courses which have been (1) completed with grades of B or higher, (2) submitted on an official transcript from a regionally accredited institution, (3) granted/assigned graduate credit on the transcript of that institution, and (4) completed prior to enrollment at Teachers College may be considered for transfer credit. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the faculty advisor and according to College policy. After registering for the first semester, students should obtain and fill out an Advanced Standing Review (ASR) application from the Office of the Registrar and return it to the Office of the Registrar. Transcripts will be evaluated and sent to the International and Comparative Education Program Assistant, who will then contact the student with further instructions. The entire process can take several months.

      Integrative Project (IP)

      • Completion of an IP is required for the Ed.M. degree. Please see the guidelines for Masters’ Integrative Project (IP) in the student handbook.

      • Students should consult with the faculty advisor about the IP at least one semester before the intended graduation date. After the IP topic has been approved, the IP Advisors are available to guide students through the completion of the IP.

      • Students who are working on the IP but not registered for any other classes may register for IND 4000 (Masters Candidate).

      Graduation

      • Full-time students who transfer the full 30 credits may complete the Ed.M. degree within one academic year (fall semester, spring semester, and summer session).

      • In order to graduate, students need to review their coursework on Degree Audit (accessed through myTC portal) and have it approved by their faculty advisor. Once the IP is completed, the student's faculty advisor must approve it through Degree Audit. Students may contact the Registrar for specific deadlines. Students must submit a soft and hard copy of the IP to be filed in the International and Comparative Education Program office (374 GDH). Students will complete a release form indicating whether or not they grant permission for the IP to be viewed by other students.

      For more information, review the full International and Comparative Education Student Handbook here.

  • Doctor of Education

    • Points/Credits: 90

      Entry Terms: Fall Only

      Degree Requirements

      International Educational Development (IED – code: INTL)

      Check the Course Planning sheet in the Student Handbook for the most recent degree requirements.

      Coursework (at least 90 graduate level points, including up to 45 transferred credits).

      Ed.D. coursework falls into four broad areas:

      Area 1: Core Courses (12 credits)

      • ITSF 6580: Advanced Seminar in Comparative Education

      • ITSF 6581: Advanced Seminar in International Educational Development

      • Choose two other ITSF courses (approved by the advisor)

      Area 2: Cluster-related courses (at least 27 credits)

      • Courses counting towards the cluster must be advisor-approved.

      • In some cases, transferred credits may be applied in this area.

      Area 3: Transcultural/Area Studies/Research Methods (at least 27 credits)

      • At least 6 credits must be in research methods

      • Other Area 3 courses must come from at least two of the following categories: topics, professional skills, internship/practicum

      • In some cases, transferred credits may be applied in this area.

      • In some cases, language credits may be applied in this area. Please check with the Registrar for restrictions on applying language credits

      Area 4: Broad & Basic/Electives (at least 24 credits)

      • Can include courses dealing with the nature of education, the nature of a person’s learning processes, and the methods of evaluation and research

      • Can include courses that do not fit into any of the previous categories such as courses in related scholarly disciplines, and/or those which give an understanding of the functions of related specialties.

      • Transferred credits may be applied in this area

      Languages:

      Only graduate-level language courses at an advanced level of proficiency count towards the degree. These require approval from your advisor and the Registrar. No more than six credits of language courses can be used towards a graduate degree.

      Courses Outside of TC:

      Please see the TC Catalog for information about taking courses through the Inter-University Doctoral Consortium.

      Transfer credit:

      A maximum of 45 credits may be transferred from other accredited institutions. Only graduate courses which have been (1) completed with grades of B or higher, (2) submitted on an official transcript from a regionally accredited institution, (3) granted/assigned graduate credit on the transcript of that institution, and (4) completed prior to enrollment at Teachers College may be considered for transfer credit. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the faculty advisor and according to College policy. After registering for the first semester, students should obtain and fill out an Advanced Standing Review (ASR) application from the Office of the Registrar and return it to the Office of the Registrar. Transcripts will be evaluated and sent to the International and Comparative Education Program Assistant, who will then contact the student with further instructions. The entire process can take several months.

