Master of International Development

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The Master in International Development (MID)is dedicated to achieving social, economic, and political progress and equality for all. Students gain training from experts in sustainable approaches that fundamentally promote well-being, empowerment and participation, dignity and human rights, of people everywhere. Our multidisciplinary and comprehensive program combines foundational knowledge and an essential balance of theory, applied skills, and experiential learning. Students experience a cutting-edge curriculum and gain professional opportunities needed to meet career aspirations and to be leaders and innovators as the field international development continues to grow and evolve. SPIA alumi live and work in the USA and over 120 countries around the world, doing impactful work in diverse employment sectors that include NGOs and nonprofits, research institutes and thinktanks, local and state public sectors, inter-governmental organizations such as the UN and World Bank, and the private sector.

MID students follow their passions to develop effective and collaborative responses to critical issues and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, for which we provide core training through numerous areas of specialization. Students gain essential development skills and insights, with emphasis on application to vulnerable and discriminated groups and to critical world problems such as impoverishment, climate change, ill health and disease, gender inequality, racial and ethnic discrimination, human rights violations, education gaps, migration, and urbanization. They put their knowledge and skills to work as practitioners, consultants, researchers, policymakers, diplomats, and social entrepreneurs on these an many other issues of global importance and in local to global contexts.

MID students complete 36 credits (3 terms at full time) including foundation and innovation courses; a specialized area of concentration; either a Thesis (independent research on a development problem), or a Capstone project focusing on a real world problem with an external partner such as an NGO or public sector agency; an internship experience; and free electives which may be applied to a minor, language study, area studies certificate, or dual degree.  Areas of Concentration (choice of major and minor) include: NGOs & Civil Society, Governance & International Public Management, Social & Economic Policy, Energy & Environment, Urban Affairs & Planning, and Human Security.  Additional areas of study through a minor include: Policy Research and Analysis, Security & Intelligence, Public & Nonprofit Leadership. Optional regional studies certificates include Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe/EU, Asia, Russia & Eastern Europe. The University offers over 32 languages and a variety of study abroad opportunities. MID students can pursue joint degrees with other professional schools at the University. SPIA additionally offers a semester in DC option where students can network with key organizations and actors in the field.