Tackle environmental, economic and sociopolitical challenges that humanity faces in the 21st century.

In the International Development and Globalization program, you will study how and why some countries “develop” and others do not in an age of globalized markets, technological advances and innovative ideas. You will explore how humanity can find both fair and lasting solutions to problems such as global inequality, climate change and the education and health of marginalized populations.

Why choose the School of International Development and Global Studies

The School is Canada’s largest academic unit specializing in international development. Students and professors take advantage of the unique opportunities afforded by being located in the capital of a G7 country, where national organizations and policy makers converge.

Part of your learning experience

The Honours program in International Development and Globalization allows you to experience a combination of theory and practice within a rigorous academic program. It includes field experience through study and work terms in Canada and abroad. You can choose to gain experience working with local organizations on community development and social justice, or with partners in social impact organizations in more than 50 countries around the world.

This program is offered with the In-depth Experiential Learning Stream (IELS).

Program prerequisites and minimum admission average 

Choose your program

4 years120 units
World map

Honours in International Development and Globalization

4 years120 units
Smiling girls

Honours in International Development and Globalization (Experiential Learning Stream)

4 years120 units
Image of the planet with holding hands

Licentiate in Law (LLL) and Honours BSocSc in International Development and Globalization

Esther Kim
Student voices

“I built memories locally and globally and gained professional experiences in academic, non-profit, and government workplaces through a variety of experiential learning opportunities.”

Min Ki (Ester) Kim

— Graduate

Nadia Abu Zahra

“If you care about social policy, social equality, foreign affairs, international development, Ottawa is the best place to be!”

Nadia Abu-Zahra

— Professor

What to expect

The School of International Development and Global Studies has experts in the following fields:

  • Global inequality
  • Human rights
  • Poverty reduction
  • Climate change
  • Humanitarian crises
  • Social movements
  • Corporate responsibility
  • Fragile states
  • Social justice
  • Education and health of marginalized populations

The School’s dedication to balancing practice and theory in our students’ academic journey means that we provide learning opportunities through CO-OP placements, local and international experiences.

picture of two people sitting at a desk holding a pen and paper

Undergraduate Programs at the Faculty of Social Sciences

Achieve your objectives with our diverse selection of programs aimed at inspiring, empowering, and fostering change.
Discover our undergraduate programs