Master of Development Practice

Inspire change

The Master of Development Practice (MDP) program is a professional course-based program that positions graduates as global development professionals. The program prepares students to better identify and address the challenges of extreme poverty and sustainable development through excellent course offerings. With a focus on sustainable development, the MDP offers courses from four intersecting areas: health, natural, social, and management sciences.

Starting fall 2023, required courses will be delivered in-person, on campus.  

Field placements are a critical component of the MDP program and allows students to gain real-world practical experience in the development sector before graduating.

Past placements include:

• Nirman Foundation (India)
• Sustainable Environment, Education and Development (Madagascar)
• UNESCO (Tanzania)
• Esk'etemc Band (Canada)

Waterloo has an ever-growing network of partners available at grassroots organizations to international institutions. Waterloo also works in partnership with 36 universities and organizations around the world through the Global Association of MDP programs. This association equips students with networking opportunities, job postings, career panels, and research and publication opportunities.

Our graduates work as:

• Education Co-ordinator, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities
• Co-ordinator, The Hunger Project Canada
• Executive Director, Thrive Uganda
• Director, United Nations Association in Canada
• Agriculture Consultant, Associations des Unions Maraichere des Niayes

If you are interested in development issues in Canadian communities, please see the Master of Economic Development and Innovation (MEDI) program.

Request a digital brochure

Complete the form below to receive a copy of the Faculty of Environment's Graduate Studies digital brochure.