Student Handbook 2020-2021
In 1899, Teachers College (TC) became the first graduate institution in the United States to develop a program that is now called International and Comparative Education. Program faculty members co-founded the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) in 1954. By the 1960s, TC also became instrumental in the study of international development of education, establishing the program in International Educational Development. In addition to actively participating in the work of various centers and institutes within the Department of International and Transcultural Studies, faculty members of the program conduct research around the globe and play a prominent role in international initiatives at TC and beyond.
The International and Comparative Education Program has two separate tracks, Comparative and International Education (CIE) and International Educational Development (IED). The difference between them is that CIE is based on an academic discipline in the social sciences while IED is based on a professional specialization of education. Students in both tracks specify a concentration. Students may specify a geographical area of interest. The regional areas of concentration may include Africa, the Caribbean, Central Asia, East Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and the U.S. (for a transcultural/immigration focus).
The program is designed to provide students with challenging course work related to international and transcultural dimensions of education. Program requirements include work in four areas: a core curriculum, a concentration that is either an academic discipline (for CIE track) or a professional field of education (for IED track), courses with a transcultural or geographic focus, and elective credits. The program is designed to be as flexible as possible so that previous educational and professional experience and the future career goals of the student can be taken into account in the choice of appropriate course work. Students are expected to assume major responsibility for formulating, in cooperation with their faculty advisor, a plan of study that will best meet the general program requirements in a way that is most compatible with their own professional goals.
The International and Comparative Education Program provides advanced preparation for professional careers in a wide range of teaching, policy and evaluation, administrative, and research roles. Graduates of the program are found in numerous educational positions, including those in academic research and teaching, educational planning, foundations, non-governmental organizations, governmental institutions, businesses and corporations, and private and public educational institutions.
International and Comparative Education Program |
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Comparative and International Education (CIE) |
International Educational Development (IED) |
Master of Arts (M.A.) |
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Master of Education (Ed.M.) |
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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) |
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) |
Click on the link below to read about our faculty for the 2020-2021 academic year
Meet our Faculty
Click on the link below to watch introduction videos and learn more about faculty research
Faculty introduction videos
Click on the link below to meet our 2020-2021 Post Doctoral Fellows
Post Doctoral Profiles Page
Click on the link below to meet program support for 2020-2021 academic year.
Program Support Profiles
PROGRAM CONCENTRATIONS
Below you will find information for the professional concentrations offered by the International and Comparative Education Program for IED students. Some concentrations have additional requirements, including core courses and internships. For more detailed information contact the program faculty liaisons.
Concentration Courses
Professional concentration courses offered within the International and Comparative Education program are included below. The list of courses under each concentration is not an exhaustive list for each area but rather a guide to help students begin the course selection process for the 2019-20 academic year. Since these courses are subject to change, check the online TC Schedule of Classes regularly for updated information. Students, in consultation with their faculty advisors, may select courses from other departments in Teachers College and other Columbia University schools such as the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the School of International and Public Affairs, and the Mailman School of Public Health. Additionally, students in consultation with their faculty advisors may also select methods courses towards their concentration requirement.
Click on the link below to read about the concentrations
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND COURSE PLANNING WORKSHEETS
This handbook includes a guide and course planning worksheets that explain the requirements for completing the degree. Use them to begin thinking ahead about your course plan.
CONCENTRATIONS
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Incoming students have already picked a concentration during the admissions process. A brief description of these can be found above
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Keep in mind that your concentration is flexible, and that you may enter in one concentration but switch to another after your second semester (with faculty advisor approval).
HOW TO FIND COURSES AND DESCRIPTIONS
- Online Course Schedule: The TC general course schedule for Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 is available online with the most recent course information. Under the “Any Subject” category, search for courses by finding “All International & Transcultural Studies courses” and selecting “ITSF (Comparative and International Education)”. The schedule is updated several times daily.
- Student Handbook: Program courses are listed in the handbook
- Brief course descriptions can be found here. In addition, some faculty members provide detailed course descriptions on their individual websites
NEXT STEPS
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Worksheet: Please create a list of 3-5 courses that you would like to take using your course planning worksheet.
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ITSF Core Courses: All incoming masters students must register for ITSF 4091: Comparative Education in the Fall semester.
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Prepare a few back-up options beyond those 3-5 classes you have selected.
