In the Development track students will learn about the multiple dimensions to social change and human development in areas of the world categorized as developing societies. Examples of dimensions include but are not limited to poverty reduction, health, the environment and sustainability, climate change, food security, communication for development, cultures of developing societies, and historical, cultural, and critical perspectives on the idea of modern development. Students will develop an appreciation of the complexity of development problems and be able to select one or more for closer study, with an eye toward jobs or graduate education in international development after graduation.

Examples of post-graduation opportunities for International Studies graduates who have completed the Development track include: 

• Corps Member - Teach for America (Kansas City, Missouri)
• Resource Development Assistant - Feeding America (Chicago, Illinois)
• Program Analyst, Bureau for Food Security - US Agency for International Development (Washington DC)
• English Teacher and Community Engagement Volunteer - Peace Corps (Kingdom of Tonga)
• Trip Leader - Operation Groundswell (Thailand and Cambodia)
• Researcher - Kusamala Institute of Agriculture and Ecology (Malawi)
• Social Media Content Manager at the International Center for Journalists (Washington, D.C.)
• Masters program in Urban and Regional Planning (University of Iowa)
• PhD program in Geography (University of Colorado, Boulder)

World Language Study

Many languages would be suitable for Development track students. Students are advised to align their language of interest with the region of the world they are most interested in studying. This will provide students with deep knowledge of a particular part of the world.

Additionally, interacting with community members in developing parts of the world will benefit from at least some familiarity with a local, less commonly taught, language (for example, Mayan in part of Mexico or Kannada in Southern India). The Language Media Center is an option for students who wish to study languages which are not currently taught at the University. This allows students to build language skills but because the Language Media Center does not offer credit, this language study does not satisfy the international studies B.A. language requirement.

Track Requirements

The Development track requires a minimum of 18 s.h. of coursework, including at least 12 s.h. earned in courses numbered 2000 or above. Students may not count their foundation courses toward track requirements.