Graduate Degree in Global Development
The Master of Science in Global Development is a 12-month program designed to prepare professionals for sustainable development work in governments, private development firms, and NGOs in developing countries, primarily in Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
The program responds to the substantial challenges of rapid urbanization, climate change, and growing inequality in cities of developing regions and draws on concepts and skills from economics, politics, city and regional planning, and international affairs. Students will gain multidisciplinary knowledge and training needed to help address challenges in anything from infrastructure provision to poverty reductions.
Students will take classes in Georgia Tech’s School of City and Regional Planning, School of Economics, and Sam Nunn School of International Affairs.
The program begins in the Fall semester each year and 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
Global Development Graduate Student Awarded Joint Fellowship
Muzna Raheel, a master's student studying global development, was awarded the first Peace Tech Fellowship and will partner with the Center’s Conflict Resolution Program. Raheel’s research interests focus on Middle East conflicts, specifically major causes, players, and conflict dynamics, and utilizing data analysis and geographic information systems (GIS) to map conflict zones, humanitarian interventions, and peacekeeping operations. Her fellowship is funded jointly by the Center’s Conflict Resolution Program and Georgia Tech’s Sam Nunn School of International Affairs.
Admissions
Applicants must submit:
- Official transcripts, including award of bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Statement of interest
- Three letters of recommendation
- Curriculum vitae/resume
- TOEFL or IELTS scores for international applicants
Applications are due Jan. 15 for priority consideration. Application deadlines for all applicants are 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
Financial Aid
Global Development M.S. students are eligible for fellowships and for appointment as Graduate Research Assistants and Graduate Teaching Assistants in the schools of City and Regional Planning, Economics, and International Affairs. Those applying by the Priority Application Date are automatically considered for these appointments, with decisions based on credentials and skills, subject to available funding. These financial aid offers are then made in conjunction with admissions offers. In rare instances, GRA or GTA appointments may be made later in the student’s studies.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible for need-based financial aid and should consult the Georgia Tech Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. Application includes completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, as well as an additional Georgia Tech form.
Foreign nationals should note that employment off campus is regulated by the U.S. immigration authorities and is usually precluded during the first year of graduate study.
External Financial Aid Opportunities
Capstone Projects
Each Global Development master's student participates in a Capstone Project: either an international City and Regional Planning Studio, or an international Capstone in Economics or International Affairs. These are team projects undertaken under faculty direction with sponsorship by governmental agencies, NGOs, or firms.
Advising
Applicants can apply for the program through any of the three Schools.
Click on the links below to contact one of the Schools' advisors.
