Program Overview

Graduate Program in International Political Economy and Development

The Graduate Program in International Political Economy and Development at Fordham University is a comprehensive program that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the field of international development.

About IPED

The program focuses on the study of international political economy and development, with a strong emphasis on practical training and experiential learning. Students have the opportunity to engage with faculty and peers from diverse backgrounds, fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment.

Academics

The program offers a range of academic options, including:

• MA Program: A master's degree program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of international political economy and development.
• Certificate Programs: Specialized certificate programs that allow students to focus on specific areas of interest, such as project assessment and management.
• Dual-Degree Programs: Opportunities for students to pursue dual degrees in combination with other Fordham University programs.
• Related Programs: Affiliated programs and courses that complement the IPED curriculum.

Admissions

Admission to the program is competitive, with the following requirements:

• How to Apply: Students must submit an application, which includes transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
• Admission Deadlines: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with deadlines for fall and spring semesters.
• International Students: International students are welcome to apply, with additional requirements for English language proficiency and visa sponsorship.
• Frequently Asked Questions: A list of frequently asked questions and answers is available to help guide the application process.

Financial Aid

The program offers various forms of financial aid, including:

• Presidential Fellowships and Graduate Assistantships: Competitive fellowships and assistantships that provide tuition remission and stipends.
• Global Markets Fellowships: Fellowships that support students pursuing careers in global markets and international development.
• Public Service Assistantships: Assistantships that support students pursuing careers in public service and international development.
• Arrupe Fellowships: Fellowships that support students pursuing careers in social justice and international development.
• Matteo Ricci Fellowship: A fellowship that supports students pursuing careers in international development and cultural exchange.
• Peace Corps Coverdell Fellowships: Fellowships that support students who have served in the Peace Corps and are pursuing careers in international development.
• Prestigious Fellowships: Opportunities for students to apply for prestigious external fellowships, such as the Fulbright Scholarship.
• Loans and New York Tuition Assistance Program: Information on loan options and tuition assistance programs available to students.
• Scholarships for Practical Training: Scholarships that support students pursuing practical training and experiential learning opportunities.
• Salesian Fellowships: Fellowships that support students pursuing careers in international development and social justice.
• Cassamarca Diplomatic Fellowship: A fellowship that supports students pursuing careers in diplomacy and international relations.
• External Funding: Information on external funding opportunities available to students.

Faculty

The program is taught by a faculty of experienced scholars and practitioners, with expertise in international political economy, development, and related fields.

Alumni

The program has a strong network of alumni, with opportunities for career advancement and professional development. Alumni are engaged in a range of careers, including:

• Alumni Career Network: A network of alumni who are available to provide career advice and support to current students.
• Yearbook: A publication that highlights the achievements and activities of alumni.

Careers

The program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a range of careers, including:

• Alumni Placement: Information on the career outcomes of alumni, including job titles, employers, and locations.
• Career Services: Support and resources available to students and alumni, including career counseling, job search assistance, and professional development opportunities.

Research

The program is committed to research and scholarship, with a focus on:

• Fordham Francis Index: A research initiative that explores the intersection of business and society.
• UN Side Event: A research project that examines the role of the United Nations in international development.
• CAPP-Fordham Conference: A conference that brings together scholars and practitioners to discuss issues in international political economy and development.
• Touro-Fordham Conference: A conference that explores the intersection of business and international development.
• Cassamarca Lecture: A lecture series that features prominent scholars and practitioners in the field of international development.
• Publications: A list of publications by faculty and students, including books, articles, and research reports.

Project Assessment in the Philippines

The Project Assessment in the Philippines is a course that trains students to monitor and evaluate community-level development projects. The program includes three pre-departure lectures and can be credited as a summer course.

Topics

The course covers a range of topics, including:

• Logical framework analysis: A methodology for designing and evaluating development projects.
• Quantitative methods: Techniques such as randomization, propensity score matching, and double-difference.
• Qualitative survey tools: Methods for collecting and analyzing data in development projects.

The Communities

The course provides students with the opportunity to interact with local communities in the Philippines, including:

• Fisher folks: Communities that depend on fishing and aquaculture for their livelihood.
• Farmers: Communities that depend on agriculture for their livelihood.
• Indigenous people: Communities that have traditional ties to the land and natural resources.
• Women: Communities that are focused on empowering women and promoting gender equality.
• The rural poor: Communities that are struggling with poverty and lack of access to basic services.
• The environment: Communities that are focused on environmental conservation and sustainability.

Eligibility

The course is open to graduate students or undergraduate students who are able to participate in graduate-level classes. Admission is competitive, with a selection process that includes an application and interview.

Timeline

The course follows a timeline that includes:

• October: Application and interview
• November/December: Pre-departure lectures at Fordham University
• January: Classes and project assessment in the Philippines

Financial Aid

The course offers financial aid to students, including scholarships to cover the program fee and part of the airfare. These scholarships are available to students who are committed to applying for prestigious international public policy fellowships.

Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for the course include:

• Academic standing: Students must be in good academic standing to be eligible for the course.
• Motivation: Students must demonstrate a strong motivation to study project assessment and possess excellent interpersonal skills, effective leadership skills, and proven cultural sensitivity.
• Career goals: Preference is given to students who seek to use this experience to prepare for a relevant international prestigious fellowship.