Overview

The Global Development Practice programme at Harvard University provides students with the interdisciplinary expertise required to address complex sustainable development challenges. This Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) degree combines rigorous academic theory with practical application to prepare graduates for leadership roles in the global development sector. Students gain a holistic understanding of socio-ecological systems, economic foundations, and technological innovations.

Why Global Development Practice at Harvard University?

Harvard University offers one of the few programmes in North America that meets the core competency standards set by the Global Association of Master’s in Development Practice. Students benefit from a flexible, primarily online curriculum that allows them to maintain professional commitments while studying. The programme provides access to the Harvard Innovation Labs and the Mignone Center for Career Success, offering extensive networking opportunities with a global community of development professionals and over 400,000 alumni worldwide.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 3440 per module
National fee: USD 3440 per module
Local fee: USD 3440 per module

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of 12 graduate courses, including core foundations, electives, and a final capstone project. Modules may include:

Global Development Theory and Practice
Economic Foundations of Global Development
Food and Greed: Implications for Human Health and Sustainability
Water Crises and Solutions
Sustainable Cities
Development Finance Institutions
Graduate Studies in Sustainability and Global Development
Writing in the Social Sciences

The programme concludes with a capstone experience where students choose between case studies, consulting for a partner organisation, or developing an innovation plan. This final requirement includes an on-campus component at the university to facilitate peer collaboration and faculty mentorship.

Careers with Global Development Practice

Graduates are equipped for diverse leadership and analytical roles within international organisations, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector. Alumni have secured positions such as Community Agribusiness Advisor, Director of Strategic Development, and Research Analyst. Notable employers of former students include the Peace Corps, the World Bank Group, the United Nations, and various international development agencies. The programme focuses on developing the resilience and intellectual curiosity needed to drive meaningful change in global human livelihoods and governance.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Sustainability and Environmental Management
Proseminar: Critical Analysis of Global Development Systems
Global health
Social science
Economics
Management

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

125

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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IELTS

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Credits

48 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Cambridge, United States

Disciplines

Sustainable Development View 152 other Masters in Sustainable Development in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3 _{(recommended)}

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To begin the admission process, you simply register—no application needed:

ENVR E-101 Introduction to Sustainability and Environmental Management
DEVP E-102 Proseminar: Critical Analysis of Global Development Systems
- To register, you'll need to pass our online test of critical reading and writing skills or earn a B or higher in EXPO 42b Writing in the Social Sciences.
- You have two attempts to earn the minimum grade of B in the proseminar (a withdrawal grade counts as an attempt).

The two courses do not need to be taken in a particular order or in the same semester, but each course must be completed with a grade of B or higher, without letting your overall Harvard cumulative GPA dip below 3.0.

Before you enroll in any degree-applicable courses, you need to possess a four-year, regionally accredited US bachelor's degree or its foreign equivalent.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module
Out-of-State

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module

Living costs

Cambridge

United States

1814 - 3756 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Global Development Practice.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Cambridge

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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