International Development

Admission to the International Development program has been paused and applications are not being accepted for September 2025. Students currently enrolled in the program will be able to finish their degree.

Build a better world. We’ll give you the toolkit.

Overview

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Learn to tackle issues of economic inequality, social injustice, and environmental change. Build capacity to solve problems at the local level. We’ll give you lots of tools to put in your toolkit, including business skills, problem solving, cultural understanding, economic development, social accounting, and more.

Meanwhile, adding some environmental studies, social sciences, and language courses will strengthen your adaptability and thinking skills. You’ll graduate knowing how to design development projects that are ethical, environmentally sustainable, culturally responsible, and scientifically accountable.

What courses will I take in International Development?

First-year courses

During your first year, you'll take a mix of courses in International Development, Economics, Geography and Environmental Management, and Planning.

September to December

  • INDEV 100 – Introduction to International Development
  • PLAN 100 – The Evolution of Planning
  • GEOG 101 – Human Geographies: People, Space and Change
  • ECON 101 – Introduction to Microeconomics
  • One elective

January to April

  • INDEV 101 – Issues in International Development
  • ENVS 195 – Introduction to Environmental Studies
  • ECON 102 – Introduction to Macroeconomics
  • Two electives
This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.

After first year

About half of your classes will be International Development courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.

View the courses required for your degree.

Sample upper-year courses

INDEV 200 – The Political Economy of Development
INDEV 212 – Problem-solving for Development
INDEV 308 – Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship

Customize your degree

You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including one of the minors available to all Waterloo students.

Faculty:
Faculty of Environment

Degree:
Bachelor of Environmental Studies in International Development

Available as a co-op program?
No

Available as a regular program?
Yes

Available as a minor?
Yes

Work overseas for eight months. Gain a deeper understanding of global issues and human rights during an eighth-month field placement in Africa, Latin America, or Asia, doing anything from creating an education program at a refugee camp to promoting sustainable buying habits in Vietnam.

Create friendships for life. You’ll be part of a tight-knit community of people committed to creating a better world. You can even room and study with your classmates in the Environment Living Learning Community.

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What can you do with an International Development degree?

Graduates typically pursue careers working for non-profit organizations both within Canada and internationally — as well as in education and research, policy development, and more.

Recent graduates

  • Development Coordinator - Partners in Health Canada
  • Marketing and Communications Officer - MEDA
  • Environmental Advisor Intern - CNCR
  • Project Coordinator - Uponor
  • Local Immigration Partnership Officer - Warden Woods Community Centre
  • Special Projects Coordinator - Green Roofs for Healthy Cities
  • Coordinator, WE Day Retail Operations - We Charity

Learn about the future of careers in the environment and sustainability field.

Further education

While the full range of further education depends on your individual interests, these are common areas our graduates pursue.

  • Political science, public policy, global governance
  • Business and international affairs
  • Development practice, environment and resources studies
  • Global issues, policy, and human rights

Tuition fees for programs in the Faculty of Environment

First-year tuition

Type of fees Tuition (8 months of school)
Domestic (Ontario residents) $9,000
Domestic (Out of province students) $9,000
International (visa students) $50,000
 
  • Estimated amounts listed include incidental fees. Fees based on 2024-25 tuition rates.
  • Visit our financing page to learn about scholarships, estimate your total expenses, and see how co-op can help pay for your education.

Admission requirements

Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including

  • Any Grade 12 U English (final grade of 70% is required)

Admission average: Low 80s

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.

How to apply

Admission to International Development has been paused for the school year starting in September 2024.

Related programs

Gender and Social Justice

Peace and Conflict Studies

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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?

Please contact Shannon Cary, our Faculty of Environment recruitment co-ordinator who can answer any questions you have.