Master of Arts in Global Policy (MGP) Developmental Policy Specialization

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Why Specialize in Developmental Policy at the Pardee School?

If you have a passion for enacting positive change throughout the developing world, Boston University’s Pardee School of Global Studies’ Specialization in Developmental Policy in the Master of Arts in Global Policy program can help you reach your long-term goals.

As you progress through this specialized track, you engage in rigorous graduate coursework that alters your worldview, collaborate with peers in project-based learning, and accrue new, practical skills that you can carry into the workforce.

With full-time enrollment, you can earn your master’s degree in a year and a half and graduate with highly specialized knowledge and a competitive edge to set your career growth on the right track.

What Is Developmental Policy?

Developmental policy focuses on promoting a country or region’s economic growth and social progress and improving the quality of life for its population. Governments and other public and private organizations create initiatives and strategies to address socio-economic issues, such as poverty, limited access to proper healthcare and education, poor infrastructure, unemployment, and much more.

MA in Developmental Policy Program Curriculum

Amidst the world’s constant change and globalization, the collective commitment to improving people’s lives worldwide has become even more critical. The Pardee School shares in this pursuit by educating a new generation of global leaders, advocates, and policymakers to create change and promote an equitable future for all.

The curriculum for the Developmental Policy specialization dives into the long-standing effects of policy on an individual, communal, and global scale. It examines the complex interconnectedness of economic, social, and political progress in the developing world. From studying the geopolitics of gender inequality to the ties between economic development and human rights, you investigate the many facets of policy development in different regions.

The master’s in Global Policy degree program with a concentration in Developmental Policy requires you to complete a minimum of 48 credits:

• Core global policy courses (16 credits)
• Functional specialization coursework (16 credits)
• Final capstone course (4 credits)
• Elective courses (as many as necessary to meet the 48 credit total)

Additionally, you must exhibit graduate-level reading proficiency in a foreign language through a language examination before completing the master’s program.

Developmental Policy Careers

The developmental policy sector requires competent workers dedicated to creating and reforming policies that can enhance the well-being of individuals and communities in the developing world while promoting sustainability.

Pursuing a master’s degree in developmental policy empowers you with strong interpersonal and communication skills, a broad-based knowledge of international policy and region-specific geopolitics, and highly valued technical skills in policy analysis, negotiation, and diplomacy. This training allows you to take on development policy careers in government, nonprofit institutions, international organizations, and the private sector and start changing the world.

While the specifics of the profession may change based on the sector and organization, career roles include:

• Advocacy specialist
• Consultant
• Educator
• Environmental compliance officer
• Policy advisor
• Policy researcher and analyst
• Policymaker
• Project coordinator

In these employment paths, you can make collaborative connections, conduct policy research, and actively promote equity and safe, healthy living conditions for all.

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Admission Requirements

When applying to the Pardee School’s MPG-Developmental Policy program, please submit the following application materials:

• An online application (along with a $95 application fee).
• Unofficial transcripts for all prior universities you attended for any period.
• Three (3) letters of recommendation.
• A statement of purpose.
• A résumé or CV.

For more information on admissions, please review the Graduate Application Requirements page.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Pursuing a graduate degree is a worthwhile investment that can profoundly impact your professional trajectory and help you meet your personal goals. However, navigating how to finance your education can be challenging.

When you apply for full-time enrollment at the Pardee School, we automatically consider you for merit-based scholarships to help cover the cost of your MPG degree, which is $64,712 per year. If you receive a scholarship, we will notify you when issuing your admissions decision.

Learn more about how to cover the costs of your master’s degree by connecting with the Financial Aid office in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Internship Stipend – Up to $5,000

The Pardee School proudly offers the Michael T. Corgan Internship Fund to support undergraduate and graduate students in their career development and offer additional financial assistance. Through this internship fund, you can qualify for a stipend of up to $5,000 as you participate in an approved, unpaid summer internship, so you gain invaluable work experience and undergo essential skill development.

Learn more about the Michael T. Corgan Internship Fund, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.

Specialize Your Master’s Degree in Developmental Policy and Become an Agent of Change

The Pardee School’s Master of Arts in Global Policy with a Specialization in Developmental Policy supports your growth as a leader. You acquire versatile skills and research experience while fostering collaborative relationships with peers and faculty, which enriches your graduate education and builds your professional network.

With your master’s in global policy and specialized training in developmental policy, you have all the competencies, geopolitical expertise, and innovative instincts needed to enact meaningful change and help improve the quality of life for people worldwide.

Take the next step toward advancing your career. Apply to the Pardee School’s MA in Global Policy program today! Still have questions regarding our graduate programs or about the admissions process? Please submit an RFI form.