International Development and Policy Administration

This M.A. program enables students interested in international development issues to acquire a deeper understanding of the processes and structures that determine the character and outcome of policy-making aimed at improving conditions in developing countries. For the incoming student with practical professional experience, it provides an opportunity for reflecting on that experience and upgrading one's credentials. For those without practical experience, the program combines academic learning with an opportunity for a professional internship. The program includes basic courses in policy analysis and evaluation, statistical methods, public administration and policy process. It also provides opportunities for taking elective courses in an area of special interest to the student. It is a unique program that is comparative in focus and engages policy in the context of politics. The program draws on the skills of a wide range of professors in the Department. The University of Florida's strengths in various aspects of environmental conservation, in particular, adds to the program's vitality and depth.

The International Development Policy and Administration Certificate is available as a terminal M.A. degree as well as for ongoing Ph.D. students. M.A. students may pursue a joint degree program with the Levin College of Law, which would allow students to earn both the Master of Arts and the Juris Doctor degree in approximately four years.

Certificate Requirements

The curriculum consists of seminars in public administration, policy process, methodology, and electives. Students are expected to complete 42 hours and are expected to pursue the non-thesis option. In addition to the M.A. degree in political science, students receive the Certificate in International Development Policy and Administration.

Courses Marked (***) are Required

Section A - Administration/Public Policy (12 hours)

Section B - Methodology (9 hours)

Section C - Internship (3 hours)

The student is required to satisfactorily complete an internship in an organization specifically concentrating in international development. The student will work with an instructor to make arrangements for this internship. The instructor, in collaboration with a representative of the host organization, will also be responsible for evaluating the work that the student has completed. Students coming in from relevant field work will have this requirement waived and will be granted appropriate credit.

Section D - Political Economy (9 hours)

Section E - Areas of Concentration (9 hours)

These hours can be arranged as electives in an area of special interest to each student. Examples of streams that can be taken include:

AREA 1: Economics and Development

AREA 2: Agriculture Administration and Development

AREA 3: Grassroots Community and Rural Development

AREA 4: Environmental Policy

AREA 5: Public Health Management

AREA 6: Urban and Rural Development

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