About the Global Development Studies Major
Global Development Studies (GDS) is an interdisciplinary, pre-professional program that combines liberal arts classes in global development issues with applied learning from courses in economics, business, health science, environmental studies, and theology. The GDS major provides students with a firm theoretical foundation in sustainable global development and also professional and technical skills in global development management. The GDS major aims at bridging the gap between theory and practice through developing hands-on project management skills and engaging students with both hypothetical and real-world problems. You will understand global development challenges and the means to resolve them at both the local and global levels from a Christian perspective.
The GDS major equips you with a comparative understanding of development in both developed and developing nations through directed study, applied skills training, analytical research, and direct cross-cultural experiences including an internship experience with local and international development organizations.
The GDS curriculum consists of four categories: global development studies, supplementary disciplines, management skills, and research skills.
Degree Requirements
Global Development students are required to take a total of 75 credits, including a global development core of 59 credits plus 8 credits focused on development issues and 8 credits that emphasize cross-cultural issues.
Career Opportunities
Sample Job Titles
- Community Development Specialist
- Foreign Service Officer
- Global Health Specialist
- Language/Culture Teacher
- Researcher
Possible Job Settings
- Government Agencies
- Global Health Organizations
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Relief Agencies
- United Nations
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Global Development Graduate Profile – Class of 2019
Average Starting Salary: $37,120
Employment & Graduate School Rate: 100% (12 mo.)
Top Hiring Companies:
Internships
The Global Development Studies Major requires students to complete at least 3 credits of internship in the field of global development. Through internships, students gain hands-on experience by applying their classroom knowledge to real-world development problems. The Global Development internship experience is built within the required course GDEV 4940: Global Development Internship.