      Departmental certification examination

      • Students complete their certification exam (AM) by the end of their first year in the program. The exam is integrated with the Advanced Seminar. Students must be authorized by Office of Doctoral Studies (ODS) to take this exam; please see advisor for more details. The certification exam may be attempted twice. 

      Specialization examination

      • Each professional specialization has different examination requirements. Students must register for the exam with ODS during the first week of the semester and should consult the main advisor for more information.

      Defense of a dissertation proposal

      • The dissertation proposal defense requires two readers. The advisor/sponsor is the first reader, and students are responsible for finding a second reader appropriate for the concentration.

      • Students should register for ITSF 7500 during the semester of the proposal hearing.

      • Students are responsible for making arrangements with the two readers for the proposal hearing. Students should fill out the “Dissertation Proposal Hearing Report,” available from the ODS website. After a successful hearing, this form needs to be signed by both readers and the department chair. A copy should be submitted to the International and Comparative Education program office and the original should be turned into ODS.

      • After a successful proposal hearing, students must submit an application to TC’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) for the research project.

      Please refer to the TC IRB website for more information (https://www.tc.columbia.edu/institutional-review-board/). Once approved, copies of the IRB approval letter must be filed with the International and Comparative Education program office and ODS.

      Program Plan

      • Download the document "Ed.D. Program Plan Form" from the ODS website. Students should complete the Program Plan and obtain the advisor's signature on the form. This should be done by the time of the proposal hearing.

      Ed.D. Certification

      • Once students have 1) completed most of the required coursework, 2) passed the department exam, the specialization exam, and the proposal hearing, 3) received IRB approval for the dissertation research, and 4) submitted the approved Program Plan, students are eligible for Ed.D. certification. This process must be completed through the International and Comparative Education Program office with the assistance of the International and Comparative Education Program Assistant. Final determination of certification is by the Office of Doctoral Studies.

      Fieldwork Outside of the United States

      • Students who are conducting fieldwork outside of the United States may register for ITSF 6200 for one or two semesters. This is a 0-credit course. If this course will be taken, it should be included in the Program Plan.

      Preparation and defense of a research dissertation

      • All Ed.D. students must register for ITSF8900, Doctoral Dissertation Advisement, after the Dissertation Proposal Hearing or the submission of the Recommendation for Certification to the Office of Doctoral Studies, whichever comes first. Students who are unable to receive advisement may be eligible for a waiver. Contact the Office of Doctoral Studies for more information.

      • Students may also refer to the document "General Instructions for the Preparation of Dissertations for the Doctor of Education Degree: A Manual of Style" downloadable from the ODS website for more information on dissertation preparation.

      • The “Guide to the Dissertation Oral Defense” is available on the ODS website for general guidance on preparing for the dissertation defense.

      • Consult the Office of Doctoral Studies for requirements on continuous enrollment.

      For more information, review the full International and Comparative Education Student Handbook here.

  • Doctor of Philosophy

    • Points/Credits: 75

      Entry Terms: Fall Only

      Degree Requirements

      Comparative and International Education (CIE – code: COMP)

      Check the Course Planning sheet in the Student Handbook for the most recent degree requirements.

      Coursework (at least 75 graduate level points, including up to 30 transferred credits)

      Ph.D. coursework falls into four broad areas:

      Area 1: Core Courses (9 credits)

      • ITSF 6580: Advanced Seminar in Comparative Education
      • ITSF 6581: Advanced Seminar in International Educational Development
      • Choose 1 other ITSF course (approved by advisor)

      Area 2: Concentration in an Academic Discipline (at least 30 credits)

      • Courses counting towards the concentration must be advisor-approved.
      • Many of these courses can be taken at Columbia’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).
      • This area may include discipline-based research methods (note that Ph.D. students must have at least 12 credits of research methods courses).
      • In some cases, transferred credits may be applied in this area.

