26 Top International Development Masters in the USA

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The United States has some of the leading universities in the world and many of the top master’s degrees in international development. With some of the most prestigious development studies masters, as well as masters specialising in community development, agriculture development and migration studies, the USA is one of the best countries in the world to study for a career in international development.

Master of Arts in International Development Studies – George Washington University

George Washington University, in Washington D. C, USA, offers a master’s degree in international development. The masters aims to equip students with the theories, skills and knowledge needed to work on the front-line of international development. Students focus particularly on the cultural contexts and moral considerations of development work, as well as on field-based research and innovation within the development sector. The masters drives to provide students with marketable skills and professional experience to begin careers in international development.

Applicants to the masters in International Development Studies at George Washington University, USA, are likely to require a relevant bachelor’s degree. Full entry requirements, including English language requirements, can be obtained from the university. Also contact the university for information on fees for US and non-American students as well as scholarship information.

MA in Global Development Economics – Boston University

Boston University, based on the East Coast of the USA, has a master’s degree in Global Development Economics. One of the leading masters of its kind in America, students on the master’s degree receive extensive training in economic theories and practice. The masters has modules on politics, international relations and public health. Students also explore how infrastructure and the environment can impact economic development. The master’s degree is ideal for students who want to study in America and focus on the economic development of low- and middle-income countries.

Entry requirements for the Global Development Economics masters at Boston University, USA, are likely to include the completion of a relevant undergraduate degree and a high-level of English language ability. Full-time tuition for the Global Development Economics master’s degree at Boston University is around 56,000 USD. The university has financial aid for both American and non-US students.

M.A. in Global Development and Justice – Multnomah University

Multnomah University, based in Portland, Oregon, USA, has a master’s degree in Global Development and Justice. The masters course combines a religious view of justice with practical techniques in international development. Students learn the knowledge needed to work on poverty alleviation and tackling injustice around the world. With a significant Christian focus, the master’s degree in Global Development and Justice and Multnomah University, in America, is ideal for those wanting to work in as community leaders, mission pastors and in humanitarian aid and development.

Applicants to the masters in Global Development and Justice at Multnomah University are required to complete the application process including providing a ‘Christian character reference’. Applicants are likely to need a bachelor’s degree. Tuition fees for the Global Development and Justice masters in the USA at Multnomah University are around 700 USD per course credit. Financial aid is available for both American and for students from outside the USA.

International Affairs (MA or MS) – The New School

The New School is based in New York, USA. They have a master’s degree in International Affairs.  The flexible master’s degree is aimed at professionals already working in international affairs who wish to gain an additional academic understanding. One of the leading masters of its kind in America, The New School’s post-graduate degree in International Relations provides students with a theoretical understanding of global issues whilst also giving the option to gain practical field experience. The master’s degree has both an international field programme and the chance for students to do consultancy work within the United Nations.

Applicants to The New School’s International Affairs master’s degree need to be doing, or have completed, an undergraduate degree. Fees for the master’s degree in International Affairs at The New School, New York, USA, are around 1,750 USD per course credit. Scholarships are available for both American and non-US students.

International Development Online Courses

If you are looking to do a masters in international development, taking an online short course can be a great way to boost your application. We highly recommend the course Management of International Development: Towards Agenda 2030. It looks at the current international development model as well as the trends that will be key to global development in the near future. Follow the link to the course’s page for more information.

We also think the online course Sustainable Development in the 21st Century by Yonsei University to be one of the best for those interested in international development. Delivered by former UN Secretary General Ban-ki Moon, the online course would be a great addition to the application of anyone looking to do a masters in international development. The link is to the course’s page.

If you are interested in the practical methods used on international development projects, we recommend the online course How To Design & Fund International Development NGO Projects. The course teaches students the tools needed to establish and run impactful development projects. Click the link to visit the course’s page for more information.

Master of Science in Global Studies – Northeastern University

Northeastern University is located in Boston, USA. They offer a master’s degree in Global Studies that can be taken on-campus in America or online. Students on the masters investigate the role of globalisation in the current worldwide context alongside developing practical solutions to the challenge’s globalisation has created. The Global Studies master’s degree offered by Northeastern University, USA, has five specialisms students can choose from. These include Global Student Mobility, Diplomacy, Conflict Resolution, International Economics and Consulting, Global Health and Development.

Applicants to the Global Studies master’s degree at Northeastern University in America need to have completed an undergraduate degree. They also need to submit a statement of purpose, professional CV and reference. Non-native English speakers must provide evidence of English language ability. Tuition fees at Northeastern University in the USA to study the master’s degree in Global Studies are around 35,000 USD. 8% of students receive some kind of financial aid, with scholarships open to American student and students from outside the USA.