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Peer Advisor: Email the list of your proposed courses to the Peer Advisor. Please include your concentration in the email so that they can best assist you.
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PIN: You should have already received the registration PIN from the Program Assistant. If you have any difficulties with the registration PIN, contact Shelinna Balbuena
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Faculty Advisor: Discuss your course plan with your faculty advisor who will give final approval for your course selection.
REGISTRATION PROCEDURES
- With the PIN that you receive (from the Peer Advisor or Program Assistant) you can register for most courses, but some require special permission from the instructor. To register for these courses, you must email the professor and copy (cc) the Program Assistant at iceinfo@tc.columbia.edu expressing your interest (just a brief sentence or two is fine) and requesting permission to enroll.
ADVISEMENT CONTACT INFORMATION
Your Faculty Advisor will be assigned to you during the summer prior to starting classes and will be available to provide advisement regarding your initial course selection and any other questions you might have at that time and throughout the academic year.
The Peer Advisor is available at peeradvisors@tc.columbia.edu to discuss your course plan and other questions related to registration for fall. During the summer months a peer advisor (typically a doctoral student) will also be available to provide advisement. In order to make the best use of the advisement, please read all of the information carefully and ask specific questions.
Download this information: Fall 2020 Registration
Download Fall 2020 schedule: ITS Courses Fall 2020
Download Spring 2021 schedule: ITS Dept Courses Spring 2021
MASTER OF ARTS (M.A.)
International Educational Development (IED – code: INTL)
Comparative and International Education (CIE – code: COMP)
1. Coursework (at least 32 graduate level credits) * The following requirements are for students beginning their M.A. in Summer/Fall 2020. Previously enrolled students should see the requirements listed in the 2019 Student Handbook.
- ITSF 4091: Comparative Education (Fall 2020)
- ITSF 4090: Issues and Institutions in International Educational Development (Spring 2021)
- Two ITSF Research Methods Course (other options available in consultation with your advisor).
- M.A. coursework falls into four broad areas:
Area 1: Core Courses (12 credits)
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 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.
2. Integrative Project (IP)
- Completion of an IP is required for the M.A. degree. Please see 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.
- Students who are working on the IP but are not registered for any other classes may register for IND 4000 (Master’s Candidate).
3. 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 for details. Once the IP is completed, the student’s faculty advisor must approve it through Degree Audit. As per New York State requirements, 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.
Download Course Planning Worksheet (General): MA Course Planning Worksheet 2020-21
Download Course Planning Worksheet - International Policy and Planning Concentration: MA Course Planning Worksheet - IPP 2020-21
Download Course Planning Worksheet - Languages, Literacies, and Cultures Concentration: MA Course Planning Worksheet - LLC 2020-21
MASTER OF EDUCATION (Ed.M.)
International Educational Development (IED – code: INTL)
Comparative and International Education (CIE – code: COMP)
1. Coursework (at least 60 graduate level credits, including up to 30 transferred credits) * The following requirements are for students beginning their Ed.M.. in Summer/Fall 2020. Previously enrolled students should see the requirements listed in the 2019 Student Handbook.
- ITSF 4091: Comparative Education (Fall 2020)
- ITSF 4090: Issues and Institutions in International Educational Development (Spring 2021)
- Two ITSF Research Methods Course (other options available in consultation with your advisor).
- Ed.M. coursework falls into four broad areas:
Area 1: Core Courses (12 credits)
Area 2: Concentration (at least 18 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.
- 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 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.
- 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 recognized 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, and (3) granted/assigned credit on the transcript of that institution, may be considered for transfer credit. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the faculty advisor. 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 Program Assistant, who will then contact the student with further instructions. The entire process can take several months.
2. Integrative Project (IP)
- Completion of an IP is required for the Ed.M. degree. Please see 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 topic has been approved, the IP Advisor is 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 (Master’s Candidate).
3. Graduation
- Full-time students who transfer the full 30 credits can complete the Ed.M. degree within one academic year (fall semester, spring semester, and summer session); however, most students take 1.5 to 2 year to complete this degree.
- In order to graduate, students must apply online through the myTC portal. See the graduation checklist for details. Once the IP is completed, the student’s faculty advisor must approve it through Degree Audit. As per New York State requirements, 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.
