International Education

The International Education specialization at Northcentral University is designed to help you develop the skills needed to be an effective educator in a global society. You will explore concepts and theories of education systems around the world, including the cultural and historical bases of these systems and the spread of educational trends across the globe. You will also examine educational systems comparatively and evaluate connections between diverse education systems, international education policy and various theories of comparative education. As a graduate, you will be encouraged to act as a change agent ready to expand the outlook of educational programs and examine education from a global perspective as you prepare for careers in international and community-based organizations.
Certification and Licensing
The School of Education serves educational leaders by providing online graduate studies in education to reach worldwide populations. The MEd program is designed to reach national and international markets and does not purport to provide licensure or certification in any particular state or country. Certification requirements vary by state. Students are advised to contact their state department of education or local school district for guidance in obtaining certification or licensure, or for approval in fulfilling district level incentive programs.
There are several reasons why an educator would want to pursue a graduate degree in education that does not lead to state licensing or certification.
Reasons may include:
- "Move up" steps on the salary schedule.
- Improve skills and professionalism in general or to pursue a ”leadership” position outside the classroom (school-based or district level).
- Advance as a ”teacher leader” through a graduate degree (already has a bachelor's degree and certification).
- Meet the needs of increasingly diverse students.
- Work in a traditional K-12 classroom environment (trainer, educational consultant, etc).
Completion Period for Master's Degrees
Northcentral University allows 5 years to complete all 30 credit hour master's programs. Normal time to complete varies depending upon the rate courses are taken and credits transferred.
Course Length
Existing MEd students may opt to switch to eight-week courses by contacting their Academic Advisor. Once existing MEd students have opted for eight-week courses, they must receive approval from the Office of the Dean to switch back to a program of 12-week courses. All eight-week courses are indicated by a "-8" (dash eight) at the end of the course code.
Course Code | Name | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
EDU5000 / EDU5000-8 | Foundations for Graduate Study | This course is an orientation to Northcentral University and to the essential skills needed to pursue a Master's degree in Education. Graduate level skills, such as academic integrity, time management, effective use of the Northcentral Library, comprehending complex scholarly texts and research articles, and APA form and style in professional communication are also introduced. Students will complete the course with a better understanding of personal goals, strengths, and challenges, and a roadmap to navigate their way to completion of their educational aspirations. |
Specialization Course 1 | ||
Specialization Course 2 | ||
Specialization Course 3 | ||
ED6001 / ED6001-8 | Educational Research | This graduate course will examine a comprehensive overview of research tools utilized by education practitioners. Students will be provided with a solid understanding of research concepts, skills, and principles such as data collection, literature reviews, and evaluation methods. |
Specialization Course 4 | ||
Specialization Course 5 | ||
Specialization Course 6 | ||
Specialization Course 7 | ||
ED6002 / ED6002-8 | Action Research Capstone | This graduate course emphasizes practical research skills utilized by education practitioners. Students will develop an action research project based on the scientific method and concepts presented in ED6001. The culminating product will reflect critical thinking, graduate level writing skills, and correct APA format. This course is open only to students pursuing the Master of Education. |
Course Code | Name | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
EDU5000 / EDU5000-8 | Foundations for Graduate Study | This course is an orientation to Northcentral University and to the essential skills needed to pursue a Master's degree in Education. Graduate level skills, such as academic integrity, time management, effective use of the Northcentral Library, comprehending complex scholarly texts and research articles, and APA form and style in professional communication are also introduced. Students will complete the course with a better understanding of personal goals, strengths, and challenges, and a roadmap to navigate their way to completion of their educational aspirations. |
Course Code | Name | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
ED5008-8 | Teaching Diverse students | As the United States continues to experience increasing cultural diversity, todays educators must become proficient in reaching diverse and exceptional students. Additionally, individuals differ in gender, sexual orientation, age, physical, and mental abilities. The purpose of this Masters level course is to address the nature of cultural diversity, its sources, and its importance to educators. Students will understand how to adapt instructions to the needs of diverse students, taking into consideration epistemological and axiological perspectives unique to each culture. |
ED5012-8 | Leadership in Educational Organizations | This Master's level course is about effective leadership in educational organizations. It is particularly relevant for practicing school administrators, those who desire to become administrators, and classroom teachers who recognize the importance of leadership to positively impact schooling in our nation. Students pursuing a specialization in Educational Leadership are advised to take this as their first course of study. |
