Economic and Political Development
Designed to train future leaders and change makers in addressing pressing global development issues, such as inequalities and unacceptable levels of poverty, through evidence-based strategies to promote inclusive, sustainable growth and human development, guided by the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN's 2030 Agenda.
The Economic and Political Development (EPD) concentration equips students with a broad understanding of the processes of economic, political, and social change in the developing world, as well as a more focused competence in specific fields, such as financial inclusion, small business and social enterprise development, corporate social responsibility, gender and development, education or health policy, sustainable development, and post-conflict reconstruction and governance. Through an interdisciplinary package of courses, workshop projects, and practical internships, you’ll gain key skills in policy analysis, program planning, project management, monitoring, and evaluation for inclusive and sustainable development. When combined with the Data Analytics and Quantitative Analysis Specialization, EPD constitutes a STEM-designated program. Learn more »
Who It’s For
The EPD concentration attracts diverse students from around the world who are committed to fighting inequality between and within countries, eradicating poverty and its causes, and promoting inclusive, sustainable growth and human development by expanding people’s civil, political, economic, and social rights and freedoms. EPD concentrators include students with prior experience in development, as well as students seeking to shift from other fields.
Career Paths
EPD graduates are suited to internationally focused careers, going on to become managers, advisors, analysts, and change agents with organizations in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, including governments, multilateral institutions (including the UN system and development banks), consulting firms, financial institutions, think tanks, foundations, non-government organizations (NGOs), and social enterprises.
View employment data »
Curriculum & Courses
The EPD concentration complements the core MIA and MPA curricula with a broader and deeper understanding of development economics, the political context of development, and trends and good practices in the international development field, guided by the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN's 2030 Agenda.
View full curriculum »
View sample program »
Search EPD Capstones »
Concentration Requirements
Students must complete a total of 18 credits, consisting of six three-point courses (including the Capstone Workshop in Sustainable Development Practice, which satisfies the Capstone requirement for MIA and MPA students):
- Two core courses (one in economic dimensions of sustainable development and one in political dimensions of sustainable development)
- Two sustainable development practice courses (Methods for Sustainable Development Practice and Capstone Workshop in Sustainable Development Practice)
- Two courses in a focus area (economic, political, social or environmental dimensions of sustainable development)
Related Degree Programs
The Master of International Affairs (MIA), which includes selected STEM-designated pathways, is underpinned by SIPA’s unrivaled expertise on issues that transcend national boundaries and prepares students to address major international issues as experts and leaders in governments and organizations around the world.
The Master of Public Administration (MPA), which includes selected STEM-designated pathways, emphasizes a comparative approach to domestic policy and prepare students to address major national policy issues and manage organizations in the US and other countries around the world.
Capstone Workshop in Sustainable Development Practice
Working in teams with a faculty advisor, the EPD Workshop offers students an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge development projects, often involving country fieldwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us
José Antonio Ocampo
Concentration Co-Director
IAB Room 1315
+1 212-854-6339
[email protected]
Eugenia McGill
Concentration Co-Director; EPD Workshop Director
IAB Room 1305b
+1 212-854-9885
[email protected]
Ilona Vinklerova
Concentration Manager
IAB Room 1305
+1 212-851-4105
[email protected]