Master of Arts Degree in International Development

For an explanation for the MA degree in ASL, please go here.

This Masters program prepares professionals to work in federal, public, or private international organizations which offer development assistance to people with disabilities in developing counties.  The graduates of this program will learn to collaborate with a variety of groups which wish to include people with disabilities in their development projects and programs. 

The MA degree prepares students to work with federal agencies and non-governmental organizations both in the U.S. and abroad, in creating, implementing, and evaluating programs with people with disabilities overseas. The degree draws on theories and material from disability studies, international relations, special education, research and evaluation, and international development.

Students study significant topics in:

1. international relations that affect the economic and social development of countries worldwide,
2. the political, social and developmental issues surrounding disability that result in the continued oppression and marginalization of disabled people around the globe,
3. the theories and strategies of international development beginning with the Bretton Woods conference to the current era of globalization,
4. an overview and learning theory of infants, children, and youth with disabilities,
5. the design, development, and evaluation of programs for individuals with disabilities, and;
6. practice and theory of living and studying in cultures different from one’s own.

A unique aspect of this MA degree is that it includes both the study of theory, as well as the practical application of theory, in working with disabled people in developing countries.

It is strongly suggested that students begin their coursework for the Master’s Degree in the Fall semester since courses are sequential.  Beginning the program in the Spring may preclude a student from being able to graduate within two years of full time study.  

Fall – Year 1

An introduction to basic factors, concepts and theory of international relations.

The critical, major steps in the research process, along with related methodological issues, will be examined.

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EDF 834

Program Development and Evaluation in Special Education and Human Services

(3 credits) Spring

This course focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of programs for individuals with disabilities.

EDF 772

International Development with People with Disabilities in Developing Countries

(3 credits) Spring

This course introduces professionals to the political, social and developmental issues surrounding disability that result in the continual oppression and marginalization of disabled people throughout the developing world. 

This course  be an overview of the central questions in economic development, including the very definition of development itself; the problem of how to measure economic development; the causes and consequences of differences in economic growth rates among countries; and a review of the history of international development policymaking.

The course covers the design, planning, and implementation of education and community development projects for and by disabled people and other disenfranchised groups in developing nations.

 The primary goal of this course is to help students attain an understanding of the struggles for survival that groups, individuals and organizations face, and the strategies they use to combat those challenges. 

EDF 780

Supervised Practicum

(3 credits)  Fall Washington, DC 

The supervised field practicum is the first experience that provides the opportunity for students to integrate the interdisciplinary coursework and learned theory into an on-site experience.

Spring – Year 2 On campus

This course addresses the concepts of gender and development and the factors that gave rise to the discussion of woman and development that started in the 1950’s and 60’s and includes ssues of concern such as:  social relations, power and status differentials, gender inequities and their impact on macroeconomic development, gender and politics, feminism’s contribution, and gender analysis. 

EDF 781

Internship

(3 credits) Spring Washington or Overseas

The field internship integrates the student’s interdisciplinary coursework and learned theory into an on-site practice either in the United States or overseas. 

If you have questions, please contact the Program Director, Amy T. Wilson, Ph.D. at: amy.wilson@gallaudet.edu.

We can communicate through email, phone, or SightSpeed.

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