Global Development M.P.S. (Ithaca)

Field of Study

Global Development

Program Description

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Global Development (GDEV) is a one-year, interdisciplinary graduate-level degree program combining a flexible course-based curriculum with a capstone or problem-solving project. The program is designed to enhance practical and technical skills and to prepare students for careers in field-based development and development policy roles serving low-income and rural communities globally. 

Though similar to a Master of Science (MS) degree in its academic rigor, the MPS degree differs from a traditional MS degree in its structure and focus. An MS prepares students for a research-based career, with students developing an original research thesis over the course of two or three years. In contrast, the MPS degree is a one-year, course-based program, designed to impact knowledge and skills in a given area of concentration. Instead of a thesis or research project, MPS students complete a capstone project which allows them to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical manner.

The Global Development MPS program has two main components:

• Coursework (24-28 credit hours): Students work with a faculty advisor to map out their individualized course of study based on their areas of interest. The majority of courses (20 credits) will be within CALS; however, students have the opportunity to take courses across Cornell.
• Capstone Project (2-6 credit hours): With the guidance of a faculty advisor, students work on solving a collaborative project and/or a real-world problem.

Students in the MPS in Global Development custom build courses of study in consultation with their faculty advisors. A strength of the program is its flexibility; students are able to tailor their coursework to fill gaps based on previous studies, field experiences, and desired career paths.

Contact Information

275A Warren Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY  14853

Concentrations by Subject

• global development

Tuition

Visit the Graduate School's Tuition Rates page.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadlines:

Fall: March 15; applications received after the application deadline will be considered if space is available

(Priority deadline: Dec. 15)

Spring: No Admissions

Requirements Summary:

Applicants are expected to have a strong academic background and at least two years of development experience. Professional performance is given some weight in admission decisions. Students who have just completed an undergraduate program of study are not eligible to apply to this field.

1. Complete Cornell’s Online Graduate School Application. Get started by setting up an ApplyWeb account.  Once you have an account, you can go to the online application to begin the process
2. Unofficial copies of your college and university transcripts
3. Two letters of recommendation; at least one should be an academic recommendation
4. A statement of purpose
5. A personal statement
6. Resume or CV
7. minimum two years of development experience
8. GRE scores are not required or accepted

Learning Outcomes

• Acquire knowledge to solve and assess critical real world problems
• Hone technical skills and capabilities through technical tools, subject matter, and laboratory and/or field studies to enhance problem solving abilities related to fields of interest
• Think across disciplines (socioeconomic and biophysical) using a system perspective
• Understand global and local perspectives and issues that impact society
• Acquire skills to monitor and evaluate projects
• Improve oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write project and funding proposals, and to effectively present project outputs using a variety of media