Masters in Development Practice

[palabared]

So I've been working on grad school apps for the past couple weeks, and I recently learned about U of Denver Korbel's Masters in Development Practice and wanted to know if anyone knew about this type of masters (brand new this year). After a bit more research I see schools like Columbia and Florida have it as well, but couldn't find any information on this forum about it. It seems obvious these programs are much more hands on, and are academically different than the other standard MPP, IR and ID programs, but I still can't get my head around them. Does anyone have any insightful information as to whether the 2 types of degrees would be perceived differently to public and NGO employers? Are they trying to market this type of program to a certain demographic? Thanks all

[palabared]

hmm maybe nobody knows much about it! I just read UC Berkeley will be opening a program in 2011 too but there isnt any info on their website about it. Im waiting on a reply from the spearheading professor there.

[j bre]

I'm applying to Denver's MDP too! MDP programs are being funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. From what I understand, these programs are skill based and focus more on applied methodology rather than theory. I believe they're primarily meant for those who want to do on-the-ground development work. However, I am willing to bet most domestically-based organizations will look fondly upon them as well.

As for UC Berkeley's program, it is still going through the approval process. UCs and California are in a financial reck at the moment, so there is a lot of red tape and bureaucracy to go through. But I was assured the program would be up and running for its first cohort in the fall of 2011. There are also other MDP programs at UC Davis, University of Minnesota and Emory, as well as around the world. If you haven't already, check out the MacArthur MDP website: http://www.macfound.org/site/c.lkLXJ8MQKrH/b.4711697/k.254A/Masters_in_Development_Practice.htm

[Diesel2011]

I'm also applying to some MDP programs in the McArthur group - Columbia, Emory, and Denver - as well as to some traditional MPA programs with a concentration in iDev like JHU, Georgetown, GWU. These new programs seem to have a few main characteristics that tie them together - First, they are targeted to the generalist practitioner of development. Second, they are all very interdisciplinary - providing a broad training in Political/Social sciences, engineering, agriculture, energy, health science, economics, management skills, etc. that the development worker needs in the field. Because of this, they seem like really great programs. I just finished a 2-year term managing a development program in a very difficult country, and I can definitely attest to the fact that you need training from all of those disciplines to be an effective manager in many contexts.

Also, all have at least required overseas internship.

I would agree that they seem much more geared to providing training to those who want to manage development programs at the field level. Most have pretty rigorous entrance requirements, and I think their graduates will be well-received by the relevant employers.

[cplanicka]

I have a friend at Columbia's MDP program right now (actually a MPA in Dev. Practice). She said it is very rigorous work but she loves it, particularly the excellent access to various development figures, such as Sachs (she went to a discussion on african ag. development w/ sachs and kofi annan one of her first weeks there). I'm looking at Columbia, TCD-UCD, Emory, Denver, Florida, and the UC's programs for MDP, but I too am a bit concerned how this degree will be perceived. I too like the multi-disciplinary aspect, and the hands-on practice in developing countries. But I am also looking at more traditional dev. programs as you folks have mentioned above. I guess I don't really have any answers, just some observations! If any of you learn more, please continue to share!

[palabared]

Thanks for the replies guys. While I really like the overall idea of the MDP programs, I'm worried they are too generic, too broad. Is it possible to cover so many topics of health/sanitation, environment, social sciences, and management courses in a couple years and really be semi-proficient in them all? Hmm I wonder if those programs are easier or more difficult to get into since they are new, but only letting in 25 people or so next year. Just thinking out loud here!

[palabared]

still nothing on UC Berkeley's website and nobody replies to my emails, anyone know if their MDP program is going to happen? Wouldn't apps need to be sent in soon!?

[cplanicka]

still nothing on UC Berkeley's website and nobody replies to my emails, anyone know if their MDP program is going to happen? Wouldn't apps need to be sent in soon!?

I got a reply email just now. I found the email address on the recently-put-up UC Berkeley's MDP site... ( http://mdp.berkeley.edu/ )

Someone from the Dept. of Ag. and Res. Econ. replied with a form letter, which is pretty discouraging:

Dear Prospective Student:

Thank you for your interest in the upcoming Master’s in Development Practice (MDP) at U.C. Berkeley.

We are still in the process of having the new program approved. Given the lengthy approval process, the earliest feasible start date for the MDP would be July, 2011, but we may have to wait until July, 2012.

Unfortunately, we do not have criteria for enrollment or any further information at this time. We will make a major announcement with instructions once the program has been approved and is available.

Thank you, again, for your interest in our program.

Sincerely,

Angie Ericksonfor D. Zilberman

----------------------

Like I said, it does not sound promising for the upcoming year.

[palabared]

yea thats the email address i sent a couple to. damn that doesn't sounds good at all. looks like im just applying to 4 schools now ;( california is so much cheaper for me though!!!

