Graduate Certificate in Comparative and International Education
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
The graduate certificate in Comparative and International Education is ideal for educators, policymakers, and researchers who want to understand global education systems and their impact on social, cultural, and economic development. It’s a strong fit for those pursuing careers in international organizations, NGOs, or education policy analysis.
Program Overview
Explore how education shapes societies across the globe with the Graduate Certificate in International and Comparative Education at the University of Kentucky. Designed for educators, researchers, and professionals seeking a deeper understanding of global education systems, this interdisciplinary program equips students with the tools to analyze educational practices, policies, and challenges in an international context. Whether you're preparing for a career in international development, education policy, or global nonprofit work, this certificate provides valuable insight into the role education plays in cultural exchange, equity, and social change.
The field of international education is a critical component of the internationalization of higher education in the United States and abroad. This certificate is designed for any graduate student (or admitted postbaccalaureate student) wishing to enhance their graduate degree. The 12 hour curriculum includes a choice of two core classes in comparative education and nine hours of guided elective coursework. In preparing to complete their certificate, students must identify a regional concentration, and are encouraged to participate in some form of professional or experiential learning opportunity to acquire skills in management, program development, and/or assessment. Although the certificate does not require language coursework as part of the curriculum, participants are also required to describe their language proficiency relative to their professional and regional concentration so that they are aware of and prepared to be competitive in the field.
Related Careers
The graduate certificate in Comparative and International Education will prepare graduate students for careers in international education, including but not limited to education abroad, international student services, and placement in other international organizations which support the exchange of students.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Deadlines
Domestic Students
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Fall
- 07/25/2025
International Students
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Fall
- 04/15/2025
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What You'll Learn
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
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Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
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