Clone of International Education Policy Concentration - Higher Education, Student Affairs, & International Education Policy, Ph.D.
Program Overview
The International Education Policy Concentration (IEP) is designed to provide an interdisciplinary understanding of today's educational policies and practices. The focus of our program is on the relationship between education and the economy, politics and social development in both developing and developed countries. Our IEP program offers a comprehensive understanding of education across all levels, from pre-school to higher education, as well as non-formal education, including adult and community-based learning.
In today’s rapidly changing world, understanding comparative and international education’s role in shaping global societies is more important than ever. Through critical reflection on current policies, practices and conditions, our program empowers students to contribute to transformative educational and social change. More specifically, we equip our students with the knowledge and interdisciplinary skills needed to address global challenges such as equity, social justice, sustainable development through education and international peace.
We produce graduates with a deep understanding of the complex issues shaping educational policies and practices in both developing and industrialized countries. Whether you’re aiming to work in national development, international organizations, or academic research, this degree will prepare you to make a meaningful impact on education across all levels and sectors.
Key Features
- Flexibility: Tailor your program to match your background, interests, and career goals. Specializations include conflict and emergencies, gender and development, peace and environmental education and political economy.
- D.C. Advantage: Located just a few miles from the nation's capital, our program offers unparalleled access to internships, employment opportunities, seminars, workshops, and renowned speakers. Cooperative arrangements with universities in the area, such as American University and George Washington University, give you access to courses and seminars offered by other strong programs in related disciplines.
Top 20
Best Education Policy Program by U.S. News & World Report
Community
One of our greatest strengths is our students. We are committed to building a community of students, faculty and development professionals who work together to promote cross-cultural and multicultural understanding and bridge the gap between research and real-world practice.
"The UMD resources have been top notch, the faculty are wonderful advisors that truly value our perspectives while challenging us to think critically and reach our full potential."
How to Apply
How to Apply
We’re excited to welcome passionate and highly motivated students interested in the field of comparative and international education. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, especially those from underrepresented minority groups.
Information on admissions and application to this program can be found on the University Graduate Admissions website.
Requirements
Program Requirements
IEP courses provide a strong foundation in educational theory and practice, the nature of comparative and international education, and the application of cultural, economic, political, and sociological perspectives to ensure students gain an understanding of education and its contribution to development.
Beyond the core courses, you will work with faculty to create a personalized program that aligns with your background and career goals. You’ll have access to the full range of resources at the University of Maryland and can choose courses across the social sciences, humanities, and professional specializations, such as early childhood education, international exchange, or higher education. You can also focus on regional areas like Africa, Asia, or Latin America, or cross-cutting topics like gender and race. The University of Maryland has made a specific and strong commitment to internationalization throughout its programs and policies.
Our program stands out because of its flexibility. Your plan of study is uniquely tailored to your needs and can be adjusted as your interests and goals evolve. Our Ph.D. program also offers the opportunity to specialize in one or more areas.
If you've already completed a master’s degree in a related field, you may be able to transfer up to 24 credits toward the 90 required for our Ph.D. program. Be sure to consult with your advisor to determine which courses/credits may apply.
Specializations
Core Courses (12 credits)
- EDHI 605—Comparative Education
- EDHI 606—Political Economy of Education in a Global Context
- EDHI 607—Culture and Education in a Global Context
- EDHI 750—International Higher Education
- PROSEMINAR—Attendance required for the first 2 years of your program (0 credits)
Research Methods (15 credits)
- EDHI 672 — Modes of Inquiry
- One quantitative course
- One qualitative course
- Two additional courses in methodological approaches most relevant to your research focus.
International Education Specialization Course Electives (12 credits)
Select four of the following or equivalents:
- EDHI 680—Gender, Education, and Development
- EDHI 681—Education for Global Peace
- EDHI 682—Ecological Ethics and Education
- EDHI 683—World Religions and Implications for Education
- EDHI 684—Alternative Education, Alternative Development
- EDHI 788—Contemplative Inquiry and Holistic Education
- EDHI 788––Education in Conflict and Emergencies
- EDHI 788—Global Climate Change and Education
- EDHI 788—International Education and Cultural Exchange
- EDHI 788—International Investigations in Cuban Education
- EDHI 805––Seminar in Comparative Education
- EDPS 624––Culture in Education Policy and Practice
- EDHI 798––Special Problems in Education
Professional and Disciplinary Course Electives (12 credits)
Courses may be selected in the areas of public policy, communications, anthropology, economics, sociology, gender studies, higher education, early childhood education, or from elsewhere in the College of Education, the University, or the Washington Consortium.
