The MS Development Studies program is an interdisciplinary approach that enables scholars and practitioners of Development to consider the specificity of societies in terms of history, ecology, culture, technology, politics, etc., and how these differences both can and often should translate into varied 'local' responses to regional or global processes and strategies of development and methods. MS Development Studies provides high-quality and rigorous training needed to understand the methods, policies, and practices of development to ensure sustainable and inclusive change in society.
Learning Objectives:
- Engage students in exploring critical topics of development theory and practice, in order to link historical perspectives with recent advancements in development.
- Equip students with the knowledge, skills and analytical tools required for a career in the field of development.
- Prepare students to lead the future debates in development across various aspects of society, and regional levels.
- Train, and empower, students to serve as agents of change in local communities.
Distinguishing Features:
Why Development Studies at the IBA?
The program is offered jointly by the Departments of Economics and Social Sciences and Liberal Arts. Since its inception, the Development Studies has been offering:
- Holistic approach to understand development.
- Cross-fertilized environment enriched with interdisciplinarity and multidisciplinary approaches.
- A mix of classical and modern courses and research approaches enabling students to cater to the needs of society as analysts, policymakers, and scholars.
- Opportunities to work with and lead research institutions, development agencies, international organizations, and policy-related think tanks.
Program Duration:
The program is designed as a 2-year full-time program with classes scheduled in the evenings to facilitate our employed students. Students are expected to complete their coursework in their first year (2 semesters) where they will be exposed to a combination of core and elective courses to complete their 24 CHs. After the coursework, students are supervised by a PhD faculty member for the completion of their MS Thesis (6 CHs).
Eligibility Criteria:
- A minimum of 16 years of education (culminating in BS / BBA / BE or equivalent degree) out of which 4 years should have been spent in an HEC recognized university/degree awarding institute with 2.5 CGPA on a scale of 4.00 or 60% marks in the last degree (whichever is applicable).
- The percentage is only considered in case CGPA is not available.
- Aptitude Test Exemption: 160 in quantitative and 150 in verbal GRE (int'l).
- Candidates with work experience are preferred.
