Global Development Studies
Gain a deep understanding of the multifaceted dynamics of societal transformation in an interconnected world through the global development studies (GSD) minor.
In our interdisciplinary minor, you will analyze issues such as inequality, poverty, climate change, migration and conflict from a multi-level perspective—considering local, national, regional and global dimensions, as well as insights from various stakeholders.
Through a combination of courses and extracurricular activities, you’ll explore the economic, social, political, technological and cultural factors that influence societal change. Throughout the program, you are encouraged to conceptualize development as a process of self-determination, striving for the agency and advancement of all communities, both locally and globally.
Curriculum
The global development studies minor can complement any major in the School of Foreign Service. It is designed to be flexible to allow you to take courses based on your specific interests. The course sequence is as follows:
- INAF 2252: Introduction to Global Development
- Five electives from the approved list of GDS courses that will support your global development studies learning goals
Electives can be drawn from courses within the School of Foreign Service and the university at large that cover a range of topics within the field of global development, from the changing landscape of foreign aid to state-building and from the global challenges of infectious diseases and climate change to problems of fragile states.
The multi-disciplinary tools and the substantive knowledge gained through the minor will serve students pursuing graduate work or global development careers, whether in bilateral or multilateral aid organizations, global philanthropy, international or “frontline” NGOs or the private sector.
Important information to consider
- You must declare your major before applying for the GDS minor.
- At most, two courses can be double-counted between the university/school core and the GDS minor.
- Courses taken to fulfill the requirement for a major may not double count for a minor. For example, if you are required to take an INAF course to complete a requirement for your IPOL major, that course may not double-count towards your GDS minor elective course requirement. Please review your major course requirements carefully to determine what courses may or may not fit your needs. If you have any questions, please contact your curricular advising dean.
Undergraduate students with questions about the global development studies minor should contact the GDS team at gdsminor@georgetown.edu.
Elective petitioning
If you are currently enrolled in the global development studies minor (i.e., have already completed your application process and have been enrolled for at least one semester), and you would like to pursue an elective in support of your GDS minor that is not included on the linked list of GDS elective courses, you may petition to have a course count towards your minor.
How to apply
Undergraduate students interested in the global development studies program should submit the minor declaration application form, which provides further instructions for enrollment.
To complete your participation in the GDS minor, you are required to meet with either Professor Patricia Biermayr-Jenzano at patricia.biermayrjenzano@georgetown.edu or Professor Shareen Joshi at sj244@georgetown.edu. In this meeting, you will discuss your interest in the minor, potential courses to fulfill elective requirements and areas of interest related to global development. You can contact both professors using their email addresses or simply email gdsminor@georgetown.edu. After you submit your application, the GDS minor administrator will reach out to you to schedule this meeting.
Once your application is approved, you will receive a notification via email. At that time, the GDS administrator will also contact your curricular advising dean to ensure that your degree audit reflects your enrollment in the global development studies minor.