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Improving opportunities for all

Adam Odomore, SIS/MA ’19
I’m working toward a more gender equitable society.
I’m helping people understand how transforming gender norms can benefit men, women, and communities writ large. My work focuses on women’s education and empowerment and men’s engagement—getting fathers, brothers, and community leaders on board with women’s empowerment. This is important for development work to become gender equitable and for it to be successful overall. Read more about my work.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply and when are the application deadlines?
When you should apply to the program depends on what semester you want to start taking classes and whether you are a domestic or international student.
Application deadlines for an MA in International Development are as follows:
- Fall semester (all applicants): January 15
- Spring semester (domestic applicants): October 1
- Spring semester (international applicants): September 15
View required application materials
Missed a deadline but still interested in applying? Email the SIS Graduate Admissions office.
Where will a degree in International Development take me?
Our graduates go into careers that make positive impact on our world. With a customizable concentration, students develop the hard and soft skills needed to pursue their individual interests in the international development field.
Our alumni have gone on to build education programs in Sub-Saharan Africa; create new ways of making monitoring, evaluation, and learning useful for grass root organizations; feed and assist refugees; and enter the Foreign Service.
Employers that hire MAID graduates include: World Bank, Save the Children, Chemonics, OXFAM, UN Agency for International Development, Global Fund for Women, World Vision, and more.
Looking for more information or help? SIS has a dedicated career development center to assist current students and alumni.
Is there financial assistance available?
The School of International Service offers merit-based aid in the form of scholarships and fellowships at the time of admission.
Financial aid information for prospective students
Current students pursuing their MA in International Development have several fellowships and awards available for them to help offset the cost of their education and take advantage of additional academic opportunities.
Need-based aid is available through AU Central Office and generally takes the form of a federal low-interest loan package.
Federal loan and work study information for graduate students
What is the difference between MAID and MSDM?
The difference between the MA in International Development and the MS in Development Management is each degree’s focus on facilitating and managing change versus its focus on theories and definitions of international development. The MA provides professional preparation in development politics, research, economics, and theories, while the MS—the only of its kind at SIS—provides applied and innovative management skills and requires a minimum of two years professional experience to apply.
Still have questions? Send us an email at idpsis@american.edu