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
- 28
- Annual completions
- 213
- Typical degree level
- 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 | 100 | 100 |
| Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | 0 | 23 | 23 |
| Tulane University of Louisiana | New Orleans, LA | 0 | 21 | 21 |
| University of Vermont | Burlington, VT | 0 | 11 | 11 |
| Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| Northeastern University | Boston, MA | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| Covenant College | Lookout Mountain, GA | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| University of Dayton | Dayton, OH | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| University of St Thomas | Houston, TX | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Cleveland State University | Cleveland, OH | 0 | 4 | 4 |
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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