The MDS program is designed to provide an understanding of critical perspectives on development issues for fulfilling the need for quality human resources. The objective of MDS program is to produce professionals with technical capabilities to deal with evolving development priorities of the developing nations under the complex socio-cultural environment. The program ensures the capacity of the participants to formulate policies and implement programs providing strategic leadership to achieve stipulated goals. The curriculum is combined with a rigorous course work and guided research. This program provides a foundation and progression for careers in international agencies, academics, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), government offices, and the private sectors as policy makers, researchers, advisors or work in advocacy or training.

Program Educational Objectives (PEOs):

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):

Why Would you choose MDS at AIUB?

• Internationally trained and competent faculty members
• Globally competitive MDS program
• State-of-the-Art IT infrastructure facilities with advanced computer labs technology
• Latest library collections with online library management systems
• Regular international/national visiting professors/professionals to enhance cross-culture dialogue and intellectual exchange
• Scholarship and waivers for meritorious students
• Corporate and group discounts
• Installments on tuition fee
• Accepts students from a wide range of backgrounds
• Wide range of research scope including seminars, workshops and symposiums
• Research and publication facilities at AIUB Journal of Business and Economics [AJBE]
• Dedicated Economics Club (Equilibrium) for arranging academic events, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities
• Student and faculty exchange programs with foreign universities
• Specialized placement office to help students find rewarding employment

1. The Program:

The Masters in Development Studies is designed to provide an understanding of critical perspectives on development issues for fulfilling the need for quality human resources. The subject focuses on developing professionals with a solid grounding in social and economic principles and equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to build on this through detail study of specific development issues. The objective of MDS is to produce professionals with technical   capabilities to deal with evolving development priorities of the less developed nation under the complex socio-cultural environment. The program ensures the capacity of the participants in order to formulate policies and implement programs providing strategic leadership to achieve stipulated goals. The curriculum is combined   with a rigorous course work and guided research. The students are expected to acquire adequate analytical and managerial skills to pursue research or development oriented careers in academia, administration, media and non-government organizations.

2. Aims:

This program aims:(i) to develop professionals and their capacity to deal with critical analysis of the issues within policy, planning and financing of development programs, and (ii) to formulate and design appropriate policies and strategies responsive to the welfare and needs of the people at large within a framework of social economic, environmental and political factors that shape the development opportunities and policies of a nation.

Graduates from this course can go into international, national and regional level policy, planning and management level employment opportunities. They can work for government, international agencies, NGOs and the private sector as policy-makers, researchers, advisors or work in advocacy or training.

3. Objectives:

By the end of this course, students should able be to: (i) demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a diverse range of international and national level management, policies including current and emerging trends; (ii) demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of development planning and financing issues under the complex global context; (iii) demonstrate specialist knowledge and skills in other areas selected from a range of options on the program relevant to the study of development strategy; (iv) apply their knowledge and skills using  various approaches to formulate, implement and evaluate development policies, plans and programs; (v) show competence both written and verbal, in communicating empirical evidence and consolidating and critically appraising debates relevant to development issues. (vi) Inculcate research culture and be able to present and interpret findings as basis for future development of the programs and services of the country.

4. Admission Requirements

Applicants for this program are required to hold a three to four year baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited academic institution within or outside the country. They could be in any discipline of social sciences, health sciences, and business administration, with no third division in any examination. The applicant must submit the completed application form, official transcripts of all previous academic study, the application fee and such additional materials and information as the program may require. The minimum cumulative gross point average (CGPA) for admission into this program is 2.85 for the applicants whose undergraduate degree was evaluated with the CGPA system. Although, prior formal study of economics is not required for admission but some knowledge of the basic principles of economics, statistics and computer use is advised. In addition, the Admission Committee seeks to measure each candidate’s potential for academic success and for subsequent contribution to the health sector in the home country.

4.1. Selection of Applicants

Written and oral tests are both conducted for selecting candidates. The final selection of a candidate for admission is made on the average score of the combined tests.

4.1.1. Local Students:

• Applicants are required to sit for a written test in Mathematics, English and general aptitude. Students with a GMAT score of 550 or better and GRE score of 1100 or better are exempted from the written test and eligible directly to appear for the oral test.
• The successful candidates in the admission test are called for an oral test.

4.1.2. International Students

International students are evaluated on the basis of the TOFEL, GMAT, and GRE scores. The TOFEL score of 550 or better is needed for the applicants whose mother tongue is not English. International Applicants with the TOFEL score below 550 can be considered for admission into the program providing they take English proficiency courses. A total of at least 1050 points is needed based on the following formula: 200 times the overall undergraduate grade-point average plus the GMAT score. In case of GRE, a total of at least 1400 points is needed (200 times the overall undergraduate grade-point average plus the GRE score).  The GMAT or GRE can be waived for the students with excellent academic background.

5. Curriculum Requirements

Credit hours required for the degree range from a minimum of 45 credit hours to a maximum of 60 credit hours. The program is divided into two levels. A summary of these levels and credit hours required in each level is shown below:

6.1. Duration of the Program

This is a one-year intensive program consisting of 3 semesters considering the waiver and non-waiver status. A student can graduate earlier from this allocated time period by enrolling in the summer session. While writing the thesis, a student may take maximum four months longer than the scheduled semester time.

6.2. Class Attendance

Attendance is mandatory for each and every class. Missing more than 20% of the scheduled classes will place the student for an automatic “UW” grade unless otherwise approved by the faculty responsible for that particular course.

7. Method of Instruction

Teaching under this program covers variety of methods applicable for specific topic. Outcomes will be achieved by a rich mixture of teaching and learning approaches bringing a wide range of professionals experience to their learning at AIUB. Small group learning methods such as syndicated group work, case studies, seminars and group presentations are emphasized. Lecture method will be supplemented by project work, case presentation, group discussions, workshops and audio-visual aids. Field visits are arranged from time to time during the year to provide direct knowledge and experience of special healthcare problems, and of ongoing initiatives to improve the management of healthcare services. Emphasis is also given on the project work, case method of instruction and other techniques that may be necessary considering the obtaining situations under review. The International and Bangladesh health and population sector related concerns are also integrated during the lectures and discussions to create and enhance positive attitude and appreciation among the students.

8. Grading

Letter grades are used for determining the quality of work in a particular course. While A, B+, B, C+, C, D are considered as passing grades, “F” is considered as failing grade. Incomplete grades may be given at the end of the semester to students who have unfinished work with passing academic standing. Students with “I” grade must complete the course within a month after the following semester commences; otherwise an automatic “F” grade will be given.

9. Curriculum

Curriculum