Intercultural Communication (M.S.Ed.)

The M.S.Ed. specialization in Intercultural Communication (ICC), housed within the Educational Linguistics program, provides a solid foundation in linguistic and discursive approaches to the exploration of issues that arise in communication between cultural groups (including linguistic, social, racial, ethnic, national, gender and other groupings). The core courses examine linguistic and social practices (or ways of speaking) occurring in face-to-face interaction, the cultural expectations and ideologies that inform these practices, and the cultural dynamics and processes impacting communication between groups (such as power or identity). This degree prepares students for further doctoral studies and career opportunities in such fields as international student advising, educational/cultural exchange, international education development, refugee/resettlement program development and administration, business and industrial consulting, and other social service fields.

This specialization offers its students a great deal of flexibility in designing a course of study. A degree in intercultural communication leads students to a broad range of career trajectories, so our program encourages students to take advantage of the many opportunities that the University of Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia offer as they work with their advisors to design a course of study to best meet their academic and professional needs. Within GSE, electives in Higher Education Administration, Anthropology and Education, TESOL, Educational Policy and Management, Counseling, and International Education are available. Other schools at Penn offer courses in Anthropology, Communication Studies, Business, Social Work, Linguistics, Policy, and Law, among others.

The core courses for this degree focus in particular on language, discourse and interaction, providing a firm foundation in the relevant areas of educational linguistics. Students are also encouraged to take courses across divisions of the Graduate School of Education and throughout the University of Pennsylvania. Although specific interests and career goals will vary, all students will learn to analyze the many linguistic, discursive, social, and cultural issues encountered in interaction among individuals of different backgrounds.

A minimum of 12 course units and a comprehensive examination are required to complete the M.S.Ed. No more than two credit units may be transferred from outside the University of Pennsylvania. All ICC students must arrange, under the guidance of the internship advisor, to participate in an internship in one of a variety of settings that could include foreign student advising offices, elementary and secondary schools, community outreach organizations, social service agencies, educational or cultural exchange programs or consulting firms, banks, or businesses. A reflective paper, written by the student and based on the internship experience, fulfills the master's comprehensive examination requirement.