Development Studies is about social, economic and political change. Students examine issues such as poverty, hunger, environment and governance - here in Canada and around the globe. Through courses, research, and experiential learning, students also study community development, sustainable and participatory development, colonialism, cultural beliefs, social justice, corruption and human rights. Because these issues are both universal and culturally situated, we study them at local, national and international levels.

The program fosters in its students a passion for making the world a better place. Students study a wide range of topics including culture, gender, communication, anthropology, geography, political science, economics, philosophy, history, religion, science and technology, which provides them with a broader perspective on societal problems.

Students discover the cultures, traditions and experiences of many communities and regions not just through academic learning but through exposure to other cultures.  Students may participate in overseas field studies courses, learn intercultural communication and language skills, as well as research skills useful for solving development issues. Classroom learning is also enhanced by opportunities for students to carry out community development projects with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and social agencies.

What are the benefits of taking a degree in Development Studies?

A degree in Development Studies will expose you to global issues and will give you an opportunity to think and act at the local level.

The interdisciplinary environment of Development Studies will broaden your intellectual horizons and enable you to develop critical thinking skills which are transferable to a multitude of contexts and essential for functioning in a global environment.

Highlights of the Program

• Explore the factors shaping how a region develops through looking at concepts and issues such as poverty, colonialism and self-determination, human ecology and sustainable development, and technology as well as the role and impact of national and cultural institutions.
  
• Travel to another country to study issues of development first-hand through the university's Study Abroad program. The term abroad allows you to do a semester of coursework in places as diverse as India, Ghana or Mexico.
  
• Study cross-cultural communication at the personal, organizational, societal, and international levels and explore issues of power, identity and influence.
  
• Plan and carry out development projects in work teams for community development organizations in Calgary and learn practical skills, from project management to monitoring and evaluation to writing project reports.
  
• Cooperative education- Paid work terms allow you to bring your academic training together with the world of work and learn first-hand what you can do with a degree in Development Studies.   

Career Paths

• Foreign Affairs Canada                                                        
• Canadian International Development Agency
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
• International literacy programs
• Journalism
• Education
• International business
• Tourism
• Archivist
• Business or Government Consultant
• Economic Development Advisor
• Government Relations Advisor
• Intelligence Officer
• Policy Analyst
• Public Administration
• Public Policy Advisor
• Strategic Planner

 Development Studies student makes an impact overseas!
- An article about a Development Studies Graduate

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