Graduate Field
Global Development
Program Description
The master of professional studies (M.P.S.) in global development (GDEV) is a one-year, interdisciplinary, graduate-level degree program combining a flexible course-based curriculum with a capstone or problem-solving project. The program is designed to enhance practical and technical skills and to prepare students for careers in field-based development and development policy roles serving low-income and rural communities globally.
Though similar to a master of science (M.S.) degree in its academic rigor, the M.P.S. degree differs from a traditional M.S. degree in its structure and focus. An M.S. prepares students for a research-based career, with students developing an original research thesis over the course of two or three years. In contrast, the M.P.S. degree is a one-year, course-based program, designed to impact knowledge and skills in a given area of concentration. Instead of a thesis or research project, M.P.S. students complete a capstone project which allows them to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical manner.
Students in the M.P.S. in global development custom build courses of study in consultation with their faculty advisors. A strength of the program is its flexibility; students are able to tailor their coursework to fill gaps based on previous studies, field experiences, and desired career paths.
Program Information
- Program Mode of Delivery: In Person
- Program Location: Ithaca, NY
- Minimum Credits for Degree: 30
Program Requirements
Field-specific requirements
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| GDEV 6970 | Global Development MPS Seminar (required to enroll in during both fall and spring semesters) | 3 |
| ALS 5900 | Project Development: CALS Professional Master's Programs | 1-5 |
| ALS 5910 | Project Completion: CALS Professional Master's Programs | 1 |
In addition to the courses listed above, students will consult with their advisor and director to enroll in courses to complete their field requirements.
University Graduation Requirements
Requirements for All Students
In order to receive a Cornell degree, a student must satisfy academic and non-academic requirements.
Academic Requirements
A student’s college determines degree requirements such as residency, number of credits, distribution of credits, and grade averages. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the specific major, degree, distribution, college, and graduation requirements for completing their chosen program of study. See the individual requirements listed by each college or school or contact the college registrar’s office for more information.
Non-academic Requirements
Conduct Matters. Students must satisfy any outstanding sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed or agreed to under the Student Code of Conduct (Code) or Policy 6.4. Where a formal complaint under the Code or Policy 6.4 is pending, the University will withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the adjudication process set forth in those procedures is complete, including the satisfaction of any sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed.
Financial Obligations. Outstanding financial obligations will not impact the awarding of a degree otherwise earned or a student’s ability to access their official transcript. However, the University may withhold issuing a diploma until any outstanding financial obligations owing to the University are satisfied.
CALS Graduation Requirements for the Master of Professional Studies/Master of Food Science
Requirements
The individual program pages provide additional information about field-specific requirements.
- 30 credits in graduate-level courses (5000 and above). Note: language (including ELSO) and physical education courses do not count toward the required 30 credits. Physical education courses also do not count toward the minimum 12 credits required for full-time status and good academic standing.
- A minimum of 20 CALS credits
- CALS credits include all courses with the following subjects: AGSCI, AIISP, ALS, ANSC, BEE, BIOG, BIOAP, BIOCB, BIOEE, BIOMG, BIOMI, BIOMS, BIONB, BIOSM, COMM, EAS, EDUC, ENTOM, ENVS, FDSC, GDEV, INFO, LA, LEAD, NS, NTRES, PLSCI, STSCI, VIEN
- A minimum of 18 letter-graded credits
- A total of 2-6 capstone project credits:
- 1-5 credits of ALS 5900 Project Development: CALS Professional Master's Programs.
- 1 credit of ALS 5910 Project Completion: CALS Professional Master's Programs in final term.
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5.
- Enrollment in a minimum of 12 credits each semester. It is advised that students enroll in 15 credits each semester to stay on track for this one-year program.
- Completion of the degree within 1 year from admission date.
Admissions
Application Requirements and Deadlines
Application Deadlines
Fall: March 15; applications received after the application deadline will be considered if space is available
(Priority deadline: Dec. 15)
Spring: No admissions
Requirements Summary
Applicants are expected to have a strong academic background and some development experience.
Admissions Contact Information
Email: gdev-mps@cornell.edu
Website: https://cals.cornell.edu/education/degrees-programs/graduate-field-global-development
