Intercultural Communication, MSEd

The final entering cohort for this program was the Summer/Fall 2024 cohort. This program will be known as Language, Globalization and Intercultural Studies, MSEd starting in Summer 2025.

The M.S.Ed. in Intercultural Communication, housed within the Educational Linguistics Division, provides the skills and knowledge necessary to understand linguistic and social practices in a variety of environments. The M.S.Ed. in Intercultural Communication (ICC), provides a solid foundation in ethnographic and discourse analytic research methods. The core courses examine linguistic and social practices that occur in face-to-face interaction, the cultural expectations and ideologies that inform communicative practices, and the cultural dynamics of power and identity. A degree in ICC prepares students for careers such as cultural exchange advising and administration, study-abroad programming, refugee and immigrant support, and curriculum development, training, and facilitation. The program also provides a solid theoretical foundation for those students considering a career in intercultural research and/or doctoral study.

For more information: https://www.gse.upenn.edu/elx/icc

Curriculum

A total of 12 course units are required for the ICC MSEd1,2,3 All courses must be at the 5000 level or above.

Core Courses 4
EDUC 6200Introduction to Applied Linguistics1
EDUC 6205Linguistics in Education1
EDUC 6210Sociolinguistics in Education1
EDUC 6220Discursive Approaches in Intercultural Communication1
EDUC 6299Ethnography for Intercultural Communication1
EDUC 7220Seminar in Microethnography1
Elective Courses 5
Select 1 ELX elective course1
Select 3 electives3
Distribution Requirement 6
Select 1 Distribution Requirement course1
Capstone Course 4
EDUC 8230ICC Seminar1
Total Course Units12

Required Milestone:

Master’s degree candidates must demonstrate thorough knowledge of the field of specialization by passing a comprehensive examination in their area of study. The examination/portfolio/thesis serves an educational and evaluative purpose through which students are expected to review and integrate what they have learned in their coursework and fieldwork. Comprehensive formats vary. 

1

Students must complete an internship of at least 160 hours. The internship proposal (part of EDUC 7220 Seminar in Microethnography) must be approved before you can begin your internship; the internship must be completed before you may register for EDUC 8230 ICC Seminar. EDUC 8230 ICC Seminar is offered in the spring semester only.

2

Students must maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA after the completion of the first fall semester in order to register for 4 CU's in subsequent semesters. Students must maintain a 4.0 cumulative GPA after the completion of the first fall semester in order to register for 5 CU's in subsequent semesters. 

3

Two courses may be transferred into the program (as electives only) with the approval of ELX faculty.

4

Students must earn a grade of B- or higher in core courses (see Handbook).

5

Elective courses must be taken at the graduate level (5000 and above).

6

Candidates for the M.S.Ed. degree must demonstrate knowledge of the field of education beyond the area of specialization. This requirement is met by satisfying the distribution requirement. To meet the distribution requirement, students must complete one approved graduate level (5000 and above) GSE course outside the student’s area of specialization, earning a grade of "B" or better. Students should check with their program manager for a list of courses approved to fulfill the distribution requirement. Further requirements regarding these courses may be specified by each division.  

 
 

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.