Master of Sustainable Development Practice Program (MDP)

The Master's of Sustainable Development Practice (MDP) Program at the University of Florida is a professional, interdisciplinary program designed for individuals aspiring to pursue work in international development. Coursework is combined with hands-on field experience to provide the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for a career in a wide range of development organizations and institutions. The overall MDP Program curriculum integrates the social sciences, health sciences, natural sciences, and management skills into a holistic approach to sustainable development. This broad core curriculum is complemented by the opportunity to specialize in a particular field of interest from the university’s diverse departments. The MDP Program is supported by numerous faculty members from over 7 schools and 20 different departments, centers and research institutions at the University of Florida. The program spans four academic semesters and a summer field practicum. Students take eight core classes during their first two semesters. Next, students undertake an intensive 10-12 week field practicum over the summer, during which they apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the first academic year to address specific development challenges identified by governments, communities and/or organizations in different parts of the world. Students are required to produce a deliverable that will be developed with input from partners to which they are linked during the field practicum. This deliverable constitutes the student’s final field practicum report. The presentation and defense of this report are essential final steps in earning the MDP degree. Following the field practicum, students take three additional core courses and four elective courses. Elective courses can be applied towards an individually tailored specialization or to meet the requirements of an existing certificate or minor. The program is administered jointly by the Center for African Studies and the Center for Latin American Studies. These centers attract faculty from numerous academic units and departments, covering a wide array of disciplines who share a passion and commitment to development and conservation work with communities in Africa, Latin America and other regions of the world. MDP students have the invaluable opportunity to interact with this multidisciplinary faculty and begin building a professional network in their areas of interest. Students who complete the program will be awarded a Master of Sustainable Development Practice degree. The MDP may be completed as part of a joint or concurrent degree program with another approved graduate or professional program at the University of Florida.The MDP Program also offers a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Development Practice. The certificate provides training in interdisciplinary knowledge and skills in sustainable development practice for researchers and practitioners.