International Development Emphasis Courses

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Applied Statistics IDSC689 (1 Credit)
Concepts and applications of basic statistics as it relates to community and international development. Topics include level of measurement, frequency distribution, central tendency, measures of variation, correlation, logic of hypothesis testing, and the use and applications of chi-square, t-tests, analysis of variance and regression analysis.

Communication in Development Practice COMM590 (2 Credits)
Students examine the relationship between culture and communication. Apply analytic and communication skills which enable effective communication in various communities. Develop skills in persuasion and explore sensitivity to diversity issues.

Concepts of Community Development SOCI520 (2 Credits)
Community development refers to the practice of planning and implementing projects to improve the quality of life for people living in poverty, both locally and internationally. Development will be presented as the building of social capital in our communities that enables them to function at a higher and more efficient level. Building on the core Christian principles that emphasize development, this course will provide students with a better understanding of community, while applying basic development concepts to local and international realities.

Development Anthropology ANTH417 (2 Credits)
An introduction to cultural anthropology with special emphasis on principles and techniques of research applicable to community and international development.

Development Research EDPC622 (2 Credits)
Introduction to social science research methods as applied to problem solving in the fields of community and international development. A unit on best practice bench marking is also included.

Ethics in Development IDSC640 (2 Credits)
An ethical framework for the understanding of social transformation. Ethical paradigms are explored, as well as historical examples of how development interventions have generated social change. Focus on contemporary approaches to development, revolution and liberation.

Field Practicum IDSC680 (2 Credits)
The Field Practicum integrates International Development theory into practice. Students will complete (a) a baseline study that describes the current level of the agency where the practicum is pursued; (b) a benchmarking of best practices in the field [area of concentration]; and (c) an oral presentation of their findings to their peers.

Financial Analysis and Reporting ACCT625 (3 Credits)
Develops business leaders' financial-statement literacy. Topics include: understanding the nature of business transactions; identification of relevant economic events for reporting; determination of appropriate financial measures for those events; analysis of the effects of those events in the organization's performance and financial condition.

Independent Study: Specialization Essay IDSC690 (1 Credit)
Students are required to broaden their knowledge in their area of Concentration through independent study of books, scholarly journal articles, professional association publications and newsletters, local government publications, publications of multi-government organizations such as the United Nations or the World Bank, publications by various international non-government organizations, or internet resources. The outcome of this research should be a "Specialist Paper."

Management of Not-for-Profit Organizations BSAD530 (3 Credits)
Issues facing managers in third-sector organizations. Studies of the mission and objectives pursued, strategic leadership and board composition, organizational structure and operation, marketing and fundraising, financial management, training and motivation of volunteers, assessment of stakeholder satisfaction and overall operating effectiveness. A major field project is required.

Master's Thesis IDSC699 (4 Credits)
Available in lieu of IDSC697 Research Project.

Needs Assessment and Capacity Mapping SOCI530 (2 Credits)
Introduction to various methods for assessing community needs and mapping community capacity to address those needs.

Organizational Behavior for Managers BSAD525 (3 Credits)
Explores basic and applied concepts as well as research findings in the management and organizational behavior areas to aid managers to effectively perform their duties. Topics include management functions (planning, organizing, leading, and controlling), learning, perception, personality, motivation, attitudes, performance, groups, teamwork, leadership, communication, diversity, decision making, and organizational change.

Portfolio IDSC597 (1 Credit)
An organized collection of educational and professional accomplishments to date is produced. This will include basic personal and background information, a profile of the student's organization, outstanding academic work, and other products acquired during his/her time in the program.

Professional Training IDSC640 (3 Credits)
Students are required to participate in a minimum of 45 contact hours of Professional Training related to their area of Concentration. In addition, the student in the final year of the program will design and implement a Colloquium to present best practices in his/her area of Concentration.

Program Planning and Grantwriting SOCI535 (2 Credits)
Building on assessment and capacity mapping, the related topics of program planning, budgeting and grantwriting are presented. Hands-on experience is sought, linking classroom instruction and real community situations.

Project Implementation and Evaluation SOCI545 (2 Credits)
Strategies for implementation. Review of various methods of evaluation with emphasis on measuring outcomes and assessing quality in community program development.

Public Policy PLSC525 (3 Credits)
Governments are pressed to address issues of individual and collective concern. Resolving matters may demand the creation of programs and governmental policies, modification of existing ones or termination of current policy. Utilizing a case study approach, this course considers the essential phases of policy making on behalf of civil society.

Research Project IDSC697 (3 Credits)
A research project typically carried out by a master's degree candidate in which the student's mastery of the research process is demonstrated.

View Alphabetically by Course Acronym and Number