This Comparative and International Development Education (CIDE) track program prepares you to conduct research and provide sophisticated consultation into how schools and educational systems across the world reflect varied cultural, economic, and political contexts, and how forces like globalization, internationalization, and intercultural and educational exchanges influence individual and community learning and experiences.
Your contributions to research will help policymakers, scholars, and school systems all over the world to understand more deeply how education can aid in the creation of equitable and just communities through the design of policies and programs that support authentic learning and development.
A unique feature of this program is its cohort approach to doctoral education. Students in both the on-campus program and in the blended Leadership in Intercultural and International Education (LIIE) cohort form life-long professional relationships with their peers through common courses designed to build community and establish supportive networks. Although the curriculum allows students to select many of their own classes, our graduates consistently note the beneficial nature of the common core courses for their professional development.
Doctoral students in Comparative and International Development Education gain the capacity to:
Here are some career paths taken by recent PhD alumni:
"In thinking of what it will take to develop African countries for the 21st century and beyond, the most effective solution, I see, is quality education. Specifically, quality higher education is key due to its ability to produce a pool of working professionals while supporting the development of growing industries. My role as a scholar is to observe and critically analyze how institutions might benefit, or be harmed, by the effects of an increasingly globalized higher education system."
Professional socialization seminar
Research courses
Includes the OLPD 8121 series, specialization courses for one of the two CIDE specializations, and CIDE electives; courses not specifically listed below should have advisor approval.
Take 9 credits; 3 credits in each of 3 semesters starting in the spring term of the first year.
Take 6 credits in a specialization; at least one course must be at 8xxx level.
Specialization: Comparative and International Development Education
Specialization: Intercultural/international education
Take at least 5 credits from the following list. Any specialization core course not being used as core class can become an elective.
Minimum of 12 credits required. These credits can be used to meet the requirement that a minimum of 12 credits be taken outside the CIDE track or for a minor. Courses not specifically listed should have advisor approval.
All Ph.D. students are required to register for 24 semester thesis credits after completing the preliminary oral exam. The 24 credits must be taken over two or more terms.
December 1 for a Fall semester start. Fall semester start only.
Applicants may only apply to one OLPD track.
Applications are not complete until ALL required materials and fees have been received. If anything is missing, your application may not be considered until the next review date the following year. It is strongly recommended to apply at least two weeks before any submission deadlines.
Applications are processed by the Graduate School. A decision for admission notice will be emailed to you once your application is carefully reviewed by the department's admission committee and your transcripts and any credentials (test reports, diploma copies, etc.) are authenticated by Graduate School officials.
Online application and instructions
Degree: Master's degree or equivalent
GPA: Undergraduate 3.0; Graduate 3.5
Note: Applicants should not submit GRE scores, as they will not be considered in the review process.
TOEFL/IELTS Scores (Not required for U.S. students):
If a graduate student in an OLPD program has become inactive they must follow the readmission procedures.
We’re here to help. Simply complete this form and a member of our department will be in touch.