SIT Graduate Institute

Program Information

Degree Offered

Master's of Arts in Sustainable Development

Format: Campus

Program Description:

SIT’s one-year MA for development professionals uniquely integrates theory and practice with an emphasis on local leadership, community ownership, and global collaboration.

*Develop cutting-edge global skills and knowledge through hands-on learning with some of the most innovative development organizations in the world.
*Graduate in just 12 months with the expertise and experience you need to make significant contributions in the development field.
*Study in Washington, DC and work in the field of international development with World Learning's International Development and Exchange Programs and other development NGOs.

Graduates will be prepared for positions such as program director; program manager; capacity building specialist; monitoring and evaluation officer; policy analyst; advocate, outreach, and education officer; and coordinator of partnerships, networks, and alliances.

SIT Graduate Institute has been preparing international development professionals for 45 years and, as the higher education institution of World Learning—a leading international development organization - it offers students unique opportunities and resources. The World Learning/SIT global network of professional and academic contacts and ongoing development projects helps students advance their career by building connections worldwide.

Degree Sequence:
12 Months, Three Trimesters, 40 Credits

Trimester I: Washington, DC (16 credits)

Coursework combines facilitated discussions, simulations, and other methods of experiential learning through which students acquire theoretical knowledge and professional competencies essential for their career development.

Trimester II: Professional Practicum and Research (9 credits)

A full-time placement within a relevant development organization involves completion of a professional project identified as a priority by the sponsoring organization. Placement organizations may include World Learning and its partners, other nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and development agencies.

Trimester III: Washington, DC (15 credits)

Additional coursework, research, and writing allow students to deepen and integrate their knowledge and skills, culminating in a capstone paper and seminar. The capstone seminar lasts one week and provides an environment in which students demonstrate, assess, and synthesize learning.

Accreditation:

SIT is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. (NEASC) through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. Inquiries regarding the accreditation status by the New England Association should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact: Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, 209 Burlington Road, Bedford, MA 01730-1433, 781-271-0022, cihe@neasc.org.

Eligibility Requirements:

Admissions requirements

US bachelor's degree or an equivalent, preferably in the social sciences or a professional field related to community and/or international development
Intercultural and professional experience, preferably in the field of community and/or international development, focused on the needs and rights of poor or marginalized populations (in any country, including the United States).
Demonstrated ability to use experience as a source of learning
Strong writing and other communication skills in English
A high level of proficiency in a second language or readiness to do additional language study and projects during or following the program.

# of Credits Required:

40

International Student Requirements:

Applicants whose first language is not English and who did not attend an undergraduate institution at which the language of instruction was English must take either the TOEFL or the IELTS. Applicants taking the TOEFL must receive a Minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test or 213 on the computer-based test. For the TOEFL iBT, SIT's operational standard for admission for applicants whose first language is not English and who did not attend an undergraduate institution at which the language of instruction was English is a minimum total score of 79. This includes section scores of at least 24 on the Writing section and 23 on the Speaking section. Applicants taking the IELTS must receive a score of Band 6.0 or higher. These scores are considered the minimum proficiency needed to undertake graduate-level work. Scores must be dated within two years of the start date of your academic program.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Cost Per Credit Hour:

787.50 USD

Tuition Out of State Full Time:

31500 USD

Financial Aid Offered: Yes