      Area 3: Comparative Education/Transcultural/Area Studies (at least 18 credits)

      • The majority of these courses will come from the ITS department.
      • This area may include research methods (note that Ph.D. students must have at least 12 credits of research methods courses).
      • Transferred credits may be applied in this area.

      Area 4: Non-Major Foundations/Electives (at least 18 credits)

      • This includes courses taken outside the primary program of study.
      • Transferred credits may be applied in this area.

      Languages:

      Only graduate-level language courses at an advanced level of proficiency count towards the degree. These require approval from your advisor and the Registrar. No more than 6 credits of language courses can be used towards a graduate degree.

      Courses Outside of TC:

      Please see the TC Catalog for information about taking courses through the Inter-University Doctoral Consortium.

      Transfer credit:

      A maximum of 30 credits may be transferred from other accredited institutions. Only graduate courses which have been (1) completed with grades of B or higher, (2) submitted on an official transcript from a regionally accredited institution, (3) granted/assigned graduate credit on the transcript of that institution, and (4) completed prior to enrollment at Teachers College may be considered for transfer credit. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the faculty advisor and according to College policy. After registering for the first semester, students should obtain and fill out an Advanced Standing Review (ASR) application from the Office of the Registrar and return it to the Office of the Registrar. Transcripts will be evaluated and sent to the International and Comparative Education Program Assistant, who will then contact the student with further instructions. The entire process can take several months.

      Note:

      Ph.D. students must complete all degree requirements in no more than seven years. Those with 30 points of advanced standing prior to doctoral admission are to complete requirements within six years.

      Departmental certification examination

      Students complete their certification exam (AM) by the end of their first year in the program. The exam is integrated with the Advanced Seminar and includes two parts: one completed in the fall semester and one completed in the spring. Students must be authorized by the Office of Doctoral Studies (ODS) to take this exam; please see advisor for more details. The certification exam may be attempted twice. More information is available on the “Ed.D/Ph.D Policies and Procedures” page.

      Specialization examination

      Each discipline has different examination requirements. Students must register for the exam with ODS during the first week of the semester and should consult the main advisor for more information.

      Defense of a dissertation proposal

      • The dissertation proposal defense requires two readers. The advisor/sponsor is the first reader, and students are responsible for finding a second reader appropriate for their concentration.

      • Students should register for ITSF 7500 during the semester of the proposal hearing. Please note that students are liable for dissertation advisement fees (ITSF 8900) in every semester following registration for ITSF 7500 or following the term in which the dissertation proposal is approved, whichever comes first.

      • Students are responsible for making arrangements with the two readers for the proposal hearing. Students should fill out the “Dissertation Proposal Hearing Report,” available from the ODS website. After a successful hearing, this form needs to be signed by both readers and the department chair. A copy should be submitted to the International and Comparative Education Program office and the original should be turned into ODS.

      • After a successful proposal hearing, students must submit an application to TC’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) for the research project. Please refer to the TC IRB website for more information (https://www.tc.columbia.edu/institutional-review-board/). Once approved, copies of the IRB approval letter must be filed with the International and Comparative Education program office and ODS.

      Foreign Language Examinations

      • Ph.D. students are required to pass two proficiency examinations in foreign languages. Examinations are usually arranged through the appropriate language department at Columbia University.

      • One of these examinations may be replaced by receiving a passing grade for two of the following statistics courses offered at TC: HUDM 4122 (Probability and Statistical Inference), HUDM 5122 (Applied Regression Analysis), HUDM 5123 (Experimental Design).

      • Languages to be used must be listed on the Program Plan.

      Program Plan

      • Download the documents, "Instructions for Completing the Ph.D. Course Program Plan" and "Ph.D. Course Program Plan Form" from the ODS website. Students should complete the Program Plan and obtain the advisor's signature on the form. This should be done by the time of the proposal hearing.

