UofC • This Is Now

UofC Navigation

Communication and Culture

faculty logofaculty logo
Site Navigation

Development Studies Program

 Degrees Offered
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
  • Co-operative Education Program

 

The Major Program in Development Studies is planned to provide students with a broad understanding of the nature of and problems connected with international development.

Students will be expected to become aware of development issues from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, as well as to gain background for students interested ultimately in working in various governmental and international development agencies, and in related fields.

Development Studies (DEST) also has the status of a Minor Field of study for students registered in a degree program in the Faculty of Communication & Culture or in a Faculty such as Humanities, Science or Social Sciences in either a Major or Honours program.

 

What is Development Studies?
 
Development Studies explores social change at the local, national and international levels. It examines such issues as community development, environment and sustainable development, colonialism, social justice and human rights.

Development Studies at the University of Calgary is unique in the integration of these issues in the Northern Canadian and international contexts.

Students may choose between the International Development or Northern Development concentrations. The option of focusing on Canadian development issues gives the program a unique breadth.
 
 

Why is Development Studies important for Canadians?

     
 
Canada has a historic tradition of international citizenship through development assistance. Canadian values of civil society, pluralism, and environmental awareness, which pre-date European contact in North America, inform the development studies curriculum and are examined in the program.

Whether you have an interest in business development, resource industries, environmental issues, or community development at home or abroad, this program contributes to your understanding of Canada in a global context.
 
 

Development Studies Program Benefits

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.

 

Enhance Your Development Studies Experience
Opportunities are available for Development Studies students to complement their academic education with experiential learning through the following options:

  • Term Abroad Programs and Field Schools:
    Take some of your credit courses in another country such as China, India or Ghana and learn about another culture first-hand.
  • Cooperative Education option:
    Invest in an extra year of practical education through four terms of paid work experience in various government, non-government and private sector companies.
  • Internships:
    Internship projects integrate skills learned in courses and apply them to practical situations in community development. Students contribute through research and development activities in Canada or abroad.
 
 

What can I do with a degree in Development Studies?
Development Studies can help prepare you for working in a global environment.

Potential job opportunities in the following types of organizations are possible:
  • international humanitarian & development organizations
  • planning & development agencies working with marginalized members of communities
  • local service organizations
  • government agencies with mandates in such areas as health, environment, & economic development
  • private sector companies with international operations agencies in the Canadian North
 
 

Have more questions?
 If you have any questions, not answered by this page or the University Calendar, then direct your inquiries to the Undergraduate Programs Office or the Development Studies Program Coordinator.

Search ComCul