International Comparative Education MA

Comparative and International Education (CIE – code: COMP)

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

For students admitted for Fall 2023 and later: 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)

• ITSF 4009: Introduction to Research Methods in International & Comparative Education

• One additional  ITSF Research Methods Course (other options available in consultation with your advisor).

Area 2: Cluster Courses (at least 9 credits)

• Courses counting towards the cluster 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 3 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 least 6 credits that are at TC but outside of the International and Comparative Education Program. This could take the form of two 3-credit courses, three 2-credit courses, or any other combination agreed upon by students and their academic advisors.

• All non-ITSF courses at TC count as TC breadth electives.

• 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.

1. Integrative Project (IP) (at least 2 credits)

• ITSF 4195 IResearch and Writing Seminar in International and Comparative Education

Additional notes:

• Completion of an IP is required for the M.A. degree. Please see below for the Guidelines for Master’s Integrative Project (IP) on this website.

• 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 Advisor is available to guide students through the completion of the IP.

• All students are required to take ITSF 4195 Research and Writing Seminar in International and Comparative Education (2-3 units) 1 to 2 semesters before they plan to graduate.

• Students who are working on the IP but are not registered for any other classes may register for ITSF 4200.

1. Graduation

• While it is possible to complete the M.A. degree within one academic year (fall semester, spring semester, and summer session), the majority of students complete the degree in two years.

• In order to graduate, students must apply online through the myTC portal. See the graduation checklist page for details. Once the IP is completed, the student’s faculty advisor must approve it through Degree Audit. Students must submit a soft copy of the IP to the Program Assistant. Students will complete a release form indicating whether or not they grant permission for the IP to be viewed by other students. 

For students enrolled before Fall 2023: 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 ITSF 4200 or IND 4000.

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.