The International Center for Curriculum Studies (ICCS) is an integral part of the Doctor Education (Ed.D) degree program of the School of Education at Seattle Pacific University. The center was founded in 1993 with the mission of supporting the research and development work of School of Education faculty and graduate students.

The primary purpose of the work carried out at the Center is to make possible international connections through travel, writing, and research, particularly as these connections apply to comparative and international educational settings. In addition, the Center annually offers two doctoral seminars, Research in Curriculum & Instruction, and International and Comparative Education. The Center also supports many doctoral students as they independently study related areas.

In the time-honored tradition of SPU as a school that reaches out to others in order to engage culture and change the world, the Center’s history has been quite productive. While the work of the Center has focused primarily on efforts in Russia and China over the past few years, there has been involvement with institutions from other countries such as the United Kingdom and Spain. In addition, ICCS has sponsored scholarly visits for numerous professors and educational leaders from Russia and China. Such visits have left deep impressions on both guests and SPU faculty and students alike.

Frequent opportunities to attend international conferences are offered throughout the academic year. A SPU delegation regularly attends conferences in Russia, China, and the United Kingdom. Such opportunities include involvement in educational programs and conferences alongside a more cultural and tourist itinerary. Indeed, faculty and students often develop a strong spirit of collegiality as they travel and study together.

ICCS has also initiated a series of Conferences on the Social and Moral Fabric of School Life. To date, there have been three separate conferences with the latest conference being hosted by the University of Hull, England.

ICCS continues to explore new opportunities for involvement in accordance with its mission and welcomes any inquiries.