Overview

The International Development Studies (MDS) program at the University of Guelph is an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree offered as a Bachelor of Arts (BA). It focuses on understanding global development challenges, including poverty, inequality, sustainability, and human rights, through a lens combining social sciences, economics, and environmental perspectives. The program's objectives include equipping students with critical analytical skills, theoretical knowledge, and practical experience to contribute to equitable global development. Unique features include a strong emphasis on food security and sustainable agriculture, reflecting the university's expertise, as well as opportunities for co-operative education (co-op), international study abroad programs, and community-based learning projects.

Career Prospects

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, and the private sector. Common career paths involve addressing global issues through policy, program management, and research, with strong employability due to the program's practical components and interdisciplinary approach.

Key Faculty/Staff

The program draws faculty from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Political Science, and Geography, Environment and Geomatics within the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences. Notable contributors include experts in development economics, gender and development, and global health, though specific names are not publicly highlighted in program overviews.

Unique Facilities and Partnerships

Students benefit from the university's Arboretum and research farms for sustainability-focused studies, as well as the Centre for International Programs which facilitates global exchanges. Partnerships include collaborations with international NGOs, United Nations agencies, and Canadian government bodies like Global Affairs Canada, providing access to fieldwork opportunities and guest lectures.