By TED Staff
December 2021
Students who want to help shape education practices in the U.S. and abroad would do well to consider a master’s degree in International and Comparative Education. This flexible graduate degree prepares students for a variety of different careers in education, including:
- international school teacher
- school administration
- curriculum writer
- education lobbyist
international school teacher, school administration, curriculum writer, and education lobbyist, to name but a few. Many who graduate with master’s degrees in International and Comparative Education go on to work for schools, universities, publishing houses, and organizations such as the United Nations.
But despite its versatility, International and Comparative Education isn’t a degree one hears too much about. That’s why Top Education Degrees went on the hunt for the very best graduate-level degrees available.
Ranking Methodology
To come up with our ranking, we began by compiling a list of any and all universities offering a master’s degree or graduate-level certificate in International and Comparative Education or the equivalent. Once we had our exhaustive list, we used the following points-based system to determine the top 25.
Annual Out-of-State Tuition
$5,000 or Less — 5 points
$5,001 to $10,000 — 4 points
$10,001 to $20,000 — 3 points
$20,001 to $30,000 — 2 points
$30,001 to $40,000 — 1 point
Annual Percentage of 20-Year Net Return on Investment (ROI):
9%+ — 5 points
7-8% — 4 points
5-6% — 3 points
3-4% — 2 points
1-2% — 1 point
Graduation Rate:
Above 90% — 5 points
Above 80% — 4 points
Above 70% — 3 points
Above 60% — 2 points
Above 50% — 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
5:1 and more — 4 points
10:1 and more — 3 points
15:1 and more — 2 points
20:1 and more — 1 point
Note: In the event of a tie in points, the higher ranking was given to the university with the lower out-of-state annual tuition. All tuition numbers and other statistics are accurate as of December 2021.
#25. SIT Graduate Institute
Global Master of Arts in International Education
Brattleboro, Vermont
Tuition: $43,500
Total Points: 1
The School for International Training — better known as SIT Graduate Institute — excels in all things international relations. This includes education, and the Institute offers a Global MA in International Education. The 38-credit degree is full time, and takes about 1.5 years to complete. Students spend their first semester studying in Vietnam and the second semester studying in Chile. The third and fourth semesters are spent completing capstone research in a country of the student’s choice. A professional practicum is also required. Note that SIT Graduate Institute does not publicly release information on its graduation rate.
#24. Georgia State University
Graduate Certificate in International Education
Atlanta, Georgia
Tuition: $22,662 (out of state), $7,164 (in state)
Total Points: 7
Georgia State University offers a graduate certificate in International Education, which can be paired with another master’s or M.Ed. degree. The 18-credit certificate can be completed in fewer than two semesters, if pursued full time. Students complete one Core course and four electives. Students are also required to complete at least one course that incorporates a study-abroad experience.
#23. University of Kentucky
Graduate Certificate in International Education
Lexington, Kentucky
Tuition: $31,215 (out of state), $12,055 (in state)
Total Points: 8
University of Kentucky offers a graduate certificate in International Education. Students may pursue the certificate on its own, or add it onto another graduate degree. In either case, students must complete 15 credits to earn the certificate. Coursework includes three core requirements and two electives. Students must also prove professional competence through:
- research
- an internship
- or study abroad.
#22. Florida International University
Master of Science in International and Intercultural Education
Miami, Florida
Tuition: $21,393 (out of state); $8,912
Total Points: 8
Florida International University offers an MS in International and Intercultural Education. This degree program is designed to train students for careers in teaching, study abroad directing, and credentialing, to name a few. Conveniently, the flexible program includes in-person courses, hybrid courses, and fully-online courses.
#21. Sam Houston State University
Master of Education in Comparative and Global Education
Huntsville, Texas
Tuition: $13,361 (out of state), $5,765 (in state)
Total Points: 8
Sam Houston State University offers an M.Ed. in Comparative and Global Education. The 30-credit degree program includes 18 credits of core, plus 12 credits specific to a student’s relevant interests. Over the course of the degree, students prepare for a variety of career options and opportunities, including:
- research
- working for U.S. and global educational programs
- analyzing educational policy worldwide.
#20. Missouri State University, Springfield
International Perspectives in K-12 Special Education Graduate Certificate
Springfield, Missouri
Tuition: $10,476 (out of state), $5,202 (in state)
Total Points: 8
Professionals interested in teaching or overseeing special education abroad might consider the certificate in International Perspectives in K-12 Special Education at Missouri State University. To earn the certificate, students must complete nine credits. This includes:
- a foundation course in special education
- a course relating to child and family development
- a “study away” course.
