Master's in Development Practice - MacArthur Foundation

Master’s Programs in Development Practice

About our grantmaking

The challenges of poverty, population, health, conservation, and human rights around the world are interconnected, requiring sustained and comprehensive interventions. Recognizing the need for a new approach, MacArthur is supporting the first global initiative to provide rigorous, cross-disciplinary professional training for future leaders in sustainable development.

Latest news

Supporting 10 New Master’s Programs Around the World in Sustainable Development

June 30, 2009

Supporting rigorous professional training for future leaders in the field of sustainable development, MacArthur announces grants totaling $7.6 million to nine universities in seven countries to establish new Master’s in Development Practice programs. Read more »

Press Releases

Teaching Sustainable Development in Australia

The Australian, October 7, 2009

This article highlights James Cook University in Australia, one of 10 universities worldwide offering the MacArthur-funded Master’s in Development Practice to train future leaders in sustainable development. Read the article »

Commission Co-Chair John McArthur Addresses Need for Multilateral Degree Program in Huffington Post

HuffingtonPost.com, July 13, 2009

John McArthur, Co-Chair of the International Commission on Education for Sustainable Development Practice, discusses the need for a multi-sector approach to solving the world’s problems and how the new MacArthur-funded degree program will use this strategy. Read more at HuffingtonPost.com »

From the Field

First Master's Program in Development Practice Launches at Columbia University
July 2009
During the fall of 2009, with support from the MacArthur Foundation, Columbia University welcomes its first class of students for a new Master’s Program in Development Practice. The degree will be offered through the School of International and Public Affairs in cooperation with the Earth Institute. Twenty-eight students from nine countries will join the program, which offers interdisciplinary training based on the curriculum recommended by the International Commission on Education for Sustainable Development Practice covering the natural sciences, social sciences, health sciences and management. Students will participate in two summers of field training, including at Millennium Village sites in Africa.

For more information

Website for the Master’s in Development Practice Secretariat »

Video

Announcement of the new master's programs in development practice »

About MacArthur

The MacArthur Foundation supports creative people and effective institutions committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. In addition to selecting the MacArthur Fellows, we work to defend human rights, advance global conservation and security, make cities better places, and understand how technology is affecting children and society.

for more MacArthur news