Internship - Optional (0-3 credits)
- EDHI889 — Internship in Education
Comprehensive Exam (3-6 credits)
- EDHI 898 —Pre-Candidacy Research (can be repeated)
Doctoral Dissertation (12 credits only)
- EDHI 899—Dissertation Research
Specializations
This specialization examines educational issues in contexts of conflict and emergencies, such as under conditions of war, forced migration, epidemic and pandemic, and climate disaster. Students gain familiarity with global humanitarian frameworks and interventions in Education in Emergencies, as well as national, local, and school-based responses in different parts of the world. Through critical and reflective exploration of theoretical, conceptual, and practical dimensions, students work to advance their contributions to related research, institutions, and educational contexts.
Possible courses include:
- Education in Conflict and Emergencies (EDHI788J)
- Education for Global Peace (EDHI 681)
- Global Climate Change and Education: Policy and Practice (EDHI788F)
Intercultural education is of paramount importance in today’s world where contact across cultures is increasing exponentially. This specialization offers an examination of the fundamental issues that combines culture, education, and development. These issues have recently been gaining importance to universities as they respond to globalization through internationalization initiatives, programming, and policy. This specialization offers an examination of the higher education context in which those initiatives take place.
Possible courses include:
- Education and Culture in a Global Context (EDHI607)
- International Higher Education (EDHI750)
- International Education and Cultural Exchange: Policies and Practices (EDHI788T)
- International Investigations in Cuban Education (EDHI788X)
Though attention to class, gender, race, and ethnicity permeates the courses in the IEP program, students can develop a specialization in gender and development which seeks to enhance their understanding of how gender operates in society and thus influences a variety of educational outcomes. Students are prepared to draw policy implications and design concrete practices to diminish the negative impact of gender and to increase individual and collective action toward its transformation.
Possible courses include
- Gender, Development and Education (EDHI680)
- Approaches to Women’s Studies (WMST602)
- Gender and Development (WMST698R)
This specialization provides students with an understanding of conditions, global and local, that lead to wars, conflicts, environmental destruction and climate change. It informs students of theories and practices in peace and sustainability education for peace building and preservation of nature. Also emphasized are understanding of political, economic, cultural, religious, and educational contexts for peace and sustainability. Peace is defined as a deep respect for each other as human beings, and for nature with sustainable ecological ethics. Further, peace is seen as being achieved through both external efforts and internal endeavors to cultivate wisdom and equanimity. Through coursework, students study alternative and transformative paradigms and acquire practical knowledge for peace and sustainability education.
Possible courses include:
- Education for Global Peace (EDHI681)
- World Religions and Implication for Education (EDHI683)
- Global Climate Change and Education: Policy and Practice (EDHI788F)
- Contemplative Inquiry and Holistic Education (EDHI788)
The term “political economy” is a contested one but generally has to do with a broad and integrated understanding of the politics and economics of issues. This specialization offers students an understanding of the debates about the theory and practice of political economy, current educational policies, and their relationship to development.
Possible courses include:
- Political Economy of Education and Development (EDHI606)
- Alternative Education, Alternative Development (EDHI684)
- International Investigations in Cuban Education (EDHI788X)
NOTE: In addition to the above specializations, you have the option to create other specializations. Past students have developed specializations in professional areas such as early childhood education, special education, primary and secondary education, teacher education, education leadership, education policy, higher education and public health education. Others have explored specializations in social science disciplines and applied areas such as anthropology, economics, public policy, sociology and women’s studies.
As a student at the University of Maryland, you'll have access to many specializations across campus and beyond. We encourage students to take additional courses not just within the IEP program, but also in other departments, colleges, and even partner schools in the region. (See the UMD DC Consortium webpage for details on schools where UMD students can enroll in classes).
Faculty
Faculty
Our faculty are selected for their expertise and experience. They provide guidance and support to help foster your academic and professional success.
Careers
Our graduates work for public and private international agencies, non-governmental organizations, think tanks and universities, both in the U.S. and abroad.
Below is a sample of the positions held by IEP graduates.
- General Secretary of Education International
- Chief of Staff, United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education
- Head of Programs & Partnerships, U.N. Sustainable Development Goals Academy
- Professor and Chair, Education Department, Kenya Methodist University
- Director of International Education, College Board, NY
- Executive Director, Global Teacher Education/Educator, Smithsonian
- Senior Program Officer, United States Institute of Peace
- CFO, Dream Corps International, Beijing, China
- Director of Education and Literacy, Nascent Solutions, Inc.
- Chairwoman, Society for International Development, Creative Associates
Contact Us
Contact Us
