Master of Development Practice

MDP class 2025 (12)

Program Information

The Master of Development Practice (MDP) program offered by the University of Waterloo is an innovative professional program designed to launch careers in global development. The MDP program is a 12-month course-based program with 8 courses completed over two semesters followed by a placement course completed in the third semester. The program continues the University of Waterloo’s proud tradition of experiential and practice-oriented education with placements at both multilateral institutions as well as community-based organizations in countries across the globe. MDP students join a global network of MDP graduates (the MDP Global Association), fostering professional networks that last well beyond their graduation from the program. In the rapidly evolving field of global development, these professional networks have opened exclusive opportunities for career development well after our students have graduated from the University of Waterloo.

For more information, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator of the Master of Development Practice (MDP)

MDP Global Association

Through the Global Association, the Master of Development Practice (MDP) program at the University of Waterloo connects you to a network of 36 university partners and organizations around the world. The Global MDP was the vision of Professor Jeffrey Sachs of The Earth Institute at Columbia University. The aim was to address the challenges of sustainable development (such as poverty, health, conservation, climate change, etc.) by training professionals equipped with cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills in sustainable development practice. With generous funding from MacArthur Foundation, the first MDP programs were first launched in 2007.

Global Logo DRAFT

The Global Association of MDP programs is a registered body with a governance structure that works to support universities, faculty members and students for a just and sustainable world. The network provides students and alumni with:

  • Networking opportunities with faculty and other students and alumni
  • Representation at the MDP Global Association organizational structure
  • Access to job postings suitable for MDP graduates
  • Field training opportunities at partner MDP field sites (subject to negotiation and approval)
  • Participation at the annual International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSDP)
  • Career panels for MDP students and alumni at ICSDP
  • Research and publication opportunities
  • Access to high level experts in the field of sustainable development through participation in Global Classroom

Visit the Global Association website to learn more about this internationally recognized program.

Learn more

For more information, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator at the Master of Development Practice (MDP) in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development (SEED) of at the University of Waterloo.

Email Coordinator