Master of Arts in Sustainable Development: International Policy and Management

Overview

Earn an MA in 12 months while gaining the expertise and experience you need to make significant and meaningful contributions in the development field.

SIT’s master’s in development in Washington, DC, is designed to significantly advance students’ leadership capacity, practical skills, and networking channels, particularly within the areas of sustainability, social justice, and entrepreneurship.
Students earn their degree in just one year while benefiting from the resources available through SIT’s parent organization, World Learning—a global nonprofit— and the broader marketplace of development organizations headquartered in the US capital. The program is designed for professionals from across the globe with some relevant work experience.
The program is distinguished for its emphasis on:

• Social innovation and entrepreneurship
• Local leadership and community ownership
• Global collaboration
• Respon­sible action and service
• Integration of theory and practice

There is strong synergy between the program’s coursework delivered in the classroom; the hands-on, real-world learning acquired in the field; and its emphasis on each student’s career interests.
Students on the program can expect to:

• Learn firsthand from some of the most innovative development organizations in the world
• Acquire a specialization in a specific professional area, e.g., monitoring and evaluation or policy analysis and advocacy
• Take intensive field courses—abroad or in the US
• Attend World Bank and IMF training on civil-society engagement
• Benefit from the program's innovative new Sustainable Solutions seminar series, bringing together leaders from across sectors and policy levels to discuss sustainable interventions and solutions
• Be connected with leaders, actors, and institutions that are addressing educa­tion, health, gender, environmental, and civil society problems—at grassroots and senior-policy levels.
• Gain unique, inside access to World Learning staff working in the fields of international development and exchange
• Be placed in a structured, full-time practicum with a development or impact-investing organization.
• Attend valuable networking events, including receptions with practicum partners.
• Benefit from small classes and a cohort-based learning format.

Students receive sustained career mentorship, including through the development of an online professional portfolio, through the program’s career coach and other staff.
Join a global network of development projects and professionals.
SIT Graduate Institute has been preparing international development professionals for 45 years. As the higher education institution of World Learning, SIT provides students with unique opportunities and resources to build their careers worldwide.

On-Campus Coursework Two Terms (6 months) (23-29 credits)	Practicum One Term (3 months) (9 credits)	Capstone Paper and Presentation (2 credits)
Summer Term: May–August Fall Term: September–December	Three months working full-time with an organization	Final paper and presentation on campus

Academics

Professional Practicum

Field Courses

Alumni Careers

Faculty

Admissions Criteria

Tuition/Costs

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