When is the application deadline and when does the program start?

The M.S. in Global Development program has two deadlines. To be considered for merit-based financial aid such as fellowships and graduate assistantships, you must apply in full by Jan. 15. All other applications should be submitted by the deadline set by each School. 

• School of City and Regional Planning: Feb. 15
• School of Economics: April 1
• Sam Nunn School of International Affairs: April 1

Fall semester classes begin either the third or fourth week of August; consult the Institute’s Academic Calendar for the specific date. New graduate students plan to arrive in Atlanta at least one week prior to the start of classes to get settled and to take part in orientations and academic advising.

Is the GRE required for admission?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for M.S. in Global Development admissions, but the GRE General Test is recommended. Applicants seeking merit-based financial aid are advised that the exam is important to the financial aid selection process.

Do you have a minimum TOEFL/IELTS score for foreign students?

Foreign applicants must demonstrate English proficiency to be admitted. This can be done based on citizenship in approved countries, with a transcript showing certain minimum amounts of prior study in the U.S. or an approved country, or by submitting evidence of a TOEFL score of at least 90 (each section must be at least 19), an IELTS score of at least 7, or a GTLI English Proficiency Assessment score of at least 3. It is also possible to demonstrate English proficiency by successful completion of studies at the Georgia Tech Language Institute at the Upper Advanced 700 level. For further details, visit the Georgia Tech Graduate Studies website.

Is there a waiver for the application fee?

Georgia Tech has agreements with certain international fellowship sponsors to waive application fees for applicants submitted directly by these sponsors. We regret that we cannot waive application fees for other applicants.

What is the estimated cost of attendance?

The Georgia Tech Bursar’s Office posts tuition and fee schedules for each semester.

Information for estimating living and miscellaneous expenses for graduate students is available on the Financial Aid website.

The Office of International Education also offers A Guide to Graduate I-20 and DS-2019 Estimated Expenses and Funding, which may be helpful for international students needing to obtain a student visa.

How are assistantships awarded?

All applications submitted by the Jan. 15 deadline will be considered for assistantships. Because of strong competition, only those with the highest academic credentials tend to be offered aid. In some instances, a professor might be looking for someone with a particular skill set that might override traditional academic factors.

Do I need to have a prior degree in Global Development for admission, or do I need to have taken certain classes?

The Global Development master’s program is open to those holding a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, with a major in any subject. A prior introductory course in statistics is expected, although it is possible to make this up once enrolled. Prior coursework in economics is useful but not expected.

When will I hear something from you?

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis beginning in early March and continue until all places in the class are full. Following a resolution of the Council of Graduate Schools, no applicant will be required to accept or decline an offer of admission before April 15.

How many students do you enroll?

The M.S. in Global Development is structured for a class cohort size of 20 students. These students join others enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Global Development and the other degree programs of the Schools of City and Regional Planning, Economics, and International Affairs, forming a robust community of learners, teachers, and researchers engaged with the issues of global development.

What does the admissions committee consider when deciding on an application?

We look for master's degree students who will successfully advance the quality communities through global development work after graduation. Excellence in prior academic work is essential, but priority is given to applicants who have demonstrated effectiveness as leaders and/or analysts in previous paid or volunteer settings. Applicants in mid-career, who have significant experience with issues of development, are especially sought after.

Do you admit part-time students?

The admissions committee will consider applications for part-time study. Most of our classes are taught during normal working hours, however, so those working full-time off campus will need flexibility in working hours. Those planning to study in the U.S. with a student visa, and those seeking to study with fellowships or assistantships should be aware that visa, fellowship, or scholarship terms may require full-time enrollment.

How do I arrange a visit or online meeting?

We are happy to help arrange a visit for you to meet us or talk online with a faculty member. Please email an academic advisor in one of the three schools (City and Regional Planning, Economics, International Affairs) and indicate the dates and times you would be interested in. We will then respond and work out the arrangements.

What career support is available at Georgia Tech?

Each of our three schools supports student and alumni career development with training events, seminars, career fairs, and advising. These are supplemented by Georgia Tech Career Services which offers a wide range of professional development events and resources including career coaching, career fairs, job posting services, online tutorials, and a lending closet for interviews. Tech’s annual Career, Research and Innovation Development Conference (CRIDC) brings together wide-ranging advice designed to equip graduate students with knowledge and tools to thrive in the job market.

What kind of jobs have alumni gone on to do?

As the M.S. in Global Development is now recruiting its first class, alumni job placement information is not yet available. Students in our schools who have previously focused on global development issues have graduated and gone on to jobs with organizations such as the Jamaica Ministry of Transport and Mines, U.S. Agency for International Development, H.O.K Corporation (USA), Strelka KB (Russia), enCity Group (Singapore), The Carter Center (USA), CEPT University (India), and U.N.-Habitat (Kenya).

What if I have other questions not addressed here?

Please contact one of the academic advisors in our three schools with your questions using the links below. They will answer many questions or connect you with faculty members or students who can be helpful.