CORE COURSES

6 COURSES | 18 CREDIT HOURS

1. Educational Research Methods – (3)
This course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of research methodologies in education and equip master students with the skills needed to engage in research for dissertation. It covers qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method approaches. Students will learn how to design research studies, analyze data, and critically evaluate research in educational contexts. The course prepares students to develop their own research proposals, emphasizing ethical considerations and practical applications.
2. Educational Philosophy and Theory – (3)
This course explores key theories and philosophies that have shaped education throughout history and continue to influence educational practices today. Through the course, students will engage with classical and contemporary philosophical ideas and examine their impact on curriculum design, teaching methods, and educational policy. The course aims to deepen students’ understanding of the philosophical foundations of education and develop their ability to critically analyze and apply these ideas in their own educational contexts.
3. Teaching, Learning, & Assessment in Global Context – (3)
This course is designed to explore a variety of teaching methodologies and their application in diverse and international educational environments and discover the principles and practices of assessment and evaluation in various K-12 educational contexts. It focuses on adapting and implementing teaching methods to meet the unique needs of learners from various backgrounds. The course places a significant emphasis on developing innovative and inclusive instructional practices that are effective in global K-12 classrooms. It also emphasizes the importance of creating fair and differentiated assessment techniques taking into consideration diverse educational settings and learners’ backgrounds and needs. Key areas of focus include the integration of technology in teaching to enhance learning experiences, the development of cross-cultural communication skills, both of which are crucial in today’s interconnected world, and effective strategies and practices in evaluating K-12 students’ attainment and performance and their impacts on educational policies and decision-making.
4. Comparative and International Education – (3)
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the principles and practices of assessment and evaluation in various educational contexts around the world. It emphasizes the importance of creating fair and effective assessment techniques that are adaptable to diverse educational settings and sensitive to different cultural backgrounds. Throughout the course, students will delve into a variety of assessment models, understanding their role in driving educational improvement and learning outcomes. A key focus of the course is on strategies to ensure equity in assessment practices, ensuring that all learners, regardless of their background, are assessed in a manner that is both fair and comprehensive. This includes an exploration of best practices in evaluating student learning and performance, as well as understanding the impact of these practices on educational policies and decisions.
5. Innovative Curriculum Development for Global Competence – (3)
This course focuses on equipping educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to design curricula that foster global competence. Students will explore the principles of curriculum development with an emphasis on intercultural understanding, global awareness, and the capacity to engage with people from diverse backgrounds. The course includes strategies for integrating international perspectives and standards into curriculum planning and evaluation. Emphasis will be placed on creating learning experiences that prepare students for a globalized world, encouraging critical thinking, cross-cultural communication skills, and global citizenship.
6. Cultural Diversity and Inclusion in Education – (3)
The course dedicated to the exploration and implementation of strategies to create and maintain inclusive educational environments that value and celebrate cultural diversity. The course delves into the concepts of multicultural education, equity, and inclusion, providing educators with a comprehensive understanding of these crucial areas. The course is designed to equip educators with the practical tools and theoretical knowledge necessary to foster an inclusive classroom atmosphere. This inclusive atmosphere is not only conducive to learning but also promotes respect and appreciation for cultural diversity among students. The ultimate goal of this course is to prepare educators to effectively address and embrace the challenges and opportunities presented by cultural diversity in educational settings.

Elective Courses

CHOOSE 2 COURSES | 6 CREDIT HOURS

1. International Education Policy – (3)

This course offers an extensive exploration of international education policies and how they are created and put into action globally. Students will explore how international organizations along with governments and non-governmental organizations play a part in shaping policies. The focus of the class is on comparing and analyzing educational policies, discussing the challenges faced in transferring policies from one context to another and understanding how global trends in education impact national education systems.

2. Leadership and Change Management in a Global Context – (3)

This course navigates into leadership theories and change management strategies within the context of global education. It aims to develop leadership skills that are effective in diverse cultural settings. The course thoroughly examines strategies for leading and managing change in educational institutions, addressing global leadership challenges, effective communication across cultures, and practical techniques for implementing change. This course is pivotal for educational leaders aiming to navigate and influence the evolving global educational landscape effectively.

3. Learning Organizations & Leadership Role – (3)

The course explores transforming educational institutions into dynamic entities. It expands upon the idea of how these organizations can evolve to be more responsive, creative, and perpetually enhance their teaching and administrative environments. The course rigorously examines various models and frameworks that define a learning organization, emphasizing the role of leadership in cultivating a culture that embraces change and innovation. It also explores how organizational culture and leadership practices can significantly influence learning outcomes and the effectiveness of educational practices. Furthermore, it provides practical insights into planning and implementing strategies that encourage ongoing development and growth within educational environments, making it an essential component for educators and administrators aiming to lead in the evolving landscape of global education.

4. Artificial Intelligence Applications in Educational Contexts – (3)

The course explores the Artificial Intelligence (AI) fundamentals and its diverse applications in enhancing teaching, learning, and educational management. The course offers understanding of the theoretical foundation of AI in education, current applications of AI in education, advanced teaching, learning, and assessment AI tools, and the management of educational systems. Students will critically analyze ethical considerations, navigate the challenges of AI integration in education, and predict AI’s future potential and impact on the educational landscape.

5. Practicum – (3)
The Practicum course is designed to cater to students who lack prior teaching experience. While the program primarily targets current teachers and school administrators, it acknowledges the importance of accommodating individuals aspiring to enter the educational field. As a result, the course is offered as an elective option for these individuals.
This course provides a unique and practical hands-on experience, offering participants a valuable opportunity to acquire real-world teaching and administrative skills within an educational setting. Tailored for those new to the field, the Practicum serves as an ideal platform for building competencies and boosting confidence in a supportive and structured environment. By engaging in this course, students ensure they are well-prepared for a successful and fulfilling career in education.

THESIS

6 CREDIT HOURS

1. Thesis 1 – (3)
Students in this course will work with their thesis supervisor to develop a thesis proposal and begin their distinctive, applied research project. The primary goal is for the student to practice the mechanisms of transitioning from concept to active inquiry. Depending on the nature of the topic, the student will develop a study questions, conduct a literature review, develop a methodological approach, and begin preliminary research. Students are expected to apply qualitative, quantitative, and comparative research approaches to the chosen topic. Students will be required to provide the oral defense of Thesis Proposal as part of the assessment and fulfillment of the Thesis 1 course.
2. Thesis 2 – (3)
In this course, students will continue developing their thesis project, revising techniques (if required), addressing challenges, analyzing findings, and eventually articulating the complete experience. Students will build on work from the previous semester and put all of the pieces together to complete the final thesis project, following the required research process and procedures. The thesis is a work of original scholarship, designed with guidance from a thesis supervisor and thesis committee. Students will be required to provide the oral public defense as part of the assessment and fulfillment of the Thesis course.