Download Course Planning Worksheet: EdM Course Planning Worksheet 20-21
All degrees in the International and Comparative Education Program require core courses (Area 1), which includes at least one methods course. For students beginning their M.A. or Ed.M. in the Summer or Fall of 2020, two research methods courses are requirements. Previously enrolled students are required to complete one methods course. The following are research methods courses offered both within the International and Transcultural Studies Department (ITS) as well as in other TC Departments. These courses are subject to change, so check the online TC Course Schedule regularly for updated information.
- Please note that if you plan to take a methods course outside of the ITS department, you need to get the approval of your faculty advisor. Additionally, some of the courses have special fees or require instructor’s permission.
- Additional research methods courses are offered at other Columbia University schools, such as GSAS and SIPA. You can find these in the Columbia Directory of Courses: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/bulletin/uwb/.
ITS Department Methods Courses
Fall 2020
ITSF |
4009-001 |
Introduction to Research Methods |
Aklog, F. |
ITSF |
4009-002 |
Introduction to Research Methods |
Salmon-Letelier, S. |
ITSF |
5000 |
Methods of Inquiry: Ethnography & Participant Observation |
Tawasil, A. |
ITSF |
5001 |
Advanced Methods: Ethnography and Participant Observation |
Limerick, N. |
TC Methods Courses
Fall 2020
C&T |
6011 |
Introduction to Qualitative Research in Curriculum and Teaching |
Knight-Manuel, M . |
C&T |
6021 |
Qualitative Inquiry |
Ghiso, M. |
EDPA |
4002 |
Data Analysis Policy Decision Making |
Ready, D. |
EDPA |
5002 |
Data Analysis Policy Decision Making II |
Matsudaira J. |
EDPA |
6002 |
Quantitative Methods Evaluation Education Policies |
Cohodes, S |
EDPS |
5199 |
Issues in Advanced Qualitative Research Methods |
Wells, A. |
HUDK |
4050 |
Core Methods Educational Data Mining |
Lang, C. |
HUDM |
4050 |
Introduction to Measurement |
Lee, Y. |
HUDM |
4120-002 |
Basic Concepts in Statistics |
Lee, Y. |
HUDM |
4120-010 |
Basic Concepts in Statistics |
Rock, J. |
HUDM |
4122-001 |
Probability/Statistical Inference |
Corter, J. |
HUDM |
4122-002 |
Probability/Statistical Inference |
Corter, J. |
HUDM |
4122-003 |
Probability/Statistical Inference |
Matlosz, K. |
HUDM |
4122-010 |
Proability/Statistical Inference |
Zahner, D. |
HUDM |
4125 |
Statistical Inference |
Marchev, D. |
HUDM |
5026 |
Intro to Data Analysis in R |
Marchev, D. |
HUDM |
5059 |
Psychological Measurement |
DeCarlo, L. |
HUDM |
5122-001 |
Applied Regression Analysis |
Patelis, T. |
HUDM |
5122 002 |
Applied Regression Analysis |
Patelis, T. |
HUDM |
5122-010 |
Applied Regression Analysis |
Dean, M. |
HUDM |
5123 |
Linear Models Experimental Design |
Keller, B. |
HUDM |
5126 |
Linear Models and Regression Analysis |
Marchev, D. |
HUDM |
6055 |
Latent Structure Analysis |
DeCarlo, L. |
ORL |
5521-001 |
Intro to Research Methods in Education |
Stilwell, R. |
ORL |
5521-002 |
Intro to Research Methods in Education |
TBA |
ORL |
5524 |
Instrument Design & Validation |
Chatterji, M. |
ORL |
6501-001 |
Qualitative Research Method Orgs: Data Analysis and Reporting |
Marsick, V. Fischer, R. |
ORL |
6501-002 |
Qualitative Research Method Orgs: Data Analysis Design |
Maltbia, T. |
ORLJ |
4009-001 |
Understanding Behavioral Research |
Chatterji, M. |
ORLJ |
4009-002 |
Understanding Behavioral Research |
Perry, E. |
ORLJ |
4009-003 |
Understanding Behavioral Research |
Perry, E. |
HOW TO REGISTER FOR COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY CLASSES: Cross Registration information
For more detailed information, visit the Office of the Registrar Website
OTHER REGISTRATION OPTIONS: Occasionally, Columbia courses do not load properly in TC’s system, and you will not be able to register online. If you enter a Columbia call number and your request is rejected, simply e-mail registrar@tc.columbia.edu. We will process the registration for you. You can confirm your registration through the myTC Portal one or two business days after sending your registration request.
