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Higher Education, Student Affairs, & International Education Policy–International Education Policy Concentration, M.A.

Master of Arts
At a Glance
Avg. Duration

1.5-2 years

Required Credits

30

Course Load

Full-time, Part-Time

Location

On-Campus

Application Deadline

December 17, 2024

FAFSA Deadline

June 30, 2025

Tuition (estimate)
  • In-State - $12,540
  • Out-of-State - $26,490
  • More Info
At a Glance
Avg. Duration

1.5-2 years

Required Credits

30

Course Load

Full-time, Part-Time

Location

On-Campus

Application Deadline

December 17, 2024

FAFSA Deadline

June 30, 2025

Tuition (estimate)
  • In-State - $12,540
  • Out-of-State - $26,490
  • More Info
Program Overview

Designed for those entering the field, seeking career advancement or planning further study, this program equips you for roles in public and private international agencies, NGOs, think tanks and universities worldwide. With a focus on the intersection of education with economic, political, and social development, students explore educational policies and practices from local to global levels.

Beyond the core courses, the program is designed to be tailored for your background and career goals. You can design your own specialization or choose one of ours:

  • Education in Conflict and Emergencies
  • Gender and Development
  • Intercultural Education and International Student Exchange
  • Peace and Environmental Education
  • Political Economy of Education and Development

Key Features

  • Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Explore the complex interplay between education and development through courses covering comparative education, political economy, culture, and more.
  • D.C. Advantage: Located near the nation's capital, students benefit from proximity to internships, employment opportunities, seminars, and workshops with leading experts and organizations in the field.
  • Cost-Effective Education: Benefit from our reputation as a "best value college," offering a high-quality education at a lower tuition rate than at many other universities. We are dedicated to making quality education accessible to all. 
Top 20
Best Education Policy Program by U.S. News & World Report
Learning Goals
  • Develop a deep understanding of educational policies and practices in diverse socio-cultural contexts, from local to global levels.
  • Acquire advanced research and analytical skills necessary for addressing complex educational challenges and opportunities.
  • Gain expertise in specialized areas such as Education in Conflict and Emergencies, Gender and Development, or other self-designed specializations.
  • Contribute to educational and social change through critical reflection, policy analysis and innovative practices.
Career Options

Graduates of the program pursue a wide range of career paths, including:

  • Program officers or consultants in international development organizations (e.g., World Bank, USAID).
  • Directors of NGOs and non-profit organizations focusing on humanitarian assistance, gender equity, or environmental education.
  • Policy analysts or researchers in government agencies, think tanks, or international education organizations.
  • Academic advisors or administrators in universities and colleges, particularly in international student services or study abroad programs.
“The classes I have taken have widened my knowledge on the field of education and helped develop my research skills. Also, thanks to this program, I recently was able to embark on my first ever study abroad experience in Cuba which was one of the most rewarding trips of my life thus far. I leave this program wiser, advanced and enlightened.”

Omobosola Olabisi, International Education Policy Student

How to Apply

Information on admissions and application to this program can be found on the University Graduate Admissions website.

Admission Requirements          Guide to Applying

Program Requirements

This program is distinguished by the development of a unique program of study to suit the needs of each student. Initial program plans are flexible and are usually revised throughout a student's graduate work, as particular directions and their implications for coursework develop.

International Education Policy Handbook

Select two of the following courses and the Proseminar:

  • EDHI 605—Comparative Education 
  • EDHI 606—Political Economy of Education in a Global Context 
  • EDHI 607—Culture and Education in a Global
  • PROSEMINAR—Attendance required for first 2 years of program (0 credits)
  • EDHI 672—Modes of Inquiry 
  • An introductory course to quantitative methods or qualitative methods
  • An additional methods course if a master’s thesis option is selected

Select two to 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 750—International Higher Education 
  • 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

Courses may be selected in the areas of public policy, communications, anthropology, economics, sociology, gender studies, higher education, early childhood education, or elsewhere in the College of Education, the University, or the Washington Consortium.

  • EDHI889 — Internship in Education

Select one (registration required):

  • EDHI679 — Master's Seminar
  • EDHI799 — Master's Thesis Research
Faculty

Our faculty are chosen for their expertise and dedication; they provide exceptional guidance and support to foster your academic and professional success.

Contact
Zeena Zakharia headshot
Dr. Zeena Zakharia
Admissions Director
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IEP Graduate Assistant
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Carol Scott
Coordinator