Global Development Practice

Overview

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES

Through Global Development Practice Degree offered by Harvard University you:

• Develop a holistic understanding of policy instruments, social complexities, human health risks, ecological system dynamics, technological innovations, and financial models to advance sustainable development.
• Identify and challenge assumptions, seeking alternatives, determining solutions and engaging the client organization(s) to accept recommendations for implementation.
• Engage with the global network of development professionals.
• Employ state of the art project management techniques.
• Leverage local knowledge through global practice.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The degree program includes 12 courses with the final Capstone course completed on campus.

• Get started. You begin by completing two stipulated degree courses as outlined on the degree requirements page. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your commitment and ability to perform well as a Harvard student.
• Apply to the program. While completing your second degree course, you submit your application. Application cycles are in the fall, spring, and summer.
• Continue your studies, online and on campus. As you progress through the program, you choose from courses offered on campus or online, year-round in fall, spring, and summer. To fully experience Harvard, you are required to complete your final Capstone course on campus – in summer (required for international students), or spring.
• Complete your capstone. You will apply knowledge and skills gained through coursework toward a sustainable development plan (SDP) that has a real-world application for an NGO, nonprofit organization, governmental agency, or other community-based entity. Under the mentorship of your instructor in a classroom setting, you will identify a client, design a capstone project around stakeholders' requirements, and present the SDP to the stakeholders for implementation. You are encouraged to select a client near where you live and align the project with local community interests. Although more challenging, the client stakeholders may be located in any country. The outcome of the capstone experience includes an optional presentation at the International Conference on Sustainable Development.
• Graduate with your Harvard degree. You participate in the annual Harvard Commencement, receiving your Harvard University degree: Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, field: Global Development Practice.