TUITION: Be aware that you will be billed according to Columbia’s tuition rates based on the school in which you register. However, please remit any balance due to TC’s Student Accounts Office, even if the tuition due is for a Columbia course.
GRADES: Course instructors will submit grades to the Columbia Registrar. The TC Registrar will obtain your course grades from Columbia near the end of each semester as instructors submit grades. You can view your Columbia grades through the myTC Portal along with your TC grades.
CONSULT YOUR PEER ADVISOR AND FACULTY ADVISOR: Before considering any course outside of TC, we recommend that you consult with your faculty advisor on how that course will fit in your plan of study. In addition, please review the applicable policies on credit for advanced undergraduate courses and on non-TC credit limits for registration outside of TC. Failure to speak to your advisor or to check into the appropriate policies before registering might delay your graduation and have unintended financial consequences. Finally, our affiliate institutions may have academic calendars that differ slightly from TC's. Please review these calendars online (at affiliates' web sites) before you decide to cross-register.
The Certificate of Equivalency (COE) allows students who are registered for fewer than six (or 12) points to become either half- or full-time based on the number of hours spent working on schoolwork outside of class time. A student’s workload may include any combination of courses, work, research, or special studies that TC considers sufficient to classify them as full-time. As such, there are certain educational experiences outside of the classroom that could constitute equivalency of a credit/point. For example, students who are gaining work experience in an internship (and are enrolled in a credit-bearing internship course), or doctoral-level students who are working on writing and defending their dissertation are appropriate and eligible for COE hours.
- Students should submit a COE request along with the following information (documented on a separate piece of paper): 1) an academic plan, and 2) expected outcome(s). For part-time equivalence, students need to show 18 hours per week of work (x 15 weeks to equal 1 semester). For full-time equivalence, students need to show 36 hours per week of work (x 15 weeks to equal 1 semester). Students are encouraged to provide an outline of the weekly activities as per the needed # of hours listed above. Student should include their name and T number on this separate sheet in case it gets separated from the COE form itself.
- Doctoral students enrolled in ITSF 6200 (Fieldwork overseas), ITSF 7500 (Dissertation Seminar in International and Transcultural Studies), or ITSF 8900 (Dissertation Advisement) do NOT need to submit a COE as these courses are the equivalent of full-time status.
- Master’s students enrolled in ITSF 4200 (Integrative Project Research & Writing Practicum) do NOT need to submit a COE as these courses are the equivalent of full-time status.
Additional Guidelines for International Students
For the 2020-21 academic year, international students must enroll in 12 points to show full-time status. International students may submit a Request for Reduced Course Load (RCL) to the Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) for one of the following reasons:
- Initial difficulty with the English language or with academic adjustment during their first semester (Note: this does not apply to students who have pursued or earned a previous degree in the U.S)
- Documented illness or medical condition
- Final semester
International students in their final semester only in the master's program have two options:
- If students are registered for any credits/billable hours (including as little as 1 credit), they can submit a Request for Reduced Course Load from the Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS). They submit this form electronically via MyTC. Faculty advisors will then be prompted to approve students' requests through an electronic form that will come to you. They do not need to request a COE.
- If students have completed all of their required degree credits and only have their IPs to complete, they should register for ITSF 4200 (Integrative Project Research & Writing Practicum) for a minimum of 1 credit, which is the equivalent of full-time status. They do not need to request a COE.
Important points for all COEs
- All COEs must be signed by the faculty advisor. Faculty advisors or the I&CE Program Assistant can email these to registrar@tc.columbia.edu directly or the Program Assistant can submit the hard copies to the Office of the Registrar (when the campus re-opens in the future).
- The Registrar will NOT process or amend any COE forms after the drop/add deadline.
Housing & Residential Life Policies that Intersect with Course Registration Policies and Academic Advising
Students must be enrolled in at least one billable credit to live in housing for the current semester. Students need at least 9 credits, of which 6 must be billable, to be eligible for housing for the upcoming semester and renewing year. There are a number of courses that now count as full-time, i.e. 6200, 7500, and 8900, and allow students to remain in housing.
Housing and Residential Life also have a Special Cases Committee to review any situation that does not meet the minimum requirements.
