College of Human Sciences now offering one-of-a-kind Master of Development Practice program

The Master of Development Practice (MDP) program in the College of Human Sciences was recently accepted into the Global Association of Master’s in Development Practice. Auburn University’s program joined this elite group that includes Columbia University, Emory University, Harvard University, Regis University, University of California, Berkeley, University of Florida and the University of Minnesota as the eighth recognized MDP program in the country.

The MDP program is designed to prepare professionals who can work across many fields and bring divergent teams together to develop sustainable solutions to the major issues of our world. With a focus on hunger, poverty, global market changes, humanitarian aid, social policy and more, Auburn University's MDP is the first of its kind to bring a human science and quality of life perspective to the field. 

“Being accepted into the Association elevates our program to the global stage and opens up a world of opportunities for our students and faculty as we begin networking with our peers,” CHS Director of Global Education Kate Thornton said.

Students wishing to pursue the MDP program can do so after obtaining a four-year bachelor's degree or equivalent. Beginning this fall, there will also be an accelerated Global Studies in Human Sciences-MDP program where students can apply their junior year of the GSHS program and take up to nine credit hours in their undergraduate degree toward the MDP program. This will allow them to finish both their bachelor’s degree in GSHS and MDP in five years. Graduates of the MDP program are prepared to work both in the U.S. and abroad to help communities improve lives and solve global issues.