The Master's program of study in International Education provides educators with the opportunity to study the role of education in the context of Asia, Africa, and Latin America with an emphasis on formal education, informal education, and educational systems development. The program of study also helps to bring an international dimension to education in the United States. Students can develop competencies in adult and community education, teacher education, adult literacy, and gender issues in development. All students are expected to become aware of value and social justice issues in education and to understand participatory and popular education approaches to education. The combination of academic courses, a participatory community structure, and active involvement in applied projects and research activities form a synergistic whole.

The program of study is primarily aimed at mid-career professionals with years of experience in Third World settings with the specific purpose of developing knowledge in the areas of international development education; internationalizing U.S. education; and formal, informal and popular education. The skills that successful candidates will develop include the ability to deal with diverse cultures and an in-depth awareness of cultural differences, ability to apply critical theory and pedagogy in both schools and communities in domestic and international settings, and ability to develop practical skills in training, project development, research, and evaluation.

Core Competencies

The Master of Education program of study in International Education is individualized to maximize the fit between the experience and learning needs of the student and her/his program. All students, however, must meet the following criteria:

• A primary area of focus-with 30%-50% of their coursework;
• Practical experience directly related to their major area of concentration, either prior or during the program of study;
• Evidence of inquiry skills and the ability to apply them;
• Evidence of mastery of theory relevant to their area of concentration;
• Knowledge of gender issues, popular education, and participatory research methods; and
• Optional secondary area of studies.

DESIRED MASTER OF EDUCATION STUDENT CHARACTERISTICS

Applicants to the International Education Master's program of study should demonstrate: Professional commitment to and at least two years of relevant experience in development education in an international setting; commitment to social justice; evidence of creative and innovative activities, such as independent study, research projects, educational materials development, etc.; interaction with cultures or groups other than one's own; evidence of ability to do quality graduate work; strong English ability and preferably language skills other than English; and ability to complete at least one year, full-time residency.

ASSOCIATED FACULTY

Coordinator: Gretchen B. Rossman (Professor)
Email: gretchen@educ.umass.edu

David R. Evans (Professor), Sangeeta Kamat (Associate Professor), Jacqueline Mosselson (Assistant Professor), Cristine Smith (Assistant Professor).