International Development

Overview

The International Development (IDEV) Program provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of developing countries, with the aim of preparing students for careers in development. Students in the IDEV Program receive rigorous academic training that helps them better conceptualize the development process in its economic, political and social dimensions.

Employment Outcomes


SAIS graduates are in great demand by employers in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Economics knowledge, analytical abilities, regional expertise, diplomatic skills, language proficiency and the capacity to apply theory to real-world problems give our students a distinct professional advantage.

Meet Our Students

All Students

I am particularly interested in learning about the factors that drive economic growth and private sector development in emerging markets. The SAIS International Development Program is well tailored to this interest, providing an in-depth perspective on how economics and government policy impact private sector growth in developing countries.

Daniel Anderson, M.A., International Development and M.B.A from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (dual degree)
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Career Interests

Private equity in emerging markets, focusing on Latin America and Africa

At SAIS
  • Intern, Frontier Investment Group, ACCION International, intern, Grassroots Business Fund, Peru

The Curriculum


The International Development (IDEV) Program provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of developing countries, with the aim of preparing students for careers in development. IDEV students for academic year 2012-13 will be able to take courses in three tracks: (1) Finance and Dvelopment, (2) Politics and Goverance, and (3) Human Development. In addition, they can opt for a specialization in Development Economics or International Finance, offered through the International Economics Program, or a specialization in Emerging Markets, administered through the IDEV Program.

Concentration Requirements

Program Specializations

IDEV students for academic year 2012-13 will be able to take courses in three tracks: (1) Finance and Development, (2)  Politics and Governance, and (3)  Human Development.

IDEV students can opt for a specialization in Development Economics or International Finance, offered through the International Economics Program, or a specialization in Emerging Markets, administered through the IDEV Program. IDEV students are encouraged to combine functional approaches with SAIS's rich offerings in the development experience of specific regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Requirements

Additional Opportunities

Biweekly Development Roundtable
Coordinated and led by IDEV students, this events series provides speakers the opportunity to address the challenges of global development assistance and to suggest new initiatives that will improve the field.

Alumni Tertulias
Each of the three IDEV tracks conducts periodic tertulias for track members, in which students discuss key issues with development professionals in the area concerned – many of whom are IDEV alumni.

Intersession Field Practicum
Each January, a select group of IDEV students go on a two-week intersession field practicum trip to a developing country, during which they receive briefings from host-country organizations and conduct field research, putting into practice the techniques learned in IDEV courses.

Internships
Internships are an integral part of the learning experience and an entrée to future employment. The IDEV Program encourages students to pursue internships and research opportunities in developing countries during the summer and in Washington, D.C., during the school year.

Perspectives: IDEV Student-Led Publication
Each spring IDEV publishes Perspectives, with articles on cutting-edge issues in development, many written by IDEV faculty, students and alumni.  Each annual issue focuses on a specific theme of development.

Events and Announcements

Upcoming Events

There are no events scheduled at this time.

Announcements

There are no announcements for International Development at this time.

Faculty

Contact
Deborah Brautigam, Director
Katherine Diefenbach, Program Coordinator