      M.Phil. Certification

      • Once students have 1) completed all required coursework, 2) passed the department exam, the specialization exam, and the proposal hearing, 3) passed the foreign language examinations, 4) received IRB approval for the dissertation research, and 5) submitted the approved Program Plan, students are eligible for M.Phil certification. This process must be completed through the International and Comparative Education program office with the assistance of the International and Comparative Education Program Assistant.

      Fieldwork Outside of the United States

      • Students who are conducting fieldwork outside of the United States may register for ITSF 6200 for one or two semesters. This is a 0-credit course. If this course will be taken, it should be included in the Program Plan.

      Preparation and defense of a research dissertation

      • After taking ITSF 7500, all Ph.D. candidates are required to continuously register for ITSF 8900 and pay a fee in the term in which the dissertation is defended. Students who are not going to receive advisement may submit a “Personal Exemption for Dissertation Advisement” to ODS. 

      • Students may also refer to the document "General Instructions for the Preparation of Dissertations for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy" downloadable from the ODS website for more information on dissertation preparation.

      • Consult the Office of Doctoral Studies for requirements on continuous enrollment.

      For more information, review the full International and Comparative Education Student Handbook here.

Faculty

  • Faculty

    • Regina Cortina Professor of Education
    • Hope Leichter Elbenwood Professor of Education
    • Nicholas Limerick Associate Professor of Anthropology and Education
    • Mary Mendenhall Associate Professor of International and Comparative Education
    • Prem Phyak Associate Professor in International and Comparative Education
    • Oren Pizmony-Levy Associate Professor of International and Comparative Education
    • Susan Garnett Russell Associate Professor of International and Comparative Education
    • Gita Steiner-Khamsi Professor of Education

  • Adjunct Faculty

    • Constanza Estefania Lafuente Adjunct Associate Professor
    • Carine Verschueren Adjunct Assistant Professor
    • Portia G. Williams Vice Provost for Academic Planning and Global Affairs

  • Instructors

    • Manuel Enrique Cardoso
    • Maria Daniela Romero Amaya Bruce S. Goldberg Postdoctoral Fellow

