Location | Email Address | Program Website |
---|---|---|
South 744 Ross Building | dsgrads@yorku.ca | yorku.ca/gradstudies/dvst/ |
The Graduate Program in Development Studies is a unique graduate program comprised of a set of interdisciplinary core courses that have been specifically designed to provide students with a full range of conceptual and methodological tools to engage the current issues and challenges of sustainable human development as it confronts us in our globalizing world. The program requires that students deal with this reality through literature and through fieldwork. The coursework and fieldwork together combine to provide students with the basis for an opportunity for sustained reflection on a particular aspect of the larger development problematic.
The course of study integrates critical theoretical exploration and practice, and incorporates contemporary discourses on development to better reflect the new realities of globalization and the recent developments in the field. Students gain real-world experience with a variety of internships and volunteer opportunities and through the fieldwork component.
Designed for persons who are either currently working or aspiring to work in the field (e.g., for multilateral organizations, government agencies, development NGOs or local community organizations), the program also serves as an excellent foundation for those intending to complete a specialized doctoral program in development studies.
Admission Requirements
Candidates must:
- have a completed honours degree (with B average or equivalent) in a relevant humanities, social science, or related applied program;
- submit a recent research paper or report to indicate ability in writing and research;
- submit a statement of interest providing evidence of commitment to advanced work in studies in development. The statement should include a discussion of the applicant’s background, interests, skills, and career goals, with a proposed program of study;
- submit three (3) letters of recommendation written by academic and/or non-academic referees; and,
- for students whose first language is not English, have a minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language score of 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based); or York English Language Test score 1.
Applicants are assessed on the basis of academic achievement and potential and/or demonstrated capacity for advanced work in International Development. Efforts are made to attain a balance among students who have significant work experience in the field and those that are relatively recent graduates of undergraduate programs.
Supervisory Committees
Each student’s area of study is taken in consultation with a faculty supervisory committee. Members of the supervisory committee act as academic advisors assessing the student’s work and progress, assisting with thesis or major research paper preparation and serving as professional mentors.