Environmental problems and degradation pose a growing threat to the well-being of people throughout the world. Workable solutions must focus on how humans and their social and economic interests interact with the resources of the natural environment.
M.A. in International Development Studies
M.A. in International Development Studies
The Master of Arts in International Development Studies trains students to become development practitioners — professionals acting as catalysts and facilitators of change in developing contexts.
The program incorporates a multidisciplinary approach and perspective, combining theory, methods, practical application, research, and technical concentration.
Providing a broad viewpoint of issues and problems related to change and growth in a development context, this program requires students to build upon a core set of classes by selecting a concentration in one of five technical areas: environment, gender, health, social sciences, and conflict.
Areas of Concentration
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Development and Environment
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Development and Gender
Gender equality and women's empowerment are a third millennium development goal and a primary component of poverty reduction and improved social welfare and well-being. Research shows that gender inequality continues to be a major impediment to economic development.
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Development and Health
Health is a basic human right that resides within the context of human and social development, as expressed in the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. Reflecting the wider social, economic, and political influences, health must be approached in an integrated manner.
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Development and the Social Sciences
There are numerous economic, environmental, social, and political challenges facing developing countries today. International development becomes a vast multi-disciplinary area of concern and action and embraces a multitude of approaches.
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Development and Conflict
Conflicts disrupt development efforts and exacerbate poverty, inequality and human suffering, posing significant challenges to sustainable development. Addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting peace are essential for creating stable environments where development initiatives can thrive.
Meet the Director
For Dr. Brandon Kendhammer, the political Islam that shapes Nigeria is the most interesting feature on the African landscape.
Financial Aid Information
The International Development Studies M.A. program offers a limited number of Tuition Scholarships and Graduate Assistantships to its strongest applicants each year. Criteria include the quality of previous academic performance and/or post-graduation professional experience, as well as fit with key program needs and concentrations.
Applicants wishing to be considered for financial aid should complete the financial aid section on the graduate application. Graduate Assistantship (GA), Teaching Assistantships (TA), and Graduate Recruitment Scholarship (GRS) awards are granted for one year, with renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance in academic and service obligations.
All applicants (including international applicants) who indicate they wish to be considered for financial aid will be considered. All financial aid awards, including Graduate Assistantships, are awarded centrally, and individual faculty members do not generally sponsor additional awards. Contacting prospective advisors is not necessary to be considered for financial aid..
Graduate Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships
Graduate Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships require a minimum academic course load of 12 graduate credits each semester and include a full tuition scholarship and stipend (variable) for 15-20 weekly hours of service to the program as assigned. The student is responsible for the remainder of semester fees. The student must maintain a 3.0 GPA to retain the assistantship.
Graduate Recruitment Scholarships
Graduate Recruitment Scholarships require a minimum academic course load of 12 graduate credits each semester and include a partial tuition scholarship and stipend of $975 per semester for 5 weekly hours of service to the program as assigned. The student must maintain a 3.0 GPA to retain the scholarship.
Deadline for Consideration
For full consideration for financial assistance, a completed application and all supporting documents must be received by Jan. 1. Later applications will be considered, but decisions will be contingent upon availability. Admission to the program is a prerequisite for all awards.
International students can include financial aid awards to meet the estimated expenses on the Financial Support form.
Estimated International Student Expenses
Graduation Requirements
Full Graduation Requirements and Courses in the Official Academic Catalog
The International Development Studies M.A. Program requires a minimum of 48 credit hours, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and no more than two grades below B, and a capstone project.
Contact Us
International Development Studies Faculty Directory
Director: Dr. Brandon Kendhammer
International Development Studies Program
Yamada International House
56 E. Union St.
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio 45701
Email: kendhamm@ohio.edu or international.studies@ohio.edu
Telephone: 740-593-1841
Yamada International House is on Ohio University College Green, at the top of Jefferson Hill and near Templeton Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium.
We invite you to stop into our office during normal business hours to learn more about the African Studies program, as well as our other international programs.