An Integrative Project (IP) is required for the completion of the master’s degree (both M.A. and Ed.M.), and represents an extraordinary opportunity for students to apply the knowledge base they have developed during their time within the program. The IP allows students to deepen their research skills, and advance knowledge in their area of study and interest. There are four types of IPs: empirical research paper or proposal, theoretical exploration, policy study or curriculum design and development.
Click the link below for guidelines and detailed descriptions of the types of IPs.
APPLYING FOR GRADUATION CHECKLIST
Students:
☐ Finish courses according to your timeline (e.g. 1 year, 1.5 years, 2 years).
☐ Review your progress with your academic advisor.
☐ Apply online to graduate:
☐ Log in to myTC
☐ Click on the Student Resources Tab. Under Enrollment Services click Apply to Graduate.
☐ Select the latest term (eg. Spring 2020) and click submit.
☐ Select the degree you are applying for.
☐ Select the term you are planning to apply for and click submit.
☐ Indicate whether you will be attending convocation.
☐ Enter your preferred name for your degree and mailing address.
☐ Review the information and click “Submit Request”
☐ Complete your IP by the deadline.
Contact the Office of the Registrar if you have any questions or encounter any issues while applying to graduate.
Advisors:
☐ Review progress with students prior to their completing the online degree application.
☐ Confirm completion of the IP by the deadline.
Important Dates:
For Degree to be Awarded in:
|
Approval of Project by Advisor
|
Degree Audit Submitted to Advisor |
First Draft of Project Paper Due |
Final Draft of Project Paper Due to Advisor |
Master’s Project/IP Approval Deadline |
May 2021 |
December 1st |
February 1st |
March 1st |
April 1st |
April 30th |
February 2021 |
May 1st |
November 1st |
October 15th |
December 1st |
January 2nd |
October 2021 |
May 1st |
August 1st |
June 15th |
August 1st |
September 1st |
Click the link below to download the Master's Degree Graduation Checklist:
Graduation Checklist 2020-2021
Internships are an important part of the student experience in the International and Comparative Education Program and are strongly encouraged. Internships positively impact and reinforce the education and training provided to students, contribute to the work of education organizations in the field, as well as enhance future employment prospects. For example, they provide the opportunity to gain more practical exposure to the working world, to apply skills and knowledge in real-life settings, and to network with practitioners and other stakeholders in international and comparative education. Detailed guidelines for internships can be found in the attached pdf: Internship Guidelines 2020-21
Students who have completed internships in the field of international and comparative education are encouraged to share reflections on their experience. For further information on internships and career resources, refer to the Program website or contact Erika Kessler (elk2144@tc.columbia.edu) or Puskar Joshi (prj2116@tc.columbia.edu).
ITS Workshops
This workshop series provides a venue for faculty and students from the International and Transcultural Studies (ITS) Department, as well as from other programs, departments, and universities, to present scholarly research, to discuss work in progress, and to further develop our scholarly community. The scope of the workshop is, by design, deliberately broad and inclusive, ranging from work on large-scale educational policy to the study of micro interactions in the classroom. Meetings are organized around one or a pair of presentations by faculty and graduate students (at all stages of study).
Students are encouraged to actively participate in the workshops and, as a rule, ask the first question to the speaker. An additional feature of the workshop is to provide opportunities for professional development, including learning how to use new software programs, managing a dataset, or discussing a relevant topic for the field of International and Comparative Education. Past sessions have focused on Qualtrics, a web-based tool for building sophisticated surveys, and how to deliver effective academic presentations. The workshop meets once a month during the fall and spring semesters. Look out for the ITS Workshop dates in the Notes from Grace Dodge Hall weekly emails. For any further information on the workshops, please contact Shelinna Balbuena at iceinfo@tc.columbia.edu.
Notes from Grace Dodge Hall
The Notes from Grace Dodge Hall arrive in your TC email every week. Make sure to read the Notes since they have important information that is updated on a weekly basis regarding program updates and deadlines, faculty office hours, scheduled events, and professional development opportunities. You can also use the Notes from Grace Dodge Hall for program related announcements and information that you would like to share with your colleagues. To post in the Notes, contact the Program Assistant.
Current Issues in Comparative Education (CICE) Journal
Current Issues in Comparative Education (CICE) is an international, online, open access journal inviting diverse opinions of academics, practitioners and students. CICE shares its home with the oldest program in comparative education in the U.S., the International and Comparative Education Program, founded in 1898 at Teachers College, Columbia University. Established in March 1997 by a group of doctoral students, CICE is dedicated to serve as a platform for debate and discussion of contemporary educational matters worldwide. We welcome submissions from professors, researchers, students, advocates, policymakers, and practitioners.
