Global
Master of Development Practice Program
The Master of Development Practice (MDP) program prepares young professionals for careers in sustainable development—globally, locally, and in the complex realities in between. The degree was conceived as a response to a lack of graduate level training for early- to mid-career professionals working at the intersections of disciplines and engaged in complex challenges at local to global scales.
It was developed by a diverse team of University leaders representing multiple disciplines and programs, and its interdisciplinary curriculum draws upon courses offered by numerous collegiate units, providing opportunities and benefits for faculty and students from around the University.
Another unique aspect of the program is that students engage extensively with professional organizations around the world through field placements and capstone projects, which requires a high level of coordination to administer.
In 2023, the MDP program welcomed its 14th cohort. It boasts approximately 20 affiliated faculty and 150 graduates representing more than two dozen countries.
The MDP program is jointly administered by the Humphrey School of Public Affairs and the Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Global Change (ICGC).