Courses

  • ITSF 4005 - Education in Emergencies and Reconstruction
    This course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the growing and increasingly complex field of education in emergencies, one which encompasses crises caused by natural disasters and armed conflict and which spans the relief-development spectrum. The course will provide opportunities for students to critically reflect on practice, policy, research, and advocacy efforts within the field and to develop transferable skills related to program design and policy analysis. The course will draw on a combination of readings, lectures, class discussions, simulations, student presentations, multimedia, group work, and guest speakers to deepen our understanding of the education in emergencies field.
  • ITSF 4009 - Introduction to Research Methods in International and Comparative Education
    This course is designed to serve as an introduction to the concepts, methods, and applications of empirical research in international and comparative education. The course readings, lectures, class discussion, activities, and course assignments will examine fundamental issues and processes of research design and practice from a variety of methodological perspectives —qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods.
  • ITSF 4013 - Literacy and International Development
    This course problematizes common assumptions about the relationship between literacy and cognitive, social, political and economic development. A sociocultural approach to languages and literacies is taken, while critical studies of international development are examined, applying a gender lens throughout.
  • ITSF 4025 - Languages, Societies, and Schools
    This course examines the role that languages play in societal and educational contexts from an interdisciplinary perspective, incorporating economic, cultural, political and historical analyses. Diverse language ideologies are considered, along with how language policies are enacted by stakeholders at different levels, with a focus on non-dominant languages in multilingual contexts.
  • ITSF 4038 - Monitoring and Evaluation in International Educational Development
    This course explores small- and large-scale research and evaluation methods and their potential for valid, reliable, efficient evaluation of educational outcomes as well as project outcomes. Needs assessment, capacity assessment, project evaluations (mid-term and final), performance appraisals and impact evaluations done for a range of agencies and organizations are analyzed for diverse educational programs (including formal and non-formal education) in low-income country contexts.
  • ITSF 4060 - Latinx in Urban Schools
    In this graduate seminar, we explore theories and research to shed light on the context of Latinx education in the US, including why Latinx are the least likely of all major demographic groups to be enrolled in school and, as adults, are most likely to lack a high school diploma and have limited access to postsecondary education. The course explores the racial/ethnic diversities that exist between and within recent immigrant groups, drawing especially on research that shows the diversity of cultural backgrounds within Latinx subgroups. Framing the discussion within relevant theories, the course’s topics will include immigration, educational achievement and persistence, language and schooling, the interplay of race, gender and class with educational attainment, and transnational communities.
  • ITSF 4092 - No Title Found in Banner
    The study of qualitative methodologies appropriate to various kinds of educational programs, issues, and problems in diverse research settings.
  • ITSF 4093 - Curriculum and Pedagogy in International Contexts
    This course addresses theories, models, planning & policy, design, and implementation of curriculum, as applied across different national contexts. The course addresses key issues in working internationally, such as curriculum borrowing and use of ICTs. Students design a contextually responsive curriculum.
  • ITSF 4094 - Educational Planning in International Educational Development
    The course explores educational planning and policy analysis in developing countries. A special focus is placed on aid effectiveness, aid modalities, and the aid architecture in countries where educational reforms are sometimes funded by multilateral organizations, development banks, and non-governmental organizations. Critical issues, such as global benchmarking, target setting, and monitoring by the World Bank, OECD, and other international organizations are examined. Students learn about current debates and controversies in international educational development and reflect on the impact of externally funded projects on educational planning and reform in developing countries.
  • ITSF 4101 - Quantitative Analysis in Comparative and International Education
    This course serves as an introduction to quantitative analysis as applied to the field of Comparative International Education. The course covers fundamental concepts of quantitative analysis, inferential statistics, and introduces the assumptions and mechanics of the classical normal linear regression model.
  • ITSF 4105 - Civil Society and NGOs in IED
    This course introduces students to education-related Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental organizations' (NGOs) critical strategic issues. Based on teaching cases of NGOs and CSOs from multiple regions, students analyze, improve, and design organizational theories of change, advocacy, service, scaling up strategies, accountability processes, volunteering programs, and resource generating approaches.
  • ITSF 4160 - Human Rights Education in Africa: Politics, Policies, and Pedagogies