The publication of the CICE Journal is a student-led initiative at TC that is made possible by its editorial team. There are a number of opportunities for doctoral and master’s students to join the committee. It is an excellent opportunity to gain exposure in academic research and publishing, and students are encouraged to get involved and learn more about the work of CICE in the program. To find out more about how you can be part of the CICE team, subscribe to the journal, or submit an abstract, contact cice@tc.columbia.edu.
Please check out the CICE website, accessible from the program webpage, join on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cicejournal, and follow CICE on Twitter @TC_CICE.
Important Resources at TC
The Graduate Writing Center
Highly recommended by all Program Faculty, the Graduate Writing Center (GWC) is a branch of the Office of Students Affairs and offers a variety of free writing services to the Teachers College community. During private consultations, visitors have the opportunity to focus on any aspect of their writing with one of the qualified advisors. The types of assistance offered are on both the micro and macro levels, including brainstorming, organizing, drafting, as well as writing coaching and instruction. The GWC also offers workshops throughout the year on topics that meet the wide-reaching needs of the TC population, as well as writing solidarity events and retreats for dissertation writers. The mission of the GWC is to support visitors’ development as writers, rather than serve as a proofreading or editing service.
Online scheduling: https://www.gwc.mywconline.com
Phone: (212) 678-3789
Email: writingcenter@tc.edu
Office: Horace Mann, Room 44
TC Next
Invaluable for its support in creating and updating resumes and year-round workshops and events to support students in planning their careers, TC Next offers career counseling appointments, career document review, and mock interviews. Call 212-678-3140 to set up an appointment for a confidential one-hour career counseling session. Alternatively, stop by for a “quick” (10-15 minutes on a first-come, first-serve basis) counseling appointment with one of the career counselors. The website also features CV, resume, and cover letter examples as well as provides sources for the job search and networking. Don’t miss the Career Fairs, Employer Showcases, and information sessions!
Email: careereducation@tc.edu
Office: 528 West 121st St., Room 162
Phone: (212) 678-3140
Website: www.tc.columbia.edu/TCNext
Information Technology:
For information regarding your TC Email, the course platform called Canvas, TC Apps, or other related matters please visit the Computing and Information Services (CIS) website: http:www.tc.columbia.edu/tcit
Phone: (212) 678-3300
Social Media:
Please join the program on Facebook at ‘International & Comparative Education TC, CU.’
https://www.facebook.com/TCCU.ICeducation
Follow us on Twitter @TC_ICeducation
Important Offices
Office of the Registrar (for transferring credits and degree information)
Location: 528 West 121st St., Room 324
Phone: (212) 678-4050
Web page: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/registrar
Office of Financial Aid
Location: 528 West 121st St., Room 310
Phone: (212) 678-3714
Web page: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/financial-aid
Office of Doctoral Studies
Location: 528 West 121st St., Room 324
Phone: (212) 678-4050
Web page: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/doctoral
Office of International Students and Scholars
Location: L5 Whittier Hall
Phone: (212) 678-3939
Web Page: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/international
Office of Student Affairs
Location: 528 West 121st St., Room 155
Phone: (212) 678-3690
Web Page: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/studentaffairs
Office of Career Education & Professional Development
Location: 44 Horace Mann Hall
Phone: (212) 678-3140
Web Page: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/career-education
We uphold the highest standards of academic integrity at Teachers College and in the International and Comparative Education program. Plagiarism--that is, taking someone else's work or ideas and presenting them as your own--is an offense that we take very seriously. It is a student’s responsibility to carefully read Teachers College's full policy about academic integrity and to understand that students who plagiarize will face disciplinary action, including expulsion. Please note that using one’s own work for multiple academic purposes is also a form of plagiarism.
Please read the excerpts below from the TC Student Code of Conduct on Academic Integrity (also available here), which explain the full spectrum of what plagiarism entails as well as the disciplinary actions that can be taken.
When a faculty member identifies an act of plagiarism, they will share the name(s) of the students with the Program Director and their plans for responding to the situation. Faculty are kept apprised of plagiarism incidents so that we can monitor the situation across all of our courses and intervene appropriately.
