Sample Academic Calendar

The Sample 25-month MDP curriculum serves as an example of a typical two-year program. Host institutions may develop specific permutations of the program to fit within the context or the academic culture of participating universities. Although academic institutions may modify the sample academic program to incorporate a regional focus, to include a discipline-based specialization, or to provide complementary skill training within a specialized program of study, any variation or permutation of the sample academic program should be anchored in the Master’s in Development Practice core curriculum and learning outcomes.

The sample academic program illustrates a course of study that includes a short semester of intensive refresher courses and introductory field seminars, two full years of academic study (4 semesters) and two field training assignments. While institutions with relevant, practice-focused courses may draw from existing courses to establish part of the MDP core curriculum, new courses would also be needed to ensure training across the broad range of knowledge areas. In designing new courses, the MDP learning outcomes should be used to guide curriculum planning.