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Master of Arts in International Development Studies

About us

The International Development Studies (IDS) program is an interdisciplinary professional master’s program that prepares students for professional careers in the field of international development. It is designed to provide a broad understanding and appreciation of current development issues and theories, as well as the processes involved in formulating policy and implementing development projects. Students have the opportunity to either study one of the established concentrations or to create their own in consultation with the program director; students are strongly encouraged to pursue this latter option.

The work completed over the course of the IDS program culminates in the capstone project where students work on a real-world consulting experience through any of a number of development organizations working around the world. In past years, capstone projects have addressed a broad range of topics, including rural education, urban upgrading, microfinance, HIV/AIDS, human trafficking, environmental conservation, displaced children, gender-based violence, NGO security, municipal planning, and many others. Teams have pursued these projects and conducted fieldwork similarly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Completed Capstone Reports can be found here.

In addition to their regular coursework, graduate students in the IDS program are active participants in student organizations and employed part-time in a job or internship directly related to their studies. The Organization of International Development (OID) is an active graduate student organization affiliated with the IDS program. OID organizes regular events throughout the academic year, including expert panel discussions on development issues, employment opportunities, overseas internship possibilities and opportunities for social exchange and networking for students interested in international development. Most IDS students also work part-time or intern in diverse organizations such as USAID, the World Bank, Peace Corps, IREX, Ashoka, Counterpart International, the Woodrow Wilson Center, Chemonics International, and many other organizations focused on international development.

Program Director:
David D. Gow, 502D Elliott School Telephone: 202-994-4318. E-mail: ddgow@gwu.edu

Program Assistant:
David Sokoloff, 502-J2 Elliott School Telephone: 202-994-5767 E-mail: ids@gwu.edu

Admission to the IDS Program occurs only in the fall semester, with no exceptions. Students admitted to the program are expected to have completed a Bachelors degree in one of the major fields of social sciences, although students from other disciplines can also apply if they have a demonstrated interest in development. In addition, applicants must have taken courses in introductory micro and macroeconomics, and at least two years of undergraduate study of a modern foreign language. Students with prior work experience in development-related fields, and students with developing country experience, will be given special consideration. For further information see For further information see General Admission Information