8 Development Studies MA Degree Programs in USA

The International Development Studies program grounds international development practitioners in the theories, policies, and skills necessary for operating at the forefront of the field. The curriculum leverages a combination of field-based research, studies in cultural contexts and ethics, and innovative practices to develop your marketable skills and experience.

The Master of Arts in Development Studies and Diplomacy is an interdisciplinary and holistic program that will not only broaden student’s knowledge in the field of development studies, sustainability, and diplomacy but it will also equip them with the required soft skills for a successful international career in any of these areas of expertise. It is offered both online and face-to-face on the UPEACE campus in Costa Rica. During this program, students will analyze the different dimensions of development including, environmental, social, economic, and human dimensions as well as the theory and practice of diplomacy in the 21st century. Students will also attend skills development sessions that are designed to support their professional careers and employability. Careers in this field can be very broad. Prospective employers include governments, international organizations, development agencies, academia, and the private sector.

The Master of Arts in Gender and Development (hybrid) is a graduate programme that offers critical knowledge in gender studies in its intersections with development studies. In addition, this programme equips students with the required soft skills for a successful international career in this field.

Improve the human condition in vulnerable communities. Many communities around the world have been left behind — as evidenced by disparities in per capita earnings, health and life expectancy, political and human rights, personal security, and other measures of the human condition. This program emphasizes economic growth that is both environmentally sound and socially inclusive.

The IDMA hosts and co-hosts a number of Deaf-led and -centered events, and other activities related to language rights and people with disabilities -- such as this panel on Deaf Leadership in International Development (featuring 6 presenters from 5 organizations, including USAID, CBM International, World Learning, Gallaudet University's RSIA joined IDMA on February 17, 2017). Stay tuned for our upcoming events!

What stirs you to act? Injustice against the weak? Sustainable solutions? If you desire to be a source of lasting hope in the midst of suffering, then the Master of Arts in Global Development and Justice (MAGDJ) is for you. This program builds on a foundation of biblical justice and international development with an emphasis on compassion initiatives, poverty alleviation, and combating injustices in society. We prepare community leaders, mission pastors, and cross-cultural workers in mission, justice, and humanitarian aid work in local or global contexts. If you are inspired by holistic, sustainable solutions that empower the hurting and strengthen the vulnerable, the MAGDJ program is made to unleash you as a dynamic agent of Christ-like change.

The people you serve are too important for you to spend your time addressing surface level issues.

The City & Regional Planning and Community Development programs at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University educate students to become leaders who collaborate with diverse communities to establish lasting improvements for residents. Students both engage the challenges and leverage the opportunities of cities in their coursework, taking advantage of the deep resources of Temple—a leading public research university—to perform their own hands-on research and service learning across Philadelphia. Tyler’s faculty of forward-thinking practitioners are dedicated to personal mentorship that includes access to their networks of professionals, organizations and agencies.