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Home » Education » Graduate » Graduate Program FAQs
A: It is ideal for people who want a graduate degree in International Development (ID) that is interdisciplinary and will provide the required knowledge, skills and competencies to function as development professionals. All of our core curriculum classes are offered online (as well as on-site), making the program especially appropriate for those who cannot attend classes at set times on a regular basis.
A: The Payson Center started awarding MS degrees in 1996 but has a longer history as a development studies program. The MS program grew out of the Development Studies Program (DSP) of USAID that was designed to train mid-career professionals for the Agency. Tulane has taken the best of the DSP, added new courses and material and developed one of the very best international development programs available in the world. Building on the success of the MS program, the Payson Center expanded its program to include a Ph.D. in International Development in 2001 and added an undergraduate coordinate major in the fall semester of 2002.
A: To function as an effective development professional you will need to have a variety of skills. These include the following:
Analytical skills ranging from application of theory to analyze a real world problem,
Application of statistical knowledge to unravel a complex situation on which quantitative data is available, and
Presentational skills using multimedia and computer.
A person who has the knowledge and the skills to apply that knowledge will develop competencies in critical areas such as Project design;
Monitoring and evaluation;
Selection/hiring of appropriate technical and program personnel;
Negotiation with donors, grant recipients, and host country officials.
A: This program is unique because of the emphasis on the practical and the analytical. Graduates are capable of demonstrating and applying their knowledge, skills, and competencies in the work place. Our program also gives the student the flexibility to take courses outside of the classroom in an IT-assisted format. This format permits the student to study and learn from anywhere in the world.
A: In the past we have offered summer programs in New Orleans, Geneva, Rome, Kenya and Uganda. However, these programs are subject to change.
A: Yes, you can. Core courses are available in a technology-assisted format and you will be able to do your course work while traveling, provided you have access to a computer and Internet.
A: Yes, in most cases. If the coursework is completed at Tulane you may only need an additional twelve credit hours to complete the coursework requirements for the Ph.D. program. The final decision for which courses will be accepted for transfer is with the Academic Director of the program.
A: Our graduates work in a variety of institutions ranging from national and international NGOs such as CARE, the International Red Cross, the United Nations and MSF to US government agencies such as the State Department, USAID, the Peace Corps, the Department of Agriculture and state governments. Some graduates also work for multi-lateral donors such as the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund and private corporations.
A: Yes, you may. You can get contact information from the Payson Center.
