Comparative and International Education Area of Concentration (MA and PhD options)

Students in the education policy programs at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education have the option of completing an Area of Concentration (ARCO) in Comparative and International Education. Students benefit from the many opportunities for engagement in international education that exist across the University of Pittsburgh and through the School of Education. 

How it Works

• Coursework for the ARCO satisfies the electives requirement for the degree and are taken in place of them
• Students apply to ARCO as part of their application
• The program is ideal for international and domestic students who wish to pursue careers with an international or global education focus.

ARCO in Comparative in International Education Options

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Education Policy Degree option

The 9-credit ARCO in Comparative and International Education is an optional area of concentration completed as part of the M.A. in Education Policy degree. 

Students must select 3 courses from the following options:

• EFOP 2106 - INTERNATIONAL AND GLOBAL EDUCATION
• EFOP 3136 - COMPARATIVE HIGHER EDUCATION
• EFOP 3343 - COMPARATIVE EDUCATION
• EFOP 3006 - SOCIAL THEORIES & EDUCATION IN GLOBAL CONTEXT
• EFOP 3007 - EDUCATION AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
   

PhD in Education Policy Degree option

The 18-credit ARCO in Comparative and International Education is an optional area of concentration completed as part of the PhD in Education Policy degree. 

Students must complete all of the following courses:

• EFOP 2085/3085: Comparative and International Ed Seminar
• EFOP 3343: Comparative Education or ADMPS 3136: Comparative Higher Education
• EFOP 2359: Gender, Education, & International Development
• EFOP 2398: Economics of Education
• EFOP 3301: Social Theories & Education in Global Context
• EFOP 3302: Education and Development Debates
   

Key Partnerships

Our students and faculty participate in professional experiences, networking, and scholarly development through partnerships between our school and the following organizations:

• The Comparative and International Education Society, which has over 3,000 members from over 105 countries worldwide, is dedicated to increasing the understanding of educational issues, trends, and policies. Pitt School of Education Professor M. Najeeb Shafiq is the organization’s Executive Director.

• Created in 1987 and based in the Pitt School of Education, the Institute of International Studies in Education is composed of faculty and doctoral students who are conducting work in comparative, international, and development education.