Master of Arts in International Development and Service
Graduate Degree
International Partnership for Service Learning (IPSL)
4 Semesters (16 Months)
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- Who the Program Is For
- What You'll Learn
- Tuition and Aid
The Master of Arts in International Development and Service Program at Westminster University
The Master of Arts in International Development and Service (IDS) program is an interdisciplinary graduate degree rooted in hands-on service-learning and international study activities. The program educates future leaders for professional careers in government, nonprofit, and community organization sectors by drawing from international development, nonprofit leadership, global health, international education, human rights/social justice, sustainability, and global studies.
This practical, social justice-focused degree program offers:
- Individual Attention: Faculty, staff, and NGO leaders guide you through securing positions within your field and chosen career track.
- Theory-to-Practice: Apply what you learn in class and in the community immediately and directly in the field and internationally.
- Global Exposure: Experience multinational programs in Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
- Transferable Skills: Build tangible and transferable skills that prepare you for solving complex challenges, from theory to practice.
- International Networks: Grow your professional network with direct experience across global locations.
- Customization: Co-create your own degree program using an interdisciplinary and customizable approach.
- Learn a Language: Internationalize your approach and improve your intercultural and marketable skills with language learning opportunities.
- Diverse Cohorts: An educational approach that welcomes and supports a wide diversity of students from non-traditional, first generation, BIPOC, international, second career, AmeriCorps and Peace Corp alumni, and military veterans.
Who the Master of Arts in International Development and Service Program Is For
The Master of Arts in International Development and Service program is especially for students wanting to meet today’s growing demand for diverse perspectives and leaders to navigate complex partnerships. A flexible and individualized program allows you to design your graduate degree experience through interdisciplinary graduate-level study with hands-on volunteer service.
What You'll Learn in the Master of Arts in International Development and Service Program
Students in the Master of Arts in International Development and Service program will build a global and professional network through professional development experience in service-learning placements with organizations worldwide. You'll practice a model of ethical, reciprocal service and community engagement in marginalized communities across the globe.
The program will help you develop these 5 main competencies:
- A global perspective
- Social development
- Nonprofit, NGO, and social entrepreneurship management
- Service as a professional ethic
- Individual expertise and distinction in the field
Support for AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and Veterans
Corps members, returnees, and veterans have access to benefits when you apply to the Master of Arts in International Development and Service Program:
- Priority admission
- Ability to use your VA benefits and AmeriCorps Segal Education Awards
- IPSL application processing fee waived
- Automatic $5,500 scholarship from IPSL, even if you have already used your Education Award
Sample courses
- IPSL-602: Community Organizing and Social Activism
- IPSL-621: Conflict Peace Reconciliation: Colombia
- IPSL-680: History and Ethics of International Development and Service
- IPSL-671: Global Health and the Environment: Vietnam
- IPSL-673: Sustainable Tourism
- IPSL-680: History and Ethics of International Development and Service
START DATE: To increase your access to the Master of Arts in International Development and Service program, you can begin in Spring (January), Summer term (May), or Fall (August).
COMPLETION TIME: The Master of Arts in International Development and Service program is a 16-month graduate degree that requires a minimum of 33 credit hours. Students may complete additional hours to enhance their graduate degree.
Application Deadline
Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The GRE isn't required for admission.
- Spring 2025 Entry: January 2025
- Summer 2025 Entry: April 2024
- Fall 2024 Entry: August 2024
Admissions events
There are no current events. Please email program staff (info@ipsl.org) to schedule a 1-on-1 info session.
Our Faculty
Zandy Gordon
Instructor
Thomas Morgan
Executive Director of IPSL
Arianne Newton
Director of Programs, IPSL
Paul Newton
Instructor
plan of study
PROGRAM CORE: 26–31 CREDITS
The core 26–31 hours of coursework gives you a solid foundation in international development
and service theory and current practices.
CAPSTONE: 2–7 CREDITS
The 2–7 hours of capstone coursework are the culmination of your theory-to-practice
degree and provide the opportunity to address a real-world, community-based issue.
Tuition and Aid
There's No Better Investment Than You
Westminster University knows you want an education where you matter—a place that will serve as a launchpad for a successful career and a meaningful life. Westminster will work with you individually through every step of the financial aid process. From scholarships to grants and loans, Westminster helps you make it happen.
You’ll be automatically considered for scholarship and grant opportunities.
In addition to general merit scholarships, other scholarship programs are available to support you throughout your time at Westminster.
Check Out Scholarships