Master in Community Development – University of New Hampshire, Carsey School of Public Policy

The University of New Hampshire, in the United States, has a master’s degree in Community Development. Students on the master’s course work to address real world scenarios to improve both community and economic development. Taught by some of the leading development professionals in America, the University of New Hampshire’s course is a unique master’s degree in the USA. Students on the masters learn practical tools and skills to develop communities locally and internationally.

The master’s degree in Community Development at the University of New Hampshire, USA, can be taken in 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time. Most applicants need to have completed previous ‘rigorous’ academic study and have some years of professional work experience. Information on tuition fees and financial aid should be obtained from the university.

Master in Migration Studies – University of San Francisco

The University of San Francisco offers one of the leading master’s degrees in America on migration. Students on the masters of migration studies at the University of San Francisco produce cutting-edge research into the historical background, ongoing trends and contextual scenarios at the root of migration. The master’s degree also explores the challenges and issues raised by migration and people on the move. The University of San Francisco master’s degree in Migration Studies works closely with NGOs, government agencies and civil society organisations and includes an optional student placement.

Admission requirements for the Migration Studies masters at the University of San Francisco, in America, are likely to include the completion of an undergraduate degree. Non-native English speakers are also likely to need to prove their English language proficiency. Exact requirements should be sought from the university. Tuition fees for the Migration Studies at University of San Francisco, USA, are around 1,225 USD per credit. The university has a wide range of scholarships including the Migration Program Scholarships and the Schmidt Family Foundation Fellowship.

Master of Arts in International Development – University of Denver

The University of Denver, in Colorado, United States, offers a masters in International Development. The master’s degree aims to prepare students to improve the social, economic, political and environmental conditions worldwide. The International Development masters at the University of Denver, USA, focuses on teaching students the keys to creating sustainable development solutions that have a meaningful impact. The masters is taught by some of the top development professionals in America.

Applicants to the masters in International Development at the University of Denver in the US are likely to require a bachelor’s degree. Contact the university for full admission requirements. Breakdowns of direct and indirect costs of studying at the University of Denver, USA, including for the International Development masters, can be found on their website.

Master of International Development – University of Pittsburgh

The University Pittsburgh, in Pennsylvania, United States, offers a master’s degree in International Development. One of the leading international development masters in the United States, the post-graduate degree teaches students the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to design development interventions. Graduates from the University of Pittsburgh, USA, have gone on to work in leading humanitarian NGOs, national governments and international development organisations.

Entry requirements for the master’s degree in International Development at the University of Pittsburgh in the US are likely to include the completion of an undergraduate degree, probably in a relevant subject. Tuition fees for the International Development masters at the University of Pittsburgh, USA, are around 23,500 USD for American students and around 40,000 for non-US students. The university has a wide range of scholarships for both US and non-American students, including the Coca Cola Fellowship, the Michael Flack Award and Urban Affairs Fellowship.

MA in Global Studies – Liberty University

Liberty University is a Christian university based in Virginia, United States. They have a master’s degree in Global Studies. Ideal for those wanting a broad approach to learning about international development, the master’s degree focuses on teaching forward thinking skills and cutting-edge techniques in development. The master’s degree in Global Studies at Liberty University, United States, has modules including Global Studies Survey, Introduction to Islam, Cultural Anthropology and Orality: The Power of Story.

Fordham University is based New York, USA. The International Political Economy and Development master’s degree at Fordham University is one of the top development studies masters in America. Students cover key international development topics such as International Banking and Finance, International and Development Economics and Global Environmental and Resource Economics. There is also the option to study Finance and Development. The master’s degree in International Political Economy and Development at Fordham University is taught by some of the leading international development experts in the United States.

International Political Economy and Development – Fordham University

Entry requirements for the International Political Economy and Development master’s degree at Fordham University in New York, USA, include the completion of an undergraduate degree and the submission of a 500-1500 word written statement. Applicants also require a recommendation letter. Non-native English speakers need a minimum TOEFL score of 100. Information on fees for American and non-US students should be sought from the university. Fordham University, USA, advertises a wide range of financial aid for students.

Admission requirements for the Liberty University masters in Global Studies include a bachelor’s degree with 2.0 GPA or higher and a Christian pastoral recommendation. Tuition fees for the Global Studies masters at Liberty University in the US are 545 USD per credit. Information on scholarships for US and non-US students can be obtained from the university.

International Development and Social Change – Clark University

Clark University is based in Massachusetts, United States. They offer a masters major in International Development and Social Change. Focusing on the global south, the masters introduces students to developing countries vulnerabilities and addresses the root causes of poverty. Students are encouraged to think critically about how positive change in developing countries can be sustainably achieved. There is also an enthesis on creating collaboratory and engaging responses to international development issues. The masters is taught by some of America’s leading development practitioners.

Information on entry requirements, fees and scholarships should be sought from the university.