I got a reply email just now. I found the email address on the recently-put-up UC Berkeley's MDP site... ( http://mdp.berkeley.edu/ )

Someone from the Dept. of Ag. and Res. Econ. replied with a form letter, which is pretty discouraging:

Dear Prospective Student:

Thank you for your interest in the upcoming Master’s in Development Practice (MDP) at U.C. Berkeley.

We are still in the process of having the new program approved. Given the lengthy approval process, the earliest feasible start date for the MDP would be July, 2011, but we may have to wait until July, 2012.

Unfortunately, we do not have criteria for enrollment or any further information at this time. We will make a major announcement with instructions once the program has been approved and is available.

Thank you, again, for your interest in our program.

Sincerely,

Angie Ericksonfor D. Zilberman

----------------------

Like I said, it does not sound promising for the upcoming year.

Edited December 15, 2010 by palabared

[cplanicka]

yea thats the email address i sent a couple to. damn that doesn't sounds good at all. looks like im just applying to 4 schools now ;( california is so much cheaper for me though!!!

UC Davis has MDP, but it is only a certificate program as part of their International Agricultural Development program...

[keondraismyrealname]

hi all! i'm currently attending the program at columbia. we were the pilot school for the program so we now have a class of first and second years. so information on employment isn't really available yet. like someone mentioned earlier, it's really much more about the access to events and development practitioners that has set the program apart - at least until more people become aware of what we do. columbia's program is unique in that it is built into the MPA structure which means that even if we decided to do domestic work, people would still be clear on our base of knowledge given that we got a standard degree for the field. the other schools are just straight masters which may require a little more explaining to employers as to what that all means. as with any new program, we're still working out the kinks. if you have any specific questions, feel free to send me a message.

keondra.

Edited December 19, 2010 by keondraismyrealname

[cplanicka]

palabared , I just received this email RE: UC Berkeley MDP:

Thank you for your interest in the program. As of now, the program is

scheduled to begin Fall 2012.

Thank you for your interest. The website will be updated to reflect the

situation.

Bummer. Keondra. I applied to Columbia's MDP program, and I may contact you with questions if I get in. Thanks for posting here!

[Varanha]

Hi Keondra. Im very pleased to have come across this forum. I have just applied to the programme that youre studying right now I also, as a safety net, applied to the same programme at TCD. My connundrum is that i have been given an offer by TCD. I however know absolutely nothing about how the MDP is running at TCD. With columbia, there is a credibility factor. I dont know much about TCD to begin with and was hoping that ( in the unfortunate event that CU doesnt come through) how wise is it for me to take up the TCD programme. I'd love your advice on this- please help!!

Venetia

hi all! i'm currently attending the program at columbia. we were the pilot school for the program so we now have a class of first and second years. so information on employment isn't really available yet. like someone mentioned earlier, it's really much more about the access to events and development practitioners that has set the program apart - at least until more people become aware of what we do. columbia's program is unique in that it is built into the MPA structure which means that even if we decided to do domestic work, people would still be clear on our base of knowledge given that we got a standard degree for the field. the other schools are just straight masters which may require a little more explaining to employers as to what that all means. as with any new program, we're still working out the kinks. if you have any specific questions, feel free to send me a message.

keondra.

[Varanha]

Hey there!

i noticed, that along with columbia, among others, you are looking at TCD. I applied to TCD as well (in addition to Columbia) and recently received an acceptance of offer.

I dont know very much about the quality of TCD though, and what i can expect to find in the MDP there. Columbia results arent out till march 1st-2nd week. In the meantime, i was hoping you could perhaps shed some light on the TCD programme, if you are aware?

Thanks

Venetia

[keondraismyrealname]

hi venitia!

if financing isn't a factor, i would definitely recommend columbia's program. since we were the first, the other mdp programs look at our coursework and programming as a proxy for their planning and development. i can't say much about how we compare to others in rigor but the CU brand itself means so much. also, we're the only mdp program that falls under the MPA degree (at least this was the case when i applied last year) which will give you a broader range of career options.

what career path are you interested in pursuing? how integral is a masters degree in that pursuit? i think knowing what value the degree will bring you will help you answer your question more easily. i'm always pushing for columbia. though!

keondra.

Hi Keondra. Im very pleased to have come across this forum. I have just applied to the programme that youre studying right now I also, as a safety net, applied to the same programme at TCD. My connundrum is that i have been given an offer by TCD. I however know absolutely nothing about how the MDP is running at TCD. With columbia, there is a credibility factor. I dont know much about TCD to begin with and was hoping that ( in the unfortunate event that CU doesnt come through) how wise is it for me to take up the TCD programme. I'd love your advice on this- please help!!

Venetia

Edited February 23, 2011 by keondraismyrealname

[Varanha]

Hi Keondra,

Thanks. I take it from your reply that you dont have much knowledge on the TCD version of the MDP.

Could you however, use your resources/contacts to find out? Thing is I need to make a sizeable downpayment to confirm my seat at TCD.

While i havent yet heard from Columbia or the other places i have applied to, I want to know whether it is worth even making the downpayment.

Would really appreciate any info you can give me on the TCD programme.

Thanks Alot

V