Do you want to work in the field of international education development? Would you like to become more effective in teaching immigrant children or help U.S. schools internationalize their curriculum and practices? The International and Comparative Education minor is designed for undergraduates who want to explore and compare how education works around the globe, both inside and outside schools. This 15- credit minor will introduce you to an interdisciplinary field that blends the best of the liberal arts and professional practice. 

• Admissions Requirements

  Direct Admit Scholars

  To be considered for direct admission into the School of Education, students must first be admitted to IU with an intended major within the School of Education. Students who meet the following qualifications are invited to apply to join the Direct Admit Scholars program:

  • A minimum SAT score of 1170 New SAT (or 1100 Old SAT) or a minimum ACT score of 24
  • A minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale

  Certification from University Division

  Students should meet with a University Division advisor, who can provide guidance in meeting certification requirements. These requirements include:

  • An overall IU grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher
  • 30 credit hours of college level coursework completed
  • Completion of EDUC-G203: Communication for Youth Serving Professionals, with a grade of C or better. (Under certain circumstances, students may substitute another college level public speaking or interpersonal communication class.)

  Learn more about how to apply

• Financial Aid

  We offer a range of scholarships for qualified students. Current students can be considered for most School of Education scholarships by completing one application each year.

  If you are a prospective student who applies to our Direct Admit Scholars program, you’ll be considered for scholarship opportunities as an entering freshman.

  There is also a wide range of student jobs available at the School of Education, including administrative and research positions.

• Licensing

  This minor does not directly lead to teacher licensure. Your experience in these courses will help you understand education as a culturally variable human social process and the roles that modern schools play as a form of education. You will be better prepared to articulate positions on major issues in the field of comparative and international education today. You will develop basic skills in conducting disciplined comparative inquiry and practical experience, which will enhance your preparation as a teacher. You may use this as the foundation for graduate study or a career in the field of international and comparative education.

• Course Requirements
  1. EDUC H350 Schooling Around the World (First offered, Spring 2015)
  2. Choose one of the following courses in the social foundations of education:
     • EDUC H205 Introduction to Educational Thought
     • EDUC H305 Education Across Time and Cultures
     • EDUC H340 Education and American Culture
  3. Choose a course from the College of Arts and Sciences that provides in-depth historical or ethnographic knowledge of particular regional or cultural context in which education and schooling occur. This course should be selected in consultation with your academic advisor. 
  4. Select a course that requires you to study a particular aspect of education (e.g., language, ethnic diversity). You may also choose a particular theme, topic or issue that is broadly related to education (e.g., artistic expression, development, communication, gender, human rights, politics and policy, health and nutrition, etc). Your chosen subject should be studied comparatively and/or globally. Such courses are typically offered through one of these Schools: Education, Public and Environmental Affairs, Public Health, or Global and International Studies. Please select a course in consultation with the instructor and your academic advisor.
  5. Complete a practicum course that enables you to apply what you have learned in practical contexts. Alternatively, you may select a practicum designed to develop practical skills for researching or practicing education and its allied fields cross-culturally. Examples include Global Gateway for Teachers and travel study courses in Public Health or Education, non-profit management courses in SPEA, or methods courses for teaching English as a Second Language. 
  6. This program is intended to offer you an interdisciplinary approach to the study of issues impacting education on a global level. The structure and standards of the minor reflect this objective: 
     • Nine to twelve (9 - 12) credits must be taken through the School of Education
     • Three to six (3 - 6) credits must be taken through the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Public Health, the School of Public and Environmental Affairs, or the School of Global and International Studies. 
     • Nine (9) credits must be completed at the 300 level or higher. 
     • You must achieve a grade of C+ or better in each course contributing to the minor requirements 
     • You must achieve an overall GPA of 2.5 or better in the minor courses