We strongly encourage all students to take advantage of workshops and resources on what plagiarism is and follow the APA guidelines closely. Please visit the TC Graduate Writing Center for more information about upcoming events. If you have any questions about your understanding of academic integrity, please do not hesitate to contact your faculty advisor, our Program Director, or Program Assistant.
STUDENT CONDUCT CODE: ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
2.1 Professional and Ethical Standards: TC is an academic community whose most fundamental purpose is the pursuit of knowledge. High principles of academic integrity are essential to the functioning and continued growth of this community. Students, as well as faculty, are responsible for adhering to these principles, and TC will not tolerate any abuse of academic integrity. Students who intentionally or recklessly submit work either not their own or without clear attribution to the original source, fabricate data or other information, engage in cheating, or misrepresentation of academic records may be subject to charges. Those who violate academic and professional ethics should expect sanctions up to and including dismissal from TC.
2.2 Responsibilities of Community Members: Every member of the TC academic community is responsible for upholding the standards of professionalism and ethics declared in this policy.
2.2.1 If a student is unsure whether actions might constitute a violation of academic integrity, he or she has the responsibility to consult with the instructor in advance about any ambiguities.
2.3 Violations of academic integrity include but are not limited to:
2.3.1 Cheating: using or attempting to use unauthorized assistance, material, or study aids in examinations or other academic work;
2.3.2 Plagiarism: using the ideas, data, or language of another without specific or proper acknowledgement;
2.3.3 Fabrication: submitting contrived or altered information in any academic exercise, such as making up data, citing nonexistent articles, contriving events and sources of information;
2.3.4 Duplicate submissions: submitting any work submitted to fulfill another assignment without appropriate revision to meet the instructional goals of the current course. In cases of uncertainty or ambiguity, a student should check with his/her instructor;
2.3.5 Misrepresentation of academic records, or attempting to tamper with transcripts or any portion of a student’s academic record;
2.3.6 Facilitating academic dishonesty by knowingly helping another student to violate academic integrity;
2.3.7 Unfair advantage through attempting to gain unauthorized access to examination materials, or obstructing another student’s efforts.
Excerpted from the Student Conduct Code: Academic Integrity and General Misconduct. For the entire text, please visit http://www.tc.columbia.edu/policylibrary/student-conduct-code.
The following information may be helpful to International Students. For more information and additional resources, please visit the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS).
Full-time Course Load and Full-time Equivalency:
International students with F-1 or J-1 visas are required to pursue a full-time course of study throughout the academic year. At Teachers College, full-time study requires registration for 12 credits of coursework or the equivalent during the Fall and Spring semesters.
In certain circumstances, an F-1 student may request authorization to engage in a reduced course of study (part-time study). You must request pre-approval for a reduced course of study directly from the Office of International Students and Scholars. Please note that authorization for a reduced course of study may be granted only for the following situations:
- Initial difficulty with the English language or with academic adjustment (Students who have completed previous undergraduate or graduate work in the United States are not eligible for this type of reduced course load).
- Documented illness or medical condition.
- Final semester: Students in their last semester may request a waiver for the number of credits necessary to complete their degree or enroll in ITSF 4200 for at least 1 credit. For more information see Certificate of Equivalency and Reduced Courseload Information in this handbook.
For more information about each of these situations, please visit the OIS website. You may request approval for a reduced course load by downloading and submitting to the OIS a Reduced Courseload Request Form.
Employment and Internships:
Continuing students who have completed at least one semester of study at TC may become eligible for on-campus employment. After one academic year, most students will become eligible to apply for off-campus employment. International students may also work as graduate research or teaching assistants. Consult the OIS with specific questions regarding employment eligibility.
Travel:
International students who will be traveling internationally must obtain a travel signature on their I-20 form for re-entry into the United States. OIS recommends that you come to the OIS at least 2 weeks before you intend to travel outside the U.S. to obtain a travel signature and to confirm that you have the required documents to re-enter the U.S.
Presentation Funding For International Students:
International students who have had a paper selected for presentation at a conference can apply for a grant for presentation funding from the Office of International Service. For more information, please visit the OIS website.
For more information, visit the OISS FAQ website
Many students in the program choose to travel abroad for internships or research. All international travel conducted as a registered student of Teachers College, in order to fulfill degree requirements, or funded by Teachers College, should be registered with the Office of Risk Management.
