Program Overview

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University Programs

The university offers a range of programs, including:

• Master of Public Policy
• Master of Public Affairs
• Master of Development Practice
• Doctoral Program
• Global and Executive Programs
• Undergraduate Programs

Master of Development Practice

Overview

The Master of Development Practice (MDP) is a transformative 21-month, STEM-designated program that turns passion for sustainable development into powerful, real-world impact. Rooted in UC Berkeley’s tradition of excellence and driven by its commitment to social change, the program blends rigorous academics, hands-on fieldwork, and peer-to-peer learning to prepare leaders who can tackle the world’s most urgent challenges.

Program Structure

The MDP consists of a core curriculum, a summer internship after the first year, a second-year capstone project, and electives chosen from GSPP and across GSPP. The core curriculum spans the fields of:

• Climate
• Energy
• Agriculture
• Environment
• Public policy
• Economic development
• Public health
• Project management
• Business and innovation
• Human rights
• Education
• Migration
• Humanitarian relief
• Governance

Career Services

The development landscape is always emerging and evolving, and while many of our graduates are at the leading global development organizations and in national and local government, many others work in:

• Impact investing
• Corporate social responsibility
• Product innovation
• Tech
• Start their own organizations, from NGOs to startups Berkeley MDP students benefit from the expertise of GSPP career services, which has experience in development practice. As the MDP is a stem-oriented degree, international students are able to apply for an additional 24 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) after their first year of optional practical training, for a total of three years.

MDP Class Profile

We consider all applicants equally and do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, ethnicity, nationality, marital status, or socioeconomic background. Our highly competitive selection process consistently leads to a diverse mix of highly qualified students.

• 48.48% Female Identifying
• 75.75% International
• 28.6 Average Age

Partners

The Berkeley MDP’s comprehensive program produces innovative leaders with management and analytical tools, problem-solving skills, multi-disciplinary understanding and an entrepreneurial attitude to address challenges in their workplace and in the world. Organizations in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors have seen our students make a positive impact in a broad range of positions and roles.

• Global MDP Network
• UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN)
• World Bank Scholarship Program

Other Programs

The university also offers:

• Master of Public Policy
• Master of Public Affairs
• Doctoral Program
• Undergraduate Programs
• Course Information
• Admissions Events

Research and Impact

The university is committed to putting the highest standards of analytic rigor to work in the service of the public good. Research areas include:

• Climate
• Energy
• Agriculture
• Environment
• Public policy
• Economic development
• Public health
• Project management
• Business and innovation
• Human rights
• Education
• Migration
• Humanitarian relief
• Governance

Career Services

The university offers career services to support students in their career development, including:

• For Students
• For Employers
• Employment Statistics
• Client-Based Projects
• Career Events

About the University

The university is committed to excellence and social change, with a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The university community includes:

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Student Groups
• Alumni
• Directories
• GSPP Intranet (login required)