University of California, Davis

Overview

The UC Davis M.S. in International Agricultural Development (IAD) is a dynamic,
interdisciplinary program designed for students passionate about solving global food
security and sustainability challenges. Hosted by a world-renowned faculty, the program
combines core training in development theory, agriculture, and project management
with a wide range of specialization options across the agricultural and social sciences.
With an unmatched 60-year history, the program has a strong alumni network helping
connect students with research opportunities and future career pathways across the
globe.

Students can tailor their studies to focus on sustainable agriculture, economic or
community development, or other areas, leveraging the expertise of faculty from over a
dozen departments. The program offers a hands-on, project-based approach, preparing
future leaders to create meaningful and lasting change. Graduates pursue impactful
careers with NGOs, government agencies, and the private sector to enhance food
security and rural livelihoods.

Why UC Davis?

UC Davis is a world leader in agricultural and environmental sciences. There is strong
commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals within the College of Agricultural
and Environmental Sciences (Office of Global Engagement) as well as the University
level (Office of Global Affairs). UC Davis is also an institutional member of multiple SDG
networks, including UN Academic Impact, UN Sustainable Development Solutions
Network, University Global Coalition and United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-
USA). Recently, UC Davis and Earth University in Costa Rica were appointed as the
new United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
Hub Co-Chairs for SDG 2: Zero Hunger (details here).
Coursework and research
The program has two components: coursework and an independent project. Students
expand on core courses by developing their own field of specialization, providing depth
and rigor in an area they are passionate about. This flexibility allows students to tap into
the best resources at UC Davis to further their research project and career goals. Each
student must complete significant independent research on a topic related to agriculture
and sustainable development, leading to either a capstone or thesis.
The program is typically two years in length, with 2-3 months of international travel
during the summer to conduct research and gain practical experience working with a
project partner. The student body is diverse with many academic and professional

backgrounds represented. Applicants typically have experience and demonstrated
commitment to international work, agriculture, and community development. A
committed set of around 40 faculty from across UC Davis help advise students, teach
classes, and serve as major professors to guide international research projects.   
Almost all projects are hands-on in the field. Students typically engage local
communities, farmers, NGOs, government agencies or other stakeholders. Projects are
cross-disciplinary by considering both the natural sciences and social sciences, with
options to evaluate the intersection of agriculture and almost any development issue to
gain new insights and recommendations (e.g. human nutrition/health, energy or water
use, economics, policy, food security, farmer extension programs, community
cooperatives, sustainable food systems, etc.).