Master’s of Science (MS) Degree in Global and International Education
Drexel University School of Education
International education is a growing field of study in which global social change and international education policy go hand in hand. There is a high demand for individuals to work within the complex economic, political, cultural, and social structures that shape learning in different parts of the world and to work in organizational settings in which knowledge of education theory, practice, and impact are highly valued.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Global and International Education Studies?
Graduates of the global and international education program from Drexel University have a number of career options, both domestically and internationally and go in many different directions professionally. They are well-equipped to develop, analyze, implement and evaluate educational practices and international policy standards across international boundaries. Through interpersonal advocacy, cross-cultural communication, and use of emerging technologies, among other things, students become professionals prepared to make significant contributions to an increasingly interconnected world.
Career opportunities for educational leaders with knowledge and skills related to international education, and a lens through which challenges and issues are viewed from an international perspective, are on the rise, and the Master's program in Global and International Education positions students well for a wide range of careers.
Global and International Education graduates are qualified to work in organizations such as:
- International education associations
- Accreditation agencies
- Local community outreach centers
- Ministries and governmental agencies
- International development agencies
- Human service agencies
- Non-governmental organizations
Our graduates have found positions as administrators, managers, and researchers in national and international organizations, foundations, associations, and corporations.
Global and International Education Master’s Program Options
The Master’s of Science (MS) degree in Global and International Education is offered entirely online.
Drexel University has been offering online courses since 1996 and is a winner of the prestigous Sloan-C Award for Excellence in Institution-Wide Online Education. At Drexel, we are committed to providing quality education online through reputable, accredited online programs with no fixed flexible class hours.
Our international education program provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of education’s role in economic, political, and socio-cultural development; international educational exchange; and the internationalization of education. The program builds knowledge about education’s role in societies around the world and an appreciation for how education professionals can be integral to fulfilling that role.
Course topics include:
- Contemporary and historical views on the relationships among education, culture and society
- Formal and informal education and national development
- Education in development of international policy
- International cooperation and education
- The role of the state and market forces in education
- Global and regional disparities in areas such as literacy
- Educational exchange, international service learning, and study abroad
The International Education master's program at Drexel School of Education brings together a community of scholars, practitioners, and students whose collective experience around the world enriches all aspects of this unique online program.
Graduate Global and International Education Program Eligibility
A required capstone provides an opportunity for students to apply gained knowledge and skills to a significant problem. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. The MS in Global and International Education only admits new students in the fall term.
Admissions Criteria
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (graduate degree GPA will be considered along with the undergraduate GPA)
- Provisional admission may be granted with a GPA between 2.80 to 2.99
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting Drexel Online's Completing Your Application Guide.
Global and International Education Courses & Curriculum
Students in Drexel’s Master’s of Science degree in Global and International Education choose one of five areas of concentration to suit their individual career objectives. The concentrations have been specifically developed to address new trends and developments in the field of international education administration.
Education Policy
Through this concentration, Global and International Education students wishing to work in the dynamic field of educational policy and educational administration acquire the tools to analyze, craft, and implement policy effectively.
E-Learning Leadership
Distance learning is rapidly expanding, bringing educational access to remote and impoverished communities. Professional aptitude in e-learning is a must for certain careers in the field of international education.
Higher Education
Higher education is becoming increasingly globalized through foreign exchanges, international students, and technology. Students in this concentration learn to work in and with institutions and become acclimated to the higher education environment.
Learning Technologies
For educators to be effective in today’s high-tech world, it is increasingly important to be well-versed in learning technologies and technology trends. This concentration prepares education professionals to understand the ever-evolving landscape of educational technology and to be able to solve problems through the application of this knowledge.
Peace Education
The concept of building peace through pedagogy is a growing trend in global education. This concentration combines multiple interdisciplinary and multicultural theories in an effort to understand and counter the roots of cultural violence through education.
Students are expected to complete two courses per 10-week term in a cohort model. However, customizable plans of study are available.
The program requires the completion of 15 courses for a total of 45 credit hours consisting of:
- 6 core courses
- 3 primary concentration courses in Global & International Education
- 3 secondary concentration or elective courses
- 3 capstone courses
- Most students complete the program in two years.
Course descriptions may be found in the Drexel University Course Catalog.
Capstone Courses
Students in the MS in Global and International Education program complete a research capstone course where they are introduced to various types of research designs and learn to be both consumers and producers of research. Following completion of the research course, students will complete a capstone experience by selecting one of the two-course multi-disciplinary sequence options below:
- Thesis (Part I and II) - Students who select this option will be required to complete a master’s thesis which consists of a well-written research paper, comprised of five chapters that posits a research question and uses logical arguments & data to address/answer a gap in research
- Lesson Study (Part I and II) - Students who select this option will be required to complete a research-based lesson design and analysis project
- Practitioner Course (Part I and II) - Students who select this option will be required to complete a master’s project. Examples include: A reform initiative narrative, program or grant proposal, white paper or policy analysis, or program evaluation
Study Abroad Experience
Students in the program can choose to participate in a study abroad experience. These 7-14 day intensive learning experiences take place in countries determined by the Program Faculty and Staff & offer the opportunity to have an international academic experience.Students actively engage the country’s literary, artistic, and cultural traditions through first-hand encounters with non-profit leaders and international education experts. This experience gives students a rare opportunity to apply knowledge gained in their studies in the field. Past programs have focused on Vietnam, Ghana, and China.
How to Apply to the Master’s of Science in Global and International Education Program
The MS in Global and International is offered 100% online. You can get started by filling out the Drexel Online application.