Degree Options
The Master of Science in Development Management prepares students for development careers through core curriculum, a Management Practicum, and other opportunities.
MS in Development Management
At SIS, we care about the quality of our teaching and the rigor and innovation of our curriculum. We have designed the Master of Science in Development Management program to provide the essential skills needed for career advancement and leadership, inlcuding through hands-on training in economics, quantitative research methods, and management. At the same time, our courses in international development provide an opportunity to think through the ethical, historical, and social implications of development and aid more broadly.
While core classes in economics, research methods, management and development are all offered at SIS, students can also take administrative or management courses of their choice from Kogod School of Business or the School of Public Affairs. The MSDM culminates in a management consultancy or applied research capstone of the students' choosing, in collaboration with a partner organization and advised by a faculty member.
Experiential Learning
Students are encouraged to take Skills Institutes and are required to complete an applied capstone, both of which provide extensive practical skills in international development.
Practicum Program
For prospective students applying for the Fall 2025 semester, the capstone requirements are in the process of undergoing curriculum changes. Please聽email idpsis@american.edu if you have questions.聽
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A 6-credit individual capstone, Management Practicum is a distinct and required component of the MSDM. The objective of the practicum is to put students in managerial positions that will help organizations or communities accomplish positive, practical, and observable objectives. To the extent that this is feasible, the organization or communities will hold students accountable for achieved results. Students do not need to achieve their objectives in all respects, but rather continue to try work toward them and demonstrate progress to the organization or community. This includes communicating any necessary adaptations to the objectives that students will eventually make. In the process, students will take the viewpoint of a manager, attempting to apply some selected principles of management and carefully observe the process.
The Development Management Practicum has six required components:
- Ongoing participation with your colleagues in all Practicum meetings
- Eight preparation exercises
- Carrying out the assignment
- An outcome/product, i.e. the change or the result of the Practicum聽
- Report and analysis of the process in an Analytical and Process Report
- Formal presentation of your findings and experiences to the Development Management cohort
Skills Institutes
Skills Institutes are intensive workshops designed to introduce students to professional skills relevant to careers in international affairs. Taught by experienced practitioners, these rigorous and experiential workshops allow students to translate theory into practice and gain the competencies sought by today's employers. Over 2-3 full days, students will have the opportunity to focus on tangible skills that are applicable to the development聽field.
Application At a Glance
View a detailed admission and degree requirements listing for your degree of interest.
- Entrance Semester
- Fall and Spring
- Application Deadline
- January 15 for the fall semester
- October 1 for the spring semester
- Additional Requirements
- Undergraduate degree
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- TOEFL/IELTS score if international applicant
- Application
- Completion of online application