close up view of a row of the flags of various nations

International Development Studies

Serve the World’s Underserved

Change the way you look at the world, join us in International Development Studies where we focus on the processes of social, political, economic, cultural and environmental change in low-income countries and disadvantaged regions. Emphasizing a global perspective on the processes of change and development, critical analysis of the role of internal and external influences on the development process, and applications to local situations and challenges; International Development Studies will shift your paradigm.

6th

Peace Corps volunteer-producing medium-sized universities

1

continent our students don’t visit (Antarctica)

31+

UM alumni volunteering around the world right now

Programs

Careers

  • International Development Specialist
  • Conservation and Sustainable Development Program Officer
  • International and Domestic NGO Project Manager
  • Community Development Specialist
  • International Business Consultant
  • Global Consultant
  • Development Banking Specialist
  • Youth Development Program Officer
  • Gender Equity Specialist
  • International Education Program Developer and Instructor
  • Eco-tourism Planner
  • Health and Development Project Manager
  • Social and Behavior Change Specialist
  • Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
outdoor picnic with 10 people sitting in a circle on a blanket

Study the World

Gain Practical Skills

Our faculty conduct field research around the world. Dr. Phyllis Ngai recently traveled to Cambodia to study NGO approaches to Indigenous and women issues. Here she is pictured sharing a meal with staff of Indigenous Peoples Association of Cambodia.

World Experience

lion

Inhabit the World

Our spring break study abroad program brought students to Hong Kong. Here students gather good luck by touching the nose of the iconic lion statue in front of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation.

gate knowledge

Visit the World

During a two-week trip to South China, students studied communication, culture and development. Here they travel through the "Gate of Knowledge" on the campus of Chinese University of Hong Kong.

perm garden

Teach the World

Volunteers conduct a perm gardening training during their Peace Corps assignment in Mahalapye, Botswana.

Disabled children

Engage the World

Sarah Huntting, Nkitse One Maokaneng (Sarah’s Peace Corps counterpart), and the mothers of disabled children at a party hosted to connect mothers with primary health care resources and each other in Mahalapye, Botswana.