    Students examine the historical conditions that give rise to human rights violations and the efforts to protect rights through policy and education. They explore different approaches to human rights education, apply them to case studies of specific African countries, and develop human rights education curricula.
  • ITSF 4195 - Integrative Project Writing Seminar
    This course is designed to help students develop the professional knowledge and skills necessary for effective written communication through their Integrative Projects.
  • ITSF 4200 - Integrative Project Research & Writing Practicum
    The Integrative Project (IP) Research & Writing Practicum will provide an opportunity for students to spend time developing and conducting their integrative project plans. For the IP requirement in the IED and CIE majors, students typically take one of four approaches for completing their IPs: 1) empirical research paper or proposal; 2) theoretical exploration; 3) policy study; or 4) curriculum design and development. Other types of writing projects may also be accepted pending consultation and approval from the student’s faculty advisor. The Practicum represents 36 weekly hours of work to reflect the time spent designing projects, collecting data, reviewing literature, analyzing data, and writing up project findings, among other related tasks. Students will have the option of taking the course for 0-3 credits and will consult with their academic advisors to ensure the best approach for their overall program plan.
  • ITSF 4580 - International Comparative Education & Development Studies, Part I
    Yearlong course, meets in Fall.
  • ITSF 4581 - International Comparative Education & Development Studies, Part II
    Yearlong course, meets in Spring.
  • ITSF 4603 - Human and Social Dimensions of Peace
    This course focuses on issues of human rights, global ethics, and various aspects of structural and cultural violence. Students explore notions of identity, diversity and reflexive narrative in relation to the concepts of (positive and negative) peace and human dignity. Students are then introduced to examples of nonviolent social movements and reflect on the process of peaceful transformation.
  • ITSF 4613 - International Perspectives on Citizenship and Human Rights Education
    This course provides a grounding in the theory, pedagogy, and practice of peace and human rights education. It draws from the international literature of the field as it has been developed over the past three decades, and reviews teaching practices relevant to various cultures and learning settings.
  • ITSF 4614 - International Organizations, Civil Society and Peace Education
    Peace Education is concerned with the prevention of violence, but this theoretical framework also draws on diverse practices, or co-disciplines, including Global Citizenship Education, Human Rights Education and Education for Sustainable Development. This course explores key inter-governmental and non-governmental actors, processes, curriculum and issues in these peace education areas.
  • ITSF 5006 - Comparative Policy Studies: Tools & Techniques
    The course is designed to help students to understand foundations and techniques of policy analysis underlying education sector strategies of low-income countries. Part 1 will review critical debates over the role of donors and aid recipients in development contexts and introduce students to tools and techniques for producing education sector strategies. Part 2 will provide an overview of theories of the policy process from an international comparative perspective and therefore also include theories of global education policy, "traveling reforms," and transnational policy borrowing and lending. Part 3 will discuss trends in various sub-sectors that international agencies tend to frame as "best practices" and for which they provide technical assistance and external financial support.
  • ITSF 5008 - Gender, Education, and International Development
    This seminar examines the field of international education development from the standpoint of feminist and gender studies. We will read and discuss relevant studies in anthropology, economics, history, political science, and sociology, as well as interdisciplinary research in the fields of development studies and gender studies. We will begin by considering the political and legal advances in women’s rights within the daily reality of people’s lives in developing countries through the multiple lenses of democratic theory, neoliberal policies, and multiculturalism.
  • ITSF 5023 - The Family As Educator
    Analysis of the family as educator and its interrelations with schools and other educational institutions. Emphasis on inquiry deriving from educational practice and behavioral science theory.
  • ITSF 5026 - The Family and Television
    Permission required. An analysis of the impact of television on the family's educative functions, with special attention to the process by which the family mediates television.
  • ITSF 5029 - Education, Conflict and Peacebuilding
    This course examines the politics of armed conflict and peace building and the role of education in promoting peace or exacerbating violence in conflict-affected and post-conflict contexts. We will investigate several of the most pressing challenges facing the various stakeholders (external actors such as international organizations, bilateral donors, and NGOs; local actors, such as governments, civil societies, and nationalist/ideological state factions) and the influence of those stakeholders on education systems in times of war and emerging peace and on educational practices, policies, and curricula in conflict and post-conflict situations.
  • ITSF 5031 - Education and Sustainable Development: Comparative and International Perspectives
