The George Washington University, Graduate School of Education and Human Development
Master's in International Education
Washington, USA
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Mar 2027
TUITION FEES
USD 2,000 / per credit *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* per credit | additional fees may apply
Key Summary
About: GW’s Master’s in International Education (IEP) prepares scholar-practitioners to lead change in global education and expand access to quality learning. Through interdisciplinary coursework and international fieldwork you’ll examine education systems cross‑culturally, apply research‑informed solutions, and build expertise to shape equitable, inclusive, sustainable learning environments addressing underserved communities, ecological disruption, crisis and conflict, and multilateral governance.
Career Outcomes: Graduates work in policy, leadership, program management, research, training, and global development. Alumni hold roles at USAID, Institute of International Education, British Council, Education Development Center, NAFSA, universities, NGOs, and international schools. Typical positions include education policy analyst and international education officer.
GW’s Master’s in International Education Program (IEP) prepares scholar-practitioners to lead transformative change in global education and expand access to quality learning worldwide.
Through a dynamic blend of interdisciplinary coursework and international fieldwork, you’ll examine education systems through cross-cultural lenses; develop and apply innovative, research-informed solutions; and build the expertise and global perspective needed to shape equitable, inclusive, and sustainable learning environments across diverse contexts.
Explore the history, culture, and evolution of education systems while addressing today’s most urgent challenges—expanding access in underserved communities, navigating ecological disruption, supporting education in crisis- and conflict-affected regions, and engaging in multilateral governance.
Whether your career path leads to policy, leadership, global development, training, or research, you’ll graduate equipped to strengthen education systems and drive meaningful social change locally or around the world.
Why a Master's in International Education?
- Location: The GSEHD International Education program has a rich history of training students to lead and address critical education issues in international organizations, government, business, and non-profit organizations. Students have access to global opportunities within walking distance of campus. Embassies, the World Bank, the U.S. government, and over 100 non-profits based in Washington, DC, influence the course of global education. Students are well-positioned to take advantage of internships and professional networks, development, and employment opportunities, as well as pioneering research, lectures, and policy events. GSEHD offers students access to opinion leaders and the opportunity to learn from our faculty who are leading experts on global policy trends, assessments, politics, conflict and education, student exchange, access, equity and inclusion, global citizenship, and migration.
- Home to the UNESCO Chair: one of only two education schools selected from the world-wide competition, GSEHD and UNESCO initiatives promote equitable access to quality education for all and offer scholarships for study abroad.
- Dual-Enroll Certificate: Students are able to dual-enroll in one of three certificate programs (Incorporating International Perspectives in Education, TESOL, or Assessment, Testing, and Measurement) without interrupting or prolonging their studies.
- Study Abroad: Students in the International Education program may have the opportunity to participate in short term study abroad trips for course credit. These opportunities allow students to further their work as scholar-practitioners through exposure to and research of other international perspectives.
- Convenient Schedule: Courses are scheduled once a week in late afternoons and evenings (Monday-Thursday) to accommodate the schedules of working professionals and for internship experiences.
Required: 30 credits, including 18 credits in required courses, 9 credits in courses in a specialization, and 3 credits in elective courses.
Required Courses
- EDUC 6112 Foundations of Assessment, Testing, and Measurement in Education
- or EDUC 6114 Introduction to Quantitative Research
- or EDUC 6116 Introduction to Educational Statistics
Five of the following:
- EDUC 6601 International and Comparative Education
- EDUC 6602 Regional Studies in International Education
- EDUC 6610 Programs and Policies in International Education
- EDUC 6620 Strategies and Analysis in International Education
- EDUC 6630 International Experiences
- EDUC 6631 Internship: International Education
- EDUC 6640 Selected Topics in International Education
- EDUC 6660: Capstone in International Education
Education and Development Study Stream
- EDUC 6610 Policy Issues in International Education: Developing Countries
- EDUC 6620 Planning Education Reform in Developing Countries
Global Education Study Stream
- EDUC 6610 Migration and Mobility: Exploring Citizenship and Education in the Global Era
- EDUC 6615 Internationalizing U.S. Schools
International Higher Education Stream
- EDUC 6610 International Higher Education
- EDUC 6620 Managing Study Abroad and International Student Offices
Specialization
9 credits in a professional, academic, or regional specialization selected in consultation with the program advisor.
Electives
3 credits of approved electives selected in consultation with the program advisor.
Up to 6 additional credit hours of internship may be required for students who do not have international education-related experience.
Assessment, Testing, and Measurement (ATM) Dual Enrollment Option
Students enrolled in the International Education program are able to obtain a Masters of Arts (MA) in Education and Human Development and a graduate certificate in ATM with no additional coursework. This will involve simultaneous dual enrollment in the MA in IEP and the ATM Certificate. In addition to the courses below, students would take EDUC 6116: Introduction to Educational Statistics to fulfill their research requirements.
- EDUC 8120: Group Comparison Designs and Analyses
- EDUC 8170: Educational Measurement
- EDUC 8171: Predictive Designs and Analyses
- EDUC 8175: Item Response Theory
- Or EDUC 8177: Assessment Engineering
Through this program, students will be able to:
Recognize the rich theoretical perspectives, while stepping out into the complexities of the real world through examining the policies and practices in specific local, regional, national, and global contexts;
Acquire the tools, methods, and habits of analysis that enable them to play a variety of key roles as leaders and change agents;
Pursue and specialize in cutting-edge topics and issues within and across the field, such as international education development, international higher education, and global education.
Career Outlook
Our graduates are improving access, equity, and the experience of education across the nation and around the world. You will find our graduates leading at:
- USAID
- Georgetown University, BMW Center for German and European Studies
- Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center
- NAFSA Association of International Educators
- Education Development Center
- George Mason University International Student Services
- Institute of International Education
- British Council
- American School of Mozambique
- Johns Hopkins University School for Advanced International Studies
- WomenOne
- Carnegie Mellon University, Study Abroad/Foreign Student & Scholar Office
- The Alliance for Global Education
- The University of Maryland, International Scholar, and Student Services
Global Experience, Real-World Impact
Earn academic credit while gaining hands-on experience through internships both in the U.S. and abroad, or expand your perspective with short-term study abroad and faculty-led study tour programs.
Hands-On Research
The program culminates in a capstone project, an applied research experience where students engage with complex, real-time issues in international education.
Students have published their research in peer reviewed journals and books, presented at academic conferences, contributed to client-based projects, and worked with faculty on funded research projects.
A Legacy of Excellence
With more than 30 years of leadership in International Education, our program has built a rich legacy of excellence, a strong global presence, and a robust alumni network in the DC area, across the US and internationally. As a pioneer in the field, GW continues to produce scholar-practitioners who drive meaningful change worldwide.
Convenient Schedule
Designed with the busy professional in mind, courses are scheduled once a week in late afternoons and evenings (Monday-Thursday) and occasionally on weekends, allowing you to balance your career, personal life, and education seamlessly.