Global Development seeks to improve the lives of individuals worldwide by addressing critical challenges of rapid urbanization, climate change, poverty and inequality, and the socio-economic wellbeing of individuals worldwide. The specialization is guided by the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), in order to “end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity”.  The specialization seeks to compare insights and lessons at the state and non-state-levels and across the North-South divide and to prepare students for planning sustainable futures for cities and regions across the globe, ones that are economically viable, environmentally sound, and socially just.

The specialization responds to the substantial challenges of rapid urbanization, climate change, and growing inequality in cities of developing regions and draws on concepts and skills from economics, politics, city and regional planning, and international affairs. Students will gain multidisciplinary knowledge and training needed to help address challenges in anything from infrastructure provision to poverty reductions, preparing students for opportunities in organizations dedicated to addressing economic development, urban and regional planning, environmental problems and international affairs.