Master of Arts in International Development

For nearly 50 years, the MA in International Development (MAID) program has trained graduates to work toward addressing the world’s most pressing economic, environmental, health and humanitarian challenges. MAID is one of the best-established development programs in the world. It prepares students to participate effectively in driving socio-economic, political, and environmental change around the world – from within governmental agencies like USAID, international organizations like the World Bank, United Nations agencies, local civil society organizations, and even private companies and consulting firms. MAID is unique in its focus on essential job skills, rigorous research methods, and critical histories and theories of development. The program emphasizes links between global and local action, acknowledges the interrelatedness of environmental, political, economic and global health challenges, and equips graduates to become effective and ethical agents of change.

Applicants must hold an earned bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by one of the six United States regional accreditation agencies or a degree equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree from an international institution with a similar level of accreditation or recognition by its home country. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) unless they hold a degree from a U.S.-accredited institution before enrollment at SIS. The minimum TOEFL score for full admissions consideration is 100 on the Internet-based test (iBT) or 600 on the paper-based test (PBT). The minimum IELTS score is 7.0.