Why you should consider this program

The Catholic U. M.A. Integral Economic Development delivers effective learning in economic analysis. Build your skills, in high demand by employers, with an approach that seeks to strengthen civil and social institutions required for sustainable development. Choose the two-year M.A. Integral Economic Development Policy (IEDP) or one-year M.A. Integral Economic Development Management (IEDM).

Centered on an integrated view of the person in society, the management, policy, and quantitative courses advance your ability to design, implement, manage, and evaluate programs. Mentored by faculty, you conduct an applied research project, for hands-on experience, to assess the impact of a development activity. Electives allow you to explore the global interplay of politics, agriculture, health, energy and the environment, and education and community development. IEDM students pursue a private or public sector management concentration. IEDP students hone policy design and quantitative policy evaluation acumen.

Located in Washington, DC, the program integrates excellent access to international development, public, and private sector employers. An M.A. in Integral Economic Development equips professionals from the U.S. and across the globe with valuable technical and management skills to catalyze greater economic prosperity.

2021-2022 cost of the 2-year IEDP program for in-state and out-of-state students is approximately $61,106 ($111,686 minus the $50,670 value of the Fellowship). Cost of the 1-year IEDM program for in-state and out-of-state students is approximately $37,723 ($63,058 minus the $25,335 value of the Fellowship). Cost estimates include student health insurance and all other tuition and fees.

Benefits for Coverdell Fellows

	Tuition/fees for Complete Program	Value of Coverdell Fellowship	Net cost *
In state	$ 63,058	$ 25,335	$ 37,723
Out of state	$ 63,058	$ 25,335	$ 37,723

* Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing—see the first point below for more details.

Where the cost savings value of the Coverdell Fellowship comes from

50% tuition scholarship for 2 years (4 fall and spring semesters) for IEDP ; 50% tuition scholarship for 1 year  (1 fall and 1 spring semester) for IEDM. Full-time enrollment required for scholarship.

Fellowships awarded per year (average)

1

Other benefits or opportunities

Fellows with academic background in economics can apply for a teaching assistantship (TA) for 1 or 2 course sections per semester. A TA works with a professor, who teaches undergraduate economics course(s), for about 6 hours per work per course section. TA positions pay $1000 per semester per course section. Fellows can also apply for paid research assistant and other positions on campus.

Annual cost of living (estimated)

$ 16,372

Application fee waived?

Yes

Internship

A 3-credit internship is required for M.A. IEDP students. It is generally completed in the summer on a full-time basis. For example, IEDP students have interned at The World Bank Group and the International Labour Organization. M.A. IEDM students intern on a part-time basis in the fall or spring semester or during the summer term. For example, IEDM students have interned at World Vision and GlobalGiving.

Jobs for program alumni

Jobs landed by this Program's alumni include positions with the United Nations, The World Bank Group, Inter-American Development Bank, World Trade Organization, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, RTI International, Chemonics, Women for Women International, International Initiative for Impact Evaluation, and American Institutes for Research.

Other details

Program length

2 years IEDP, 1 year IEDM

Application requirements

Online application at http://cardinaladmissions.cua.edu with statement of purpose, resume/cv, transcripts for prior degree(s), and three recommendations. GRE is waived for 7 or more years of work experience or for prior U.S. master’s degree. Otherwise, submit official GRE scores from within the past 5 years. Three prerequisite courses - microeconomics, macroeconomics, and statistics - are needed before enrolling. An admission decision can be made before the courses are completed. They can be taken as part of a degree or non-degree, online or on campus.

Admissions process

In the application, select application fee payment by check/money order in the mail in order not to pay the fee online. Email [email protected] to request the fee waiver and to provide a Description of Peace Corps Volunteer Service. Indicate in the statement of purpose that you seek a Coverdell Fellowship. No additional paperwork is needed. After the fee is waived, submit the application. Following the admission decision letter, admitted students will receive a separate Coverdell Fellowship decision letter.

Program begins

mid-August or early January or mid-May

Non-traditional options

To qualify for the Coverdell Fellowship, students must be enrolled full-time. Without the Fellowship, part-time enrollment is also possible. Most courses are scheduled in the afternoon and evening.

Year Coverdell Fellows partnership started

2013

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Contact

Debra Egan, Graduate Program Director, Integral Economic Development