Emory University

Program Director: Claire Bolton, PhD,  crbolto@emory.edu

Assistant Director: Daniela Campos Ugaz, PhD, daniela.campos@emory.edu

Website :  https://web.gs.emory.edu/mdp/

The Emory Master’s in Development Practice (MDP) is a two-year, STEM-designated graduate program that prepares students for careers as impactful development and humanitarian professionals. Through rigorous interdisciplinary coursework across Emory’s highly ranked schools and practicum experiences with globally and locally focused partner organizations, students gain the competencies needed to lead transformative change across sectors and scales.

Emory MDP offers a unique experience through richly diverse, small-sized cohorts that foster an interactive and customized learning environment. Consistently ranked among the top 25 universities in the United States, Emory provides interdisciplinary excellence, with students taking courses across its top-ranked schools—including Public Health, Business, Law, Theology, and Natural and Social Sciences—to build a systemic and contextual understanding of development. The curriculum is organized around six core competency areas: social sciences and integrative analysis, research and applied methods, environmental sciences, health sciences, management, and social justice. Students may also tailor their learning through optional concentrations in areas such as Global Health and Wellbeing, Sustainable Environments, Gender Justice, Water and Sanitation, Corporate Social Responsibility, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Program Management. In addition to academic coursework, experienced development professionals teach skill-focused courses that build critical programmatic competencies.

Practical training is central to the Emory MDP experience. Students complete two summer practicums of eight to ten weeks each, working as embedded practitioners within partner organizations across the world or in the United States. These placements allow students to gain hands-on experience while contributing to the mission of host organizations in areas such as public health, environmental sustainability, human rights, disaster response, and refugee assistance. Many students also pursue academic-year internships with globally and locally focused organizations based in Atlanta or working remotely. Industry-specific career resources and support from a deeply committed and close-knit alumni community working with a wide range of employers guide students through their professional journey before and after graduation.

To learn more, explore the website and download the brochure.