According to the International Monetary Fund, approximately 70 percent of all nations are “developing” — characterized by economic vulnerability and high levels of poverty. At Clark, international development and social change (IDSC) majors learn how to bring about positive change by thinking critically, acting collaboratively, and engaging responsibly.
Why study international development and social change at Clark?
- If you want to make a difference in today’s fractious world, you can start by pursuing a degree in international development and social change at Clark, a longtime leader in the field, with thousands of alumni working for positive change across the world.
- You will be active in the world; recent examples of student projects include working with an environmental activist organization in northeast Thailand, developing a social entrepreneur project in Colombia, and researching habitat encroachment in Myanmar.
- Enjoy the benefits of being part of our renowned program, which is built on more than 35 years of collective field experience in North America, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
4 + 1—An advanced degree within reach
The 4+1 Accelerated Master’s provides an opportunity to earn a pathway to a master’s degree — with one year of additional study and available tuition scholarships. Consider the following option for this major:
- Apply
- Request Info
Are you ready to take the first step?
Featured Courses
Trafficking: Globalization and Its Illicit Commodities
Illegal trafficking — people, animals, and controlled substances — continues to thrive around the globe. Explore the opportunities and dilemmas faced by those who study and try to eliminate these shadow economies.
Introduction to Socio-Cultural Anthropology
Use anthropological observation and problem-solving to gain insight into other cultures — and your own; and explore the practicality of applying anthropological knowledge to further the cause of a more just world.
Miracles of Asia: Economic Growth in Global Contexts
Why are many Asian countries (think China, India, and Japan) major players in global affairs? Through readings and class discussions, you’ll explore the reasons behind their rapid economic rise and sudden crises.
In the classroom, IDSC majors develop critical analytical skills, explore links between local and global perspectives, and focus on the human and ecological dimensions of sustainability.
The major requires the completion of at least 12 courses. You’ll take five core courses and four in a subfield of international development and social change that interests you. You’ll also complete one methods course, two skills courses, one internship or directed research project, and a capstone seminar.
At Clark you’ll get more than a great education; you’ll also be prepared for a long, productive career and life of consequence. And once you’ve completed your degree, you can join other Clark alumni who have gone on to work for great organizations and attend some of the best graduate schools in the world.
Government, International Affairs, and Law
Non-Profit, Human Services, and Education
Sustainability, Climate, and Global Change
- Geographic Information Systems/Development Specialist, Development Alternatives, Inc.
- Project Manager, Handicap International France
- Associate Analyst, Abt Associates, Cambridge, Mass.
- Communications Coordinator, Jeremiah’s Inn, Worcester, Mass.
- Serbia Project Coordinator, Balkan Trust for Democracy
- Brown University; master’s in urban education policy
- Columbia University Teachers College; master’s in international and comparative education
- The New School; master’s in nonprofit management
The Clark Experience
The Clark Experience brings together the exceptional education you’ll receive in the classroom and so much more. Through focus and flexibility, it ensures you’ll leave Clark with the creativity, confidence, and resilience to succeed and lead a life of meaning and consequence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a major in international development and social change studies?
At Clark you’ll get more than a great education; you’ll also be prepared for a long, productive career and life of consequence. And once you’ve completed your degree, you can join other Clark alumni who have gone on to work for great organizations and attend some of the best graduate schools in the world.
Our students have also been awarded prestigious fellowships after graduation, including the Compton Mentor and Fulbright fellowships.
What skills will I learn?
- Read and interpret quantitative and qualitative data
- Think critically about social, political, cultural, and economic dynamics and relationships
- Work in teams to apply theory to real-world problems affecting vulnerable groups in Worcester and abroad
- Address challenges on every level, from a village to the global policy arena
- Problem-solve, evaluate, implement, monitor and communicate in a logical, organized way
- Evaluate your own position and intentions to facilitate social change
What types of academic achievement awards are available?
Academic Achievement Award
The Academic Achievement Award is to an outstanding graduating senior in the IDSC honors program. Criteria for the award include overall GPA, GPA within the major, and quality of the IDSC honors thesis.
Impact Award
The Impact Award is given to a graduating senior in the international development major who has shown personal integrity and has demonstrated leadership and/or collaboration in community service and progressive change.
Theodore Von Laue Undergraduate Prize in International Development
The Theodore Von Laue Undergraduate Prize in International Development was established by Mrs. Theodore (Angela) Von Laue. The award goes to a junior majoring in international development, who has demonstrated accomplishment and commitment to the search for peace, equitable distribution of resources, human well-being, and environmental justice.
Is there an honors program for international development and social change majors?
During your junior year, you might be accepted into the international development and social change honors program. Joining the program means you’ll work closely with a professor to create a thesis on a topic of your choice. Examples of recent honors theses topics are:
- Immigrant Rights in the Climate of Economic Crisis: An Ethnographic Study on Native Public Opinion in Seville, Spain
- Sex Work and Storytelling: Toward a Feminist Epistemology in Social Science Research
- Access to and Utilization of Primary Healthcare Services by the African and Latino Immigrant Communities in Worcester, Massachusetts
Be a force for change.
Come study at a small research university with a strong liberal arts core.