SCHOOL of INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

American University · Washington, D.C.

MS, DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT

MA Links

Degree Requirements (42 credits)

The Master of Science in Development Management (MSDM) is designed to train individuals with prior development experience. (The minimum requirement is two years of previous experience.) The MSDM combines skills from development, business, and public management for those specifically interested in the management of development activities including programs, projects or organizations. The research capstone of the MSDM program is an action-oriented practicum involving a field activity in a developing country or development organization.

Students can also earn a dual degree MSDM/MBA in conjunction with American University's Kogod School of Business. Other dual degrees can also be accommodated, such as MSDM/Master of Public Affairs.

Core Classes (15 to 18 Credit Hours)

ECON-603 Introduction to Economic Theory (3) (Note: May be waived. Will reduce program to 39 hours and the core course credit to 15 credit hours.)
ECON-661 Survey of Economic Development
SIS-636 Micropolitics of Development (3)
SIS-637 International Development (3)
PUAD-614 Development Management (3)
PUAD-612 Public Administration in Policy Process (3) or other approved administration or management class in the School of Public Affairs or Kogod School of Business

Concentration/Related Field (12 credit hours)

Four courses approved by the student's faculty advisor selected from one concentration. A maximum of 6 credit hours from SIS-638 Selected Topics in International Development Skills, and other SIS Skills Institutes may be included. Students may design their own concentration with the approval of the faculty advisor and the MSDM director. Examples of concentrations include:

Community Development
Development Management and Information System
Development Education
Entrepreneurship and Small Business
Environment and Development
Program and Project Management
NGO Management

Many concentrations available to MAID students are also appropriate for, and available to, MSDM students. Please consult with your faculty advisor. Click here to view the MAID Advisement Sheet [pdf].

Social Science Research Methodology (6 credit hours)

SIS-600 Quantitative Analysis in International Affairs (3)
NOTE: A student who has previously taken advanced quantitative methods courses may take another advanced methods course in place of SIS 600 – this is a substitution, not a waiver. You must consult an academic or faculty adviser regarding this option.

-and–

Another approved methodology course appropriate to the student’s concentration (3)

Research Requirement (6 credit hours)

SIS-693 Practicum: Action Research in Development Management (6). The student is required to plan, undertake, and analyze/report on an assignment undertaken with a community or organization in a developing country or in the US. For full details on the practicum, please click here [pdf].

Foreign Language Proficiency

Certification of written proficiency in a modern foreign language related to regional concentration.

Comprehensive Examination

The MSDM Comprehensive Examination is combined with preparation for, and writing of, the practicum research paper with an emphasis on the application of themes from the literature to the student’s practicum. For additional information, please click here.