The following guidelines are designed to help students prepare for international travel. More detailed information can be found by reading The Teachers College Policy on International Travel or visiting the website for Risk Management: https://www.tc.columbia.edu/controller/risk-management/.
Before Deciding To Travel:
- Ensure you have the appropriate visas to leave and re-enter the United States and to enter the country you intend to travel to.
- Familiarize yourself with political, health, crime, and other safety-related conditions prevailing in the country you will be visiting.
- Determine whether the country and country region is listed on the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory as Level 3 (reconsider travel) & 4 (do not travel), or the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) due to imposed sanctions on the country/region. Additional information and approval will be required.
- Ensure you have the necessary medical and evacuation insurance to travel and health/emergency plan to receive appropriate medical attention if needed.
- Receive approval from your academic advisor for your trip.
Planning Your Trip:
- At least 60 days before your trip: notify the Office of Risk Management of your intended travel plans.
- Obtain medical and medical evacuation insurance coverage.
- Complete the required forms (available on the Office of Risk Management website):
- Emergency Contact and Medical Information Form
- Release and Authorization Form
- Itinerary Report
- Complete the Evacuation Planning Checklist.
- Obtain the Travel Assistance card from the Office of Risk Management.
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Comparative and International Education Society (CIES)
The Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) was founded in 1956 to foster cross-cultural understanding, scholarship, academic achievement, and societal development through the international study of educational ideas, systems, and practices. The Society's members include nearly 2500 academics, practitioners, and students from around the world. Their professional work is built on cross-disciplinary interests and expertise as historians, sociologists, economists, psychologists, anthropologists, and educators. The Society also includes approximately 1000 institutional members, primarily academic libraries and international organizations. Over the last five decades, the activities of the Society's members have strengthened the theoretical basis of comparative studies and increasingly applied those understandings to policy and implementation issues in developing countries and cross-cultural settings. The membership has increased global understanding and public awareness of education issues, and has informed both domestic and international education policy debate. For more information on CIES, please visit http://www.cies.us. (Extracted from the CIES website).
CIES 2021
The 2021 CIES 65th Annual Conference will be held
April 15-29, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. The theme of the conference is “Social Responsibility within Changing Contexts.”
For more information, visit the conference website at http://cies2021.org
To become members of CIES and/or subscribe to Comparative Education Review (CER), visit CIES website at http://www.cies.us.
American Educational Research Association (AERA)
The American Educational Research Association (AERA), founded in 1916, is concerned with improving the educational process by encouraging scholarly inquiry related to education and evaluation and by promoting the dissemination and practical application of research results. The 2021 AERA Annual Meeting “Accepting Educational Opportunity” will take place in Orlando, Florida April 9-12, 2021. Visit www.aera.net for more information.
Other conferences and associations include: NAFSA: Association of International Educators; WCCES: World Congress of Comparative Education Societies; ICHRE: International Conference on Human Rights Education; ASHE: Association for the Study of Higher Education, and many more. Please speak to your peer or faculty advisor to be aware of conferences related to your concentration.
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TEACHERS COLLEGE WELLNESS RESOURCES
Visit the Student Wellness and Mental Health Website for resources to support students and find Information about the following:
- Student Support & Counseling (Dean Hope Center for Educational and Psychological Services)
- 528 West 121st St., 6th Floor, 212-678-7432
- Vice Provost for Student Affairs, Dr. Tom Rock
- 113 Zankel, 212-678-3083
- TC College Ombuds, Dr. Stephen Peverly
- 280 Grade Dodge Hall, 212-678-4169
- TC Gender-Based Misconduct Ombuds, Dr. Riddhi Sandil
- 328B Horace Mann Hall
- TC Cares
- 128 Zankel, 212-678-3391
- Office of Residential Services
- Whittier Hall 1B, 212-678-3235
- 24/7 Line- Office of Public Safety
- Whittier Hall 1A, 212-678-3333
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY WELLNESS RESOURCES
- 24/7 Columbia Mental Health Crisis Line: 212-854-2878
- Columbia University Emergency Medical Service: 212-854-5555
- Columbia University Counseling and Psychological Services: 8th Floor, Lerner Hall (Main Campus): 212-678-7432
- Columbia Health Clinic: 3rd/4th Floor, John Jay Hall (Main Campus), 212-854-7426
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