International Education Policy and Management (M.Ed.)

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Program Overview

Be a changemaker in the fields of education and human development globally. The master's in International Education Policy and Management (IEPM) focuses on the essential principles and techniques for understanding and improving education policy and organizational management in diverse sociocultural settings. 

Our core and elective courses provide students with knowledge and skills in educational theories, research design, data analysis, and evaluation that enhance program performance and impact. Through opportunities to apply those skills such as the practicum, IEPM graduates are prepared to advance the positive role of education in economic growth, social cohesion, global health, and other dimensions of human development around the world. 

Sumeyra Ekin

"The qualitative and quantitative research skills I have learned and practiced at Peabody allow me to conduct quality research. I am also able to provide expert guidance to education leaders and advocates."

Sumeyra Ekin, M.Ed., Research Specialist, The Center for Learner Equity

Program Facts

Program Director: Xiu Cravens
Admissions Coordinator: Kashiri Favors
Admission Term: Fall
Credit Hours: 36

Application Deadlines

  • Priority Decision 1

    January 3*

  • Priority Decision 2

    February 3

  • Rolling Decision

    After February 3

*For more information on application dates and requirements, and the benefits of Priority Decision, see the How to Apply page.

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International Education Policy and Management (M.Ed.)

Program Curriculum

Core courses-coupled with electives and the field-based practicum-provide you with a strong foundation in education research and data analysis, with a focus on practical applications. 

The program typically takes two years to complete for those who attend full time. However, you can accelerate and complete the program within one year by enrolling in online and summer course offerings. 

Most IEPM courses meet in late afternoon and evening, allowing you to pursue part-time employment either on or off campus.

You will be required to complete a practicum with a professional organization to complete the master's degree in International Education Policy and Management. Most students complete the practicum during the summer after the first year of the program. Practicums can be completed either domestically or internationally. You'll be encouraged to consult with faculty to identify suitable organizations and opportunities.

On your return to campus in the fall, you will be expected to present your practicum at a department-wide poster session and networking event in the Wyatt Rotunda.

Students with dual interests in public health and international education policy may apply to the M.P.H/M.Ed. dual-degree program. Available through Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Peabody College, this dual degree can be obtained in eight semesters. Candidates for admission must apply and be accepted separately to each program. Dual degree students must complete the requirements of both degrees before either degree can be conferred. Please contact the admissions coordinator for more information.

Coursework

  • Core and Elective Courses

    The master's degree in International Education Policy and Management requires you to complete 36 credit hours consisting of 12 hours of the IEPM core, 6 hours of methodology, 3 hours of career and practicum portfolio, and 15 hours of elective courses selected with the guidance of your faculty advisor.

    All students must complete a practicum.  It is optional whether to count (and pay for) the practicum as degree-bearing credits. To receive three hours of credit for the practicum, a student must work a minimum of 135 hours at the practicum site. A culminating portfolio of academic writing and professional products approved by the IEPM faculty completes the practicum.

    IEPM Core Courses: 12 credit hours (choose four from the following)

    • International Organizations and Economic Development
    • International Issues in K-12 Education Policy Reform
    • Comparative Issues in Higher Education Policy Reform
    • Education and Global Human Development
    • Education Policy in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Evidence from (Quasi) Experimental Evaluations


    Methodology: 6 credit hours

    • Research Methods and Data Analysis I
    • Research Methods and Data Analysis II


    Elective Courses: 15 credit hours

    Elective courses may be taken across Peabody College, as well as in other disciplines offered across Vanderbilt University, on consultation with your faculty advisor. Some popular electives that IEPM students take include the following, but you are free to choose any others not included in this list:

    • American Education History and Policy
    • College and University Management
    • College Student Personnel Services
    • Evaluation of Organizational Performance
    • Grants, Policy, and Administration
    • Non-Profit Management
    • Postsecondary Access and Opportunity
    • Public Finance of Higher Education
    • Social Context of Education Leadership and Policy
    • Strategy and Analytics
    • Teacher Policy
    • The Politics of Policy Making
    • Urban Education and Social Policy 

Selected Faculty Research

Felipe Barrera-Osorio

Felipe Barrera-Osorio, associate professor of public policy, education and economics

The main objective of Professor Barrera-Osorio's research is to study the effects of educational policies in developing countries. This agenda intersects development economics and the economics of education. He is part of a new generation of development economists who aim to test the effects of different school- and system-wide education policies.

Xiu Cravens, professor of the practice

Xiu Cravens, professor of the practice

Professor Cravens's research analyzes educational reform policies that are particularly related to the organizational and cultural contexts of schools in the United States and other countries. Her academic work has been devoted to understanding the role of instructional leadership and teacher development in a changing policy environment and addressing the conceptual and methodological challenges of cross-cultural translation and adaptation of effective practices.

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