Doctor of Philosophy in Comparative and International Education

Applications for the Sep 2026 intake close on Dec 1, 2026, and the tuition fee is 34,971 USD per year.

This program is a Doctor of Philosophy in Comparative and International Education. It focuses on advanced study and research in global educational issues, comparative systems, and international development. Students engage in core seminars, coursework across disciplines, and rigorous research culminating in a dissertation.

The program requires a minimum of 75 graduate-level points distributed across core courses, academic discipline studies, comparative education/area studies, and electives, alongside comprehensive examinations and a defended dissertation.

Applicants must hold a Master's degree and submit an online application with a Statement of Purpose, resume, transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and an academic writing sample. An English Proficiency Exam is required for applicable applicants, and a $75 application fee is due. Finalists may be invited for an interview.

The programme totals about 75 credit hours. Full-time and part-time campus-based. For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes.

Teachers College has helped shape the field of special education and carries forward John Dewey’s global educational legacy. Graduate study focuses on pressing problems in education and related fields, with work spanning literacy, dual enrollment, educational technology, sustainability, youth mental health, and the public good. Students engage with research, special lectures, colloquia, and workshops alongside their academic programs.

The College connects professional preparation with practical innovation. Student innovators can validate education technology tools, connect with alumni, and develop projects intended to create educational impact. Its community also includes educators, researchers, faculty, staff, and alumni working across education and related areas. Alumni recognition includes graduates who have pursued careers and advanced study in fields connected to education, research, and public service.

Teachers College occupies a campus on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, on West 120th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue. The campus includes five residence halls and eight interconnected buildings, with Gothic architecture dating back to the early 19th century. Its multicultural, urban setting shapes educational and social opportunities and supports ties with the local community. The No. 1 subway train serves the nearby 116th Street station, while New York City offers access to special events, community projects, and the wider Columbia University area.