A master’s program that prepares you to work in international educational contexts and promote global equity.
Promoting global change through education and action.
The International Educational Development, M.S.Ed. (IEDP) program prepares students with essential skills to address social, political, and economic challenges in marginalized communities worldwide. Through a combination of academic coursework and real-world experience, students explore key topics such as early childhood education, human rights, gender equality, language policy, literacy, migration, poverty alleviation, public health, and the use of technology for development.
A standout feature of the IEDP program is the international internship, where students gain hands-on experience in global education and development with one of our 25 international partner organizations.
Rolling Application Deadline
Fall Entry Term
Full or Part-Time Enrollment Format
10 Courses
12–20 Months Duration (full-time)
On Campus Modality
The International Educational Development, M.S.Ed. (IEDP) program equips students with specialized skills and knowledge in the field of international educational development, focusing on low and middle-income countries. Our intentionally small cohort fosters close relationships and collaboration. The program integrates education with politics, economics, and culture, offering a strong interdisciplinary foundation to the field.
Students explore key topics like early childhood education, human rights, language policy, migration, nonprofit management, data analysis, public health, curriculum design, and technology for development. The program's international internship offers hands-on experience with organizations like, UNESCO, UNICEF, and the Aga Khan Foundation, allowing students to apply their learning to real-world policy and practice. Alumni and current students form an active global network that offers mentorship, advice, and career connections long after graduation.
Funding Opportunities for Returned Peace Corps VolunteersIn addition to merit- and need-based as well as federal aid, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers are encouraged to apply for the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program through the Penn GSE IEDP program. Read more about this fellowship and how to apply here. |
Application Requirements and Deadlines Tuition and Fees Financial Aid
Gain hands-on international experience through a fully supported internship with top organizations like UNESCO, UNICEF, OECD, Room to Read, and the Aga Khan Foundation. Each internship is customized—choose your region, location, format (in-person, hybrid, or remote), and complete at least 420 hours. Many courses also feature real-world simulations to enhance your learning.
Gain hands-on international experience through a fully supported internship with top organizations like UNESCO, UNICEF, OECD, Room to Read, and the Aga Khan Foundation. Each internship is customized—choose your region, location, format (in-person, hybrid, or remote), and complete at least 420 hours. Many courses also feature real-world simulations to enhance your learning.
Turn your learning into action with real-world experience at leading global organizations.
The international internship is the heart of the IEDP Program and is open to all eligible students. The IEDR program leadership work closely with each student to match them to a placement aligned with their interests and skills. While placements are not guaranteed with specific organizations or locations, we strive to provide high-quality, meaningful experiences.
UNESCO, UNICEF, Save the Children, Jet Services, Geneva Global, Aga Khan Foundation, and other local/international NGOs and development organizations dedicated to the SDGs.
For those traveling abroad, Penn GSE provides specialized emergency medical and evacuation insurance coverage through Penn’s iSOS system, at no extra cost. You’ll also receive an internship grant to offset travel or living expenses.
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Location: Online
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Location: Online
Our master’s degree program offers a campus-wide interdisciplinary experience. Students work with a faculty advisor to complete three core courses and two research methods courses. The remaining five courses include two thematic elective courses and three electives that can be taken from courses in Penn GSE and from across the University of Pennsylvania. The program culminates in a robust international field/experience internship for eligible students, and a professional, performance-based portfolio. While internships are unpaid, students may qualify for travel or living expense grants.
For information on courses and requirements, visit the International Educational Development, M.S.Ed. program in the University Catalog.
We are here to help! Contact the Program Manager, Lauren Scicluna, sclauren@gse.upenn.edu.
Graduates continue to pursue internships and employment in a variety of international settings, as well as at public and private educational institutions. Others have gone on to pursue their doctoral studies at leading universities.
A graduate degree from Penn GSE opens up whole new worlds, intellectually as well as professionally. If you are a passionate, innovative, impactful leader—or aspire to be one—Penn GSE is the place for you.
Do you have questions about the application, financial aid, or requirements? We're happy to help!
On May 17, in the Palestra, Penn GSE commemorated the achievements of the roughly 600 master’s and doctoral graduates at this year’s Commencement ceremony.
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Penn GSE students explored policy, shared research, and burnished their professional development at the recent Comparative and International Education Society conference in Chicago.
Penn GSE alumni from across the academic spectrum have advised politicians, worked in the White House and the statehouse, and spurred change in our nation’s schools and universities thanks to their evidence-backed expertise in education policy.