International Economics and Development – Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University in the USA has a master’s degree in Economics and Development. The masters provides students an overview of the theoretical foundations and key economic tools used to analyse economies. Students are prepared for a technical career in international development through rigorous teaching of the economic roots of unequal global development. The master’s degree in International Economics and Development at Eastern Michigan University in the United States includes modules on the International Monetary System, International Trade and Theory and Mathematical Economics.

Applicants to the International Economics and Development masters at Eastern Michigan University in the US need to have completed a four-year undergraduate degree with at least a GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program. Fees for the master’s degree in International Economics and Development at Eastern Michigan University, USA, are around 12,000 USD. Financial aid is available including an alumni scholarship and women’s association scholarships.

International Development Studies – Ohio University

Ohio University, in the United States, has a masters major in International Development Studies. The masters aims to produce the next generation of international development leaders, equipped with the skills and expertise needed to address key development challenges. Students on the master’s degree at Ohio University, in America, combine international development theory, practice, methods and tools with a focus on their practical application in the field. The masters contains five core elements in Development and Environment, Development and Gender, Development and Health, Development and the Social Sciences and International Development and Conflict

Information on how to apply and requirements, as well as tuition fees and financial aid should be obtained from university directly.

Community and International Development – Andrew University

Andrew University is located in Michigan, USA. The Community and International Development masters at Andrew University is an interdisciplinary post-graduate degree aimed at equipping students with the skills needed to address social and economic challenges across the globe. The master’s degree is taught by some of America’s top community and development professionals. Graduates from the Andrew University, US, master’s degree in Community and International Development have gone to work in academic research, policy development, advocacy, development project management and administration.

Entry requirements to the Andrew University, USA, masters in Community and International Development are likely to include the completion of an undergraduate degree. Tuition fees are around 1,160 USD per credit hour. Andrew University in America has a range of scholarships offered by the university and external fellowships.

Development Practice – University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkley, is one of America’s top universities. They offer a masters major in Development Practice. Focusing on the practical implementation of development work, students engage with problem-solving, project design and management and decision-making tools for international development. The University of California, Berkley, in the USA is proud of the diversity of students on the Development Practice masters, with up to 50% of students from outside the US. Graduates of the masters have gone on to work in development NGOs, national governments and international development organisations.

The basic requirements to study the Development Practice master’s degree at the University of California, Berkley, in the US are the completion of a bachelor’s degree. Applicants need a bachelors result of usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 and some experience, academic or professional, in their chosen area of study. Information on fees can be found on the university’s website. The university of California, Berkley’s Graduate Fellowships Office has information on a wide range of financial support for both American and non-US students.

International Development Administration – Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University in the United States has a master’s degree in International Development Administration. The masters is aimed at those looking for a career managing NGO development projects. One of the leading masters of its kind in the USA, students on the post-graduate degree course explore foundational topics in international development theory, management and project implementation. The master’s degree in International Development Administration at Western Michigan University, in the US, includes a focus on areas such as the history of development, skills needed in development work and the specific methods of international development administration.

Entry requirements for the International Development Administration masters at Western Michigan University in the United States include holding a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.25 GPA in the last two years of the degree. Tuition fees for the International Development Administration masters at Western Michigan University in the US go up to around 1,000 USD per credit hour. The Western Michigan University, USA, has a wide range of financial aid options available to students.

International Development – Indiana University

Indiana University, in America, offers a top master’s degree in International Development. With a strong policy focus, students on the masters learn to address the key challenges in international development whilst taking advantage of the opportunities improved development can offer poorer nations. The master’s degree in International Development at Indiana University, USA, covers key development topics such as economic planning and programming, political development, conflict and post-conflict recovery and sustainable development.

Entry requirements for the International Development masters at Indiana University in America can be found on the university’s website. Exact course fees for the masters depend on circumstances but could be around 37,000 USD.

International Agricultural Development – University of California, Davis

The University of California, Davis, is based near Sacramento, in America. They offer a master’s degree in International Agricultural Development. A unique masters within the United States, the post-graduate degree aims for student to address the lack of resources, provisions and techniques needed to improve agriculture in developing countries. The master’s degree prepares students with the skills needed to produce real-world outcomes and improvements in agricultural development. This is an ideal master’s degree for those wanting to study in the US and interested in how developing countries can sustainably improve agriculture to assist rural communities.

Applicants to the International Agricultural Development master’s degree at University of California, Davis, USA, require a completed bachelors degree. Non-native English speakers will also need to prove their English language proficiency. Fees for the International Agricultural Development master’s degree as the University of California, Davis in the US are likely to be around 14,000 USD.