    This course critically examines the role of education in sustainable development, specifically the global movement of Environmental and Sustainability Education (ESE). The course focuses on ESE-related policies and practices within a variety of levels, contexts, and perspectives. Beginning with an overview of the foundations of ESE, we will explore key issues in the field: (a) the development of ESE policy in different levels (e.g., supranational, national, and subnational); (b) the links between ESE and other curricular movements (e.g., standards and accountability; human rights and peace education); (c) drivers and barriers that shape ESE policy/practice (e.g., NGOs and characteristics of modern education systems); and, (d) ESE "best practices" and their impact on teaching and learning.
  • ITSF 5034 - Climate Change, Society, & Education
    This course introduces students to the links between climate change, society, and education. Through assigned readings and materials, lectures, games, and field trips, we will examine different perspectives on climate change (climate science, social science, indigenous knowledge systems), the international architecture behind climate change education (CCE), best practices and their impact on teaching and learning in k-12 schools, the spread of climate information, misinformation and disinformation, and the recent emergence of the global youth movement advocating for climate justice. Our discussion will be based on a variety of literatures including theoretical texts, empirical research, and policy documents.
  • ITSF 5035 - Social Analysis of International Large-Scale Assessments
    The course introduces students to the growing field of international large-scale assessments of student achievement (such as TIMSS, PIRLS, and PISA). The first section of the course is dedicated to the history of international assessments and to conditions that facilitated their emergence and diffusion. The second section is focused on the methodology behind global and regional projects that produce indicators, standardization, benchmarking, and comparison in education policy and governance. The third section is focused on the politics of these assessments, through critical analysis of the ways in which scholars, media, and policy makers use data from international assessments.
  • ITSF 5040 - Mixed Methods in International Comparative Education
    The course is designed to develop students' ability to critically consume and produce research in their specialized field within International and Comparative Education or other programs in the department, college and university. Students will be oriented to the epistemological and other assumptions and methodological practices of quantitative and qualitative methods including experimental, survey research, ethnographic, and historical approaches to disciplined inquiry. Students will be exposed to positivist, interpretive, and critical/feminist traditions or paradigms associated with these approaches as well as ethical dilemmas encountered in planning, conducting, reporting, and consuming research.
  • ITSF 5043 - Decolonial Theories in Comparative Education
    In this graduate seminar, we will explore the application of Decolonial Theories to advance new perspectives and knowledge in comparative education. We will read the work of Walter Mignolo, Arturo Escobar, Catherine Walsh and Boaventura de Sousa Santos, among others.. We will frame the discussion within relevant theories and contexts , such as Internal Colonialism and Indigenous ways of knowing. Among the issues to be discussed are the rights of Indigenous peoples to education and the preservation of cultural and linguistic diversity of people across the world. Topics include the right to education, the nature of citizenship, intercultural and bilingual education, transnational networks in support of Indigenous movements, Indigenous resistance, and decolonizing methodologies. An overarching theme is national policies to improve access, teacher training, and intercultural understanding at all levels of education.
  • ITSF 5050 - Language, Cultural Politics, and Education
    Over recent decades, discourses of multiculturalism and multilingualism have become standard in the educational initiatives of nation-states, multinational corporations, and nongovernmental organizations. In much of the world, practitioners no longer ask whether they should educate for diversity but rather how they should carry out such efforts within many existing alternatives. This course covers historical moments in which different types of multicultural and multilingual education have arisen; social theories about social inequality, language, and education that help us understand them; and examples of educational initiatives that reinforce or change inequity. Students are encouraged to consider radical possibilities for educational change.
  • ITSF 5102 - Public Opinion on Education Around the World
    This course provides a broad overview of social research on public opinion, and seeks to inspire students to engage with this work on education development. We consider ways to conceptualize and measure public opinion, sources of variation in public opinion, and recent contributions to the empirical and theoretical assessment of the impact of public opinion on policymaking. We also consider public opinion on a wide variety of topics, including trust/confidence in education systems, teaching and teachers, global educational reform movement, and equal opportunity.
  • ITSF 5120 - Education in Community Settings: Museums
    Permission required. A review and an analysis of educational issues and opportunities in various community settings.
  • ITSF 5430 - Internship
    Permission required. Supervised experiences in diverse settings designed to develop skills in research, development, planning, and evaluation.
  • ITSF 5500 - Education Across the Americas
