Ohio University
Graduate Catalog

Development Studies

Development studies focuses on the process of development in the less developed countries from a multidisciplinary perspective, drawing primarily on the social sciences. The complexity of issues in economic, social, and political development is broader than any one discipline and requires tools of analysis, conceptual approaches, and information from a variety of sources.

Admission is limited to fall quarter. A minimum of 51 hours is required for the degree. The program requires that you complete a core sequence of four courses. Three of these form a yearlong course that goes from development theory to development case studies to development practice. The fourth, taught in the fall, focuses on the basic geographical patterns and characteristics of the less developed countries. In addition, you are required to complete courses in three separate disciplines (with at least three courses in one of the fields and at least two courses in each of the other two fields). The courses focus on the issue of development and are selected according to your needs and preferences.

Ordinarily, the three disciplines are selected from among the social sciences (e.g., anthropology , economics , geography , history , philosophy , sociology , and political science ). Some courses are available from the natural sciences ( botany , geology , etc.), and a combination of courses from business administration , communication, education , or engineering focusing on the development theme also may be used to satisfy the requirements for one of the three disciplinary fields.

You must demonstrate a minimal proficiency in a second language through evidence of (1) one year of university study of a modern language; (2) one year of university study of a third-world language; (3) native speaking ability; or (4) testing through another agency, such as the Peace Corps.

A comprehensive oral examination completes the program (except for those choosing to complete a thesis). This examination ordinarily takes place in the last quarter of study.

A list of approximately 100 courses offered at Ohio University related to the subject of development is available from the director of this program and is revised for student use each year. The following is a list of eleven courses, which is representative of that longer list, currently offered by separate departments.

University Publications and the Computer Services Center revised this file ( https://www.ohio.edu/~gcat/95-97/areas/inst/develop.html ) April 13, 1998.

Please e-mail comments or suggestions to " gcat@www.ohiou.edu ."