International Policy and Development – Middlebury Institute of International Studies

The Middlebury Institute of International Studies is based in Vermont, United States. They offer a master’s degree in International Policy and Development. The master’s degree trains students on the development of effective policies to address global inequality and improve development in low- and middle-income countries. Students on the masters learn how to research and create policy responses to contemporary development issues. The master’s degree in International Policy and Development at Middlebury Institute of International Studies, USA, is taught by some of America’s leading experts in policy and development.

Applicants to the master’s degree in International Policy and Development at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in the US need to have completed an undergraduate degree. If the applicants first language is not English, they need a TOEFL score of 80 overall, or an IELTS score of 6.5 overall. Information on fees and costs should be sought from the university. The Middlebury Institute of International Studies in America awards over 10,000 USD in scholarships each year.

Development Practice – Columbia University

Columbia University in New York City is one of the most prestigious universities in America. The Development Practice master’s degree at Columbia is a 21-month programme where students gain the skills, experience, networks and knowledge needed for the practical work of international development. The master’s degree at Columbia University in the US focuses on the practical implementation of development projects. Students on the masters also have access to leading work experience and internship opportunities in the development sector.

Entry requirements for the Development Practice masters at Columbia University, New York, USA, include having done an undergraduate degree as well as completing 2 years of related professional work experience. Tuition fees at Columbia University to study the masters in Development Practice are around 60,000 USD. Columbia University has a wide range of scholarship available for American and non-US students.

International Development Policy – Georgetown University

Georgetown University is located in Washington D. C, United States. Their master’s degree in International Development Policy aims to prepare the next generation of international development leaders with a technical background in policy. Students on the masters gain strong analytical and technical skills needed to work on economic, governmental and societal policy that can address global inequality. With an evidence-based approach to policy making the masters at Georgetown University, USA, provides a multidisciplinary and a broad focus to international development.

Entry requirements for the Georgetown University, USA, master’s degree in International Development Policy include the completion of a bachelor’s degree or international equivalent. Applicants also need to have done previous coursework on microeconomics and ideally have done some coursework at college-level in pre-calculus or calculus. Applicants without English as their first language require an IELTS score of 7.0. Information on fees and scholarships can be sought from the university.

Sustainable International Development – Brandeis University

Brandeis University is based in Boston, USA. They offer a masters in Sustainable International Development. With a strong focus on sustainability in development, the post-graduate degree instructs students on addressing the root causes of poverty, inequality and the marginalisation of communities. Students are taught by some of the leading development professionals with specialisms in sustainability in America. The Brandeis University masters in Sustainable International Development combines teaching with practice based-field placements.

Information on admission requirements, tuition fees and scholarships should be sought from the university.

Development Practice – Emory University

Emory University is in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Emory University has one of the leading master’s degrees in Development Practice in America. The masters focuses on sustainable development outcomes to address global poverty, natural disasters, climate change, conflict, insecurity and worldwide public health. Students learn through a combination of on-campus learning, independent research and practical field experience. The masters in Development Practice at Emory University, USA, also has workshops on key programmatic areas relevant to international development.

The Emory University, United States, requires applicants for their Development Practice master’s degree to submit a statement of purpose, a CV and a letter of recommendation. Entry requirements are likely to include the completion of a bachelor’s degree. Tuition fees to study the Development Practice masters at Emory University in America are around 43,800 USD.

International Studies – Texas State University

Texas State University, in the southern United States, offers a master degree in International Studies. Taking a broad and interdisciplinary approach, students on the masters are prepared for careers in government, global enterprises, NGOs or international development agencies. With a focus on giving students leadership skills, the master’s degree covers key current global challenges, as well as historical, cultural and contextual areas relevant to international development, such as regional inequality, the rise in technology, globalisation and industrialisation.

Applicants for the international studies masters’ degree at Texas State University in the US are likely to include the completion of an undergraduate degree. Non-native English speakers are also likely to need to provide evidence of their English language ability. Information on study costs and scholarships can be found on the university’s website.

International Community Development – Southeastern University Florida

Southeastern University Florida offers one of America’s top master’s degree in International Community Development. Taught online, the master’s degree is rooted in Christian teachings. Students on the master’s degree cover a wide range of core topics related to international community development. Modules on the International Community Development masters at Southeastern University Florida, USA, include Managing Change and Conflict, Strategic Missional Leadership and Human Services and the Community.

Southeastern University Florida, in the US, requires applicants for their International Community Development masters to have done a bachelor’s degree and got a GPA of 3.0, although a GPA of 2.9 will be considered. Applicants also need to submit a professional reference, academic reference and a Christian character reference. A written essay of one or two pages is also required. Fees for the International Community Development masters at Southeastern University Florida, USA, are 495 USD per credit hour. Scholarship opportunities can be explored on the university’s website.

Duncan

Duncan is the founder of Humanitarian Careers. With over ten years experience in the aid industry across fifteen countries, Duncan set-up Humanitarian Careers to help people launch their own career in international aid.