    This graduate seminar introduces students to education and social issues in Latin America and the Caribbean. The seminar covers the time period from the consolidation of national systems of public education during the twentieth century to present day. Using theoretical perspectives drawn from comparative education, critical social theories and critical pedagogy, the course includes case studies of individual nations as well as thematic issues pertaining to the region as a whole. Topics include social and political dimensions of education, ethnicity and indigenous education, academic achievement, women’s education and social change, teacher preparation, student movements, social movements and patterns of migration. The seminar incorporates and analyzes the perspectives of different actors in education, including international organizations, civil society organizations, teachers and students. The effects of projects financed by international organizations will be evaluated in terms of improved access, teacher training and intercultural understanding within the education systems of Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • ITSF 5509 - Globalization, Society, and Education Policy
    The seminar explores current debates and controversies regarding global governance, “traveling reforms,” evidence-based policy and planning, and other current topics related to comparative policy studies. Each session starts out with a structured lecture on relevant social theories (systems theory, institutionalist theory, political economy, actor network theory, science and technology studies, etc.), followed by discussion. Reading and active participation in class discussions are required and will be graded. The course is tailored towards Advanced Masters and doctoral students. It helps them to understand, differentiate, and apply different interpretive frameworks that best suit their own research interest.
  • ITSF 6200 - Field Research Outside of the US
    Permission required. Required of doctoral students when choice of doctoral research necessitates data generation in other countries. Students will engage in 36 hours per week, for a minimum of 15 weeks, during their research outside of the United States. Students are able to take this course no more than two times during their doctoral studies. Field experiences will be conducted under faculty supervision in an approved geographical and institutional site. Students secure approval of department chair and principal advisor in advance and render periodic reports.
  • ITSF 6520 - Seminar in Families and Communities as Educators
    A research seminar in the family and the community as educational systems.
  • ITSF 6580 - Advanced Doctoral Seminar in International and Comparative Education I
    The advanced doctoral seminar is a year-long course (ITSF 6580/fall and ITSF 6581/spring) that will enable students to critically examine the history, methods and theories in the field of international and comparative education. The course will also help students identify and engage in current debates. The aim of the course is to help students develop an understanding of the multiplicity of perspectives and practices surrounding education and of the ways that global and local forces shape schooling the world over.
  • ITSF 6581 - Advanced Doctoral Seminar in International and Comparative Education II
    The advanced doctoral seminar is a year-long course (ITSF 6580/fall and ITSF 6581/spring) that will enable students to critically examine the history, methods and theories in the field of international and comparative education. The course will also help students identify and engage in current debates. The aim of the course is to help students develop an understanding of the multiplicity of perspectives and practices surrounding education and of the ways that global and local forces shape schooling the world over.
  • ITSF 6583 - No Title Found in Banner
    The Dissertation Academic Writing practicum will provide an opportunity for doctoral students to spend time developing and writing work for their dissertation, including the specialization exam, grant proposals, and dissertation proposal. Students will have the option of taking the course for 0-3 credits for full-time status and will consult with their academic advisors to ensure the best approach for their overall program plan. The course can be taken twice.
  • ITSF 6590 - Academic Writing and Publishing
    Permission required. Presentation of research in progress and examination of professional roles. This course requires at least 18 hours per week of out-of-classroom work.
  • ITSF 6902 - Studies in International and Transcultural Studies
    Advanced students may register for intensive individual study of some aspect of their concentration. Registration is only by permission of the instructor under whose guidance the work will be undertaken. Times for individual conferences will be arranged. Enrollment may be for 1 or more points each term, and registration is not limited to one or two terms.
  • ITSF 6990 - Studies in International and Comparative Educational
    In each of the areas within the department, advanced students may register for intensive individual study of some aspect of their specialization. Registration is only by permission of the instructor under whose guidance the work will be undertaken. Times for individual conferences will be arranged. Enrollment may be for 1 or more points each term, and registration is not limited to one or two terms.
  • ITSF 7500 - Dissertation Seminar in International and Transcultural Studies
    Permission required. Proposal writing. Required of doctoral students in the semester following successful completion of certification examinations.
  • ITSF 8900 - Dissertation Advisement in International and Transcultural Studies
    Individual advisement on doctoral dissertations. Fee to equal 3 points at current tuition rate for each term. For requirements, see section in catalog on Continuous Registration for Ed.D./Ph.D. degrees.
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