Development Economics and International Development
A program that focuses on the systematic study of the economic development process and its application to the problems of specific countries and regions. Includes instruction in economic development theory, industrialization, land reform, infrastructural development, investment policy, the role of governments and business in development, international development organizations, and the study of social, health, and environmental influences on economic development.
- Schools offering
- 29
- Annual completions
- 161
- Typical degree level
- Associate's + Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $84k
About this major
A program that focuses on the systematic study of the economic development process and its application to the problems of specific countries and regions. Includes instruction in economic development theory, industrialization, land reform, infrastructural development, investment policy, the role of governments and business in development, international development organizations, and the study of social, health, and environmental influences on economic development.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, all other | $137k | +4.5% | Bachelor's degree |
| Social science research assistants | $58k | +4.4% | Bachelor's degree |
| Economists | $115k | +1.2% | Master's degree |
| Economics teachers, postsecondary | $120k | +2.1% | Doctoral or professional degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$84k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$59k
Bachelor's
$84k
Top colleges for Development Economics and International Development
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | 0 | 73 | 73 |
| Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | 0 | 15 | 15 |
| Tulane University of Louisiana | New Orleans, LA | 0 | 14 | 14 |
| University of Vermont | Burlington, VT | 0 | 13 | 13 |
| Northeastern University | Boston, MA | 0 | 9 | 9 |
| University of Dayton | Dayton, OH | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| Covenant College | Lookout Mountain, GA | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Cleveland State University | Cleveland, OH | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Related majors to explore
Psychology, General
133,179 completions/yr
Political Science and Government, General
36,654 completions/yr
Sociology, General
26,513 completions/yr
Economics, General
18,920 completions/yr
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics
15,101 completions/yr
Social Sciences, General
14,846 completions/yr
Business/Managerial Economics
4,031 completions/yr
Agricultural Economics
1,453 completions/yr
Considering this direction?
We've taken a hard look at the debt, earnings trajectory, and degree-level tradeoffs for the Development Economics and International Development field. Read our verdict before you commit.
Is Development Economics and International Development worth it? Read verdict