#19. Pennsylvania State University
Master’s in Comparative and International Education
University Park, Pennsylvania
Tuition: $37,694 (out of state), $21,960 (in state)
Total Points: 9
At Pennsylvania State University, students in a primary graduate program have the option of enrolling in a secondary area of study to receive a dual-title degree. One such secondary degree option is Comparative and International Education. To earn this secondary master’s degree, students must complete 12 credits, including three credits via a proseminar. A master’s thesis or paper is also required for graduation.
#18. Indiana University, Bloomington
Master of Science in Education in International and Comparative Education
Bloomington, Indiana
Tuition: $31,932 (out of state), $9,501 (in state)
Total Points: 9
Indiana University, Bloomington offers an M.S.Ed. in International and Comparative Education. The degree consists of 36 credits. There are not formal concentration options, though students will work with an advisor to choose a specialization relevant to their specific interests. One course in educational inquiry methodology is also required to complete the degree.
#17. SUNY at Albany
Master of Arts in International Education Management and Leadership
Albany, New York
Tuition: $23,100 (out of state), $11,310 (in state)
Total Points: 9
SUNY at Albany’s MA in International Education Management and Leadership is best suited for those interested in careers such as Study Abroad Coordinator or Director of International Education. The 30-credit program includes:
- required core classes,
- two electives
- three specialization courses
- a class on Data Analytics.
A capstone seminar in Education Policy and Leadership is also required. SUNY at Albany’s MA in International Education Management and Leadership is flexible, and can be completed entirely online.
#16. Oklahoma State University
Certificate in Comparative and International Education
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Tuition: $21,034 (out of state), $$5,531 (in state)
Total Points: 9
Oklahoma State University offers a graduate certificate in Comparative and International Education. Students may pursue it on its own or as part of a great master’s program. The certificate is especially designed for teachers and administrators interested in international education, and who may want to pursue careers as international teachers or policymakers for organizations such as the United Nations. Students must complete 12 credit hours, which includes one required course entitled The Comparative Approach: Theory, Method, and Practice.
#15. Northern Arizona University
Master of Education in International Education Leadership
Flagstaff, Arizona
Tuition: $19,522 (out of state), $10,305 (in state)
Total Points: 9
Northern Arizona University offers an M.Ed. in International Educational Leadership. The degree consists of 30 credits, which full-time students can complete in about 1.5 years. In addition to the required coursework, students must also complete individualized research, an internship or some fieldwork experience, and a comprehensive exam before graduation. Northern Arizona University’s M.Ed. in International Educational Leadership can be completed entirely online.
#14. American University
Master of Arts in International Training & Education
Washington, D.C.
Tuition: $30,351
Total Points: 10
The School of Education at American University offers a MA in International Training and Education. The 30-credit degree spans required core classes and electives, plus:
- research-based courses
- a “skills institute
- a capstone.
For the duration of the program, students work with a faculty advisor who can assist them with internships, study abroad opportunities, and their capstone projects.
#13. Niagara University
Master of Arts in Teaching in International Teaching and Learning
Niagara University, New York
Tuition: $14,525
Total Points: 10
Those who want to teach internationally would do well to consider the MAT in International Teaching and Learning offered by Niagara University. The degree program consists of 33 credits, and takes about three semesters to complete. Students complete a series of interesting courses, which includes Foundations of International Education and Foundations of Literacy Instruction. A seminar in international teaching and a teaching practicum are also required to complete the degree.
#12. George Washington University
Master of Arts in International Education w/ a specialization in Global Education
Washington, D.C.
Tuition: $31,770
Total Points: 11
George Washington University offers a master’s in International Education with three options of specialization, including Global Education. The course consists of 30 credits spanning:
- required core courses
- electives
- specialization classes
Students also have the opportunity to enhance their degree by enrolling in a dual certificate program, or studying abroad.
#11. University at Buffalo
Master of Education in Education Studies w/ a focus in Comparative and Global Education
Buffalo, New York
Tuition: $23,100 (out of state), $11,310 (in state)
Total Points: 11
University at Buffalo offers an M.Ed. in Education Studies that students can choose to focus on Comparative and Global Education. The degree consists of 32 credits, and typically takes 3-6 full-time semesters to complete. This degree is very flexible, with courses offered in in-person, hybrid, and online formats. The degree also requires a 1- to 3-credit “culminating event” in the form of either a master’s project or a master’s thesis.