IE5001-8 | Introduction to Global and Comparative Education | In our global world, it is increasingly important for educators to have an understanding of the theories of comparative education, national analysis, and the tools to apply global transfer and borrowing. In this Masters level course, Students will develop the skills needed to be effective educators in a global society. Graduate Students will explore the connections between diverse education systems and evaluate various theories of comparative education. In addition, students will debate the legitimacy of comparative education as a field of study and analyze the intersection of culture and education. Because comparative education requires an interdisciplinary approach of study, Students will engage a wide cross section of inquiry to develop a deeper understanding of global educational trends. |
IE5003-8 | International Education Concepts and Theory | Students will explore concepts and theories of education systems around the world, including the cultural and historical bases of these systems and the spread of educational trends across the globe. Alternative theories and definitions of development, as expressed in international education institutions, will be evaluated. Students will be required to consider the challenges of reform and unique practices in international contexts. In addition, Students will integrate an understanding of diverse educational perspectives through the evaluation of worldwide educational systems. |
IE5005-8 | International Organizations in Global Education | This Masters level course introduces graduate students to global education organizations. As educators become more knowledgeable about global education and better understand the policies and foundations of diverse cultures and educational systems, they will better be able to work with and assist other professionals with whom they previously had no connection. Students will explore diverse topics ranging from International Baccalaureate Programs to methods of contextualizing international higher education. |
IE5007-8 | Conflict Resolution in an International Context | In this course, students examine the conceptual underpinnings of peace and conflict resolution and the paradigmatic models of conflict resolution currently practiced around the globe. Substantive inquiry into a variety of peace-building approaches on local, national, and global levels will also be explored. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the theoretical, conceptual, and methodological breadth of the conflict resolution in an international context. Students are also encouraged to broaden the scope of their studies by pursuing their own particular interests in the study of conflict resolution in educational systems. Students will have the opportunity to integrate life experiences and ideas into course activities. |
IE5013-8 | Globalization and Educational Change | To be an effective international educator requires one to have an understanding of the basic principles and practices underlying innovation and change processes in organizations. This course will provide students with an opportunity to understand efforts to effect positive global educational change. Students will explore various change theories and best practices for successful implementation in the workplace against which to understand their personnel to change. They will be encouraged to act as change agents ready to expand the outlook of educational programs and examine education from a global perspective. |
IE5021-8 | Education and National Development | This course allows students to explore the politics and national development of education in international and cross-cultural contexts. Course topics include educational equity and quality and the role of reform movements from one national context to another. This course will present students with a comparative examination of education in developed and emerging nations. Emphasis will be on the applications scholarship in international and comparative education, including comparisons of curricula and school practice, the evaluation of policies that influence the provision of educational services, and the challenges of educating citizens of transitional societies. |
Course Code | Name | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
ED6002 / ED6002-8 | Action Research Capstone | This graduate course emphasizes practical research skills utilized by education practitioners. Students will develop an action research project based on the scientific method and concepts presented in ED6001. The culminating product will reflect critical thinking, graduate level writing skills, and correct APA format. This course is open only to students pursuing the Master of Education. |
At Northcentral University, we pride ourselves in being completely transparent when it comes to tuition and fees. We have adopted an all-inclusive tuition model that gives you the cost of your Master of Education tuition and fees in one flat program rate*. The only additional cost above your MEd program rate is books. Learn more about the NCU’s MEd costs below:
- Per credit cost: $544
- Per 3 credit course cost: $1,631
- Program cost: $16,310
- Average book cost per course: $150
- Application Fee: $0
- Technology Fee: $0
- Registration Fee: $0
Click here to learn more about payment and financing options.
*Program rates are subject to change and generally increase at the start of each calendar year.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned about our students, it’s that they are motivated and ambitious—but they are also busy! At Northcentral University, we’ve designed our education experience to work with you, not against you, so you can achieve your academic goals without sacrificing the quality, flexibility and support you need to be successful.
- Regionally Accredited
- No Physical Residency Requirements
- One-to-One Teaching
- 100% Doctoral Faculty
- Flexibility of Online Learning
- University Resources
To learn more, request information or call 1-866-776-0331 or start a live chat to speak with an enrollment advisor today. We offer new courses every Monday of the year so you can get started when it’s best for you.






