Comparative And International Development Education

Emphasis under revision, see department for additional information.

Comparative and International Development Education (CIDE) emphasizes research and theory in the context of classroom and field application. They generally culminate in an intensive research project and final oral examination. The program is for applicants interested in the following areas of inquiry:

Studies of education and international development

Studies of education and academic achievement

Studies of education and community development

Studies of multi-cultural and non-formal education

Studies of education and globalization

Cross-national studies of education

Comparative studies of education systems

Comparative studies of education outcomes

A. The Program

The CIDE program emphasis is designed to prepare students to be development specialists and education leaders capable of conducting policy-oriented research and evaluation, critically analyzing existing practice and research findings, and developing improved development and educational programs and policies. Graduates serve in a wide variety of settings in developing and developed countries, such as: universities, national, regional, and local governmental education agencies; bilateral and multilateral aid agencies; philanthropic foundations; private consulting organizations; research and evaluation institutes and think tanks; non-governmental organizations; and community-based development groups. It also prepares graduates for doctoral studies and to serve in university, ministries of education and consulting in private and non-profit organizations, government and international agencies. Comparative and International Development Education (CIDE) specialists will be suited to meet the various demands in a wide range of emphases pertinent to educational development. Skills to meet such demands are developed in relation to a specific area of educational specialization and with special emphasis on understanding the influence of the social, political, and cultural context of education on economic development. The program has strong emphases on expansion of educational opportunity, analysis of education quality, assessment of academic achievement, cost-benefit analysis, public and private finance, curricular and gender issues, the legal basis for educational policy and political challenges facing education systems in transition economies.

B. Program Objectives

Graduate students are exposed to the role of the social, economic, scientific, political, and cultural sectors in educational development. The CIDE program blends theoretical foundations, methodological perspectives and practical experiences related to education, human development, and the sustainability of development initiatives. The program is designed so that with the help of an academic advisor, students take a required core curriculum that examines essential perspectives on education, select courses from those offered within/outside the program core, and supplement these with courses outside the program. The curriculum of CIDE program aims to:

Build student’s technical competence in the basic tools of research, analysis, and effective design and implementation of educational policy.

Provide academic and professional tract option for students to apply acquired skills and knowledge.

Educate students about global educational transformation, including current thinking on educational reform, globalization and resource allocation.

Develop their theoretical and practical understanding of key issues relating to education and development both in general terms and with respect to their chosen specialties.

Enhance critical awareness of the dynamics of educational change at the local, national and/or international levels.

Develop research and evaluation skills which could be applied in their future professional settings.

The CIDE program curriculum revolves around the following areas of study:

The professional education core; the social context of international education and development; methodology; comparative education and policy planning; electives; and the thesis or non-thesis option.

Graduates of the CIDE program pursue careers in teaching, consulting, government and international agencies, such as the IMF, World Bank, bilateral aid agencies such as USAID, private and government foundations, and private non-profit organizations and education advocacy groups. Students will be encouraged and assisted to find relevant internships to advance the initial stages of their careers.

The CIDE program is selective and is limited to ten part and full-time students each year. All new students begin the program as a cohort in the summer semester. A geographical balance of students will be sought.

C. Study Methods

The CIDE program has a distinctive approach to teaching, learning and assessment based on a careful study of the requirements of mid-career professionals. Much of the time is spent in structured seminar discussion, in which all course members participate. Students are able to pursue specialist interests through appropriately designed reading and project work supported by individual tutorials. There are many opportunities to take advantage of post-graduate level activities related to education and development across the University.

D. Degree Requirements

The M.Ed. in CIDE requires the completion of a minimum of 41 semester hours of graduate level course work (including thesis) with a 3.0 GPA. Typically a course meeting once a week throughout the semester is three credits. A maximum of six (6) semester hours of graduate work may be transferred to the program from other universities upon approval by the master’s program committee. The 41 semester hours are to be completed in accordance with the program curriculum.

M. ED PROGRAM OF STUDY