#10. Loyola University Chicago
Master of Arts in Cultural and Educational Policy Studies w/ a specialization in Comparative and International Education
Chicago, Illinois
Tuition: $18,594
Total Points: 11
Loyola University Chicago offers an MA in Cultural and Educational Policy Studies. Students may choose between four areas of concentration, including Comparative and International Education. The 24-semester-hour program consists of foundations courses and electives, plus a thesis and an oral defense of thesis.
#9. Endicott College
Master of Education in Teaching and Learning: International
Beverly, Massachusetts
Tuition: $12,555
Total Points: 11
Endicott College offers an M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning: International. This unique degree program consists of 36 credits. Students may choose to complete the degree entirely online, or they may take a blended approach, with online courses during the academic year and face-to-face instruction in either Spain or Switzerland during the summer. A research project and a Reflective Seminar on International Education are also required for graduation.
#8. University of Minnesota
Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development w/ a specialization in Comparative and International Development Education
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Tuition: $27,204 (out-of-state), $17,580 (in-state)
Total Points: 12
University of Minnesota offers an MA in Comparative and International Development Education as part of its Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development program. Students may choose to complete the 30-credit degree program with either a master’s thesis or additional coursework. In either scenario, the MA takes about two years to complete. This particular degree from University of Minnesota is ideal for anyone interested in a career as:
- a Global Learning Advisor
- University Provost
- Monitoring and Evaluation Executive, to name a few.
#7. New York University
Master of Arts in International Education
New York, New York
Tuition: $33,408
Total Points: 12
Top-ranked New York University offers an MA in International Education via the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. The degree consists of 32-40 credits, and can be completed in either a part-time or full-time format. Two tracks are available:
- Cross Cultural Exchange and Study Abroad
- International Development and Education/Peace, Conflict, and Humanitarian Action.
Students complete foundations and research courses, plus electives focused on their choice of aforementioned tracks. A variety of International internships are available, or students may spend the summer studying in Ghana.
#6. Boston College
Master of Education in Global Perspectives: Teaching, Curriculum, and Learning Environments
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Tuition: $30,600
Total Points: 12
The Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College offers an M.Ed. in Global Perspectives: Teaching, Curriculum, and Learning Environments. The degree consists of 12 courses and 30 credits, and can be completed in about two years. Over the course of the program, students will explore educational viewpoints from a wide range of cultures and countries while developing valuable research skills. As an added bonus, this flexible degree can be completed entirely online.
#5. Vanderbilt University
Master of Education in International Education Policy and Management
Nashville, Tennessee
Tuition: $48,624
Total Points: 12
Vanderbilt University offers a Master of Education degree in International Education Policy and Management. The program focuses on research and practical application to prepare students for careers solving educational issues worldwide. Students must complete 36 credits to earn the degree. This includes a two-month practicum experience which can be completed either domestically or internationally.
#4. Stanford University
Master of Arts in International Comparative Education
Stanford, California
Tuition: $52,479
Total Points: 13
Stanford University offers two separate concentrations in international education, one of which is International Comparative Education. The program takes 12 months to complete, and focuses on research methods in education. Students begin the degree by completing a series of core courses before working through electives. During the final summer of the program, students workshop and finalize their research paper.
#3. Harvard University
Concentration in Global, International, and Comparative Education
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Tuition: $48,008
Total Points: 13
Students pursuing a Master of Education at Harvard University may choose to concentrate in Global, International, and Comparative Education. The concentration is designed to coincide with another program, and not on its own. Students complete coursework from a list of core courses, then work in a small group advisory. There are also opportunities to participate in collaborative field- or simulation-based experiences.
#2. Teachers College at Columbia University
Master of Arts in Comparative and International Education
New York, New York
Tuition: $40,800
Total Points: 13
Columbia University offers an MA in Comparative and International Education through its top-ranked Teachers College. The 32-credit program covers coursework in four broad areas, including Transcultural/Area Studies and an Integrative Project. For the former, students must complete either research, or an internship or practicum. A Master of Education in Comparative and International Education is also offered.
1. Lehigh University
Master of Arts in Comparative and International Education
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Tuition: $27,000
Total Points: 15
Topping our list of the best advanced degrees in international and comparative education is Lehigh University. This top-ranked university offers an MA that consists of 36 credits. Students complete at least eight core and elective courses, plus four courses focused directly on comparative and international education. Capstone research is also required. A number of international experiences are available, including internships at the United Nations.
