The UC Berkeley Master of Development Practice (MDP) is an interdisciplinary professional degree program designed to prepare leaders to tackle the local, regional, and global challenges of the coming decades. Graduates aspire to careers “with meaning” in non-profit, business, and government organizations. Attracting experienced, engaged, and entrepreneurial students from around the world, its rigorous curriculum provides core scientific knowledge; skills in problem-solving, design, and management; analytical and decision-making tools; and integrative perspectives. The program’s foundational core curriculum is supplemented by each student’s customized specialization, drawing from the unparalleled breadth and depth of the world’s top public university. The Berkeley MDP’s focus is on practice with hands-on, experiential learning infused throughout the program. It emphasizes peer learning, enriched by a student cohort diverse in education, profession, and culture. Students have backgrounds across the sciences and humanities, and are consistently 40-50% international with alumni representing 26 nations.
The Berkeley MDP is a member of the Global Association of MDP programs – thirty-two graduate programs in nineteen countries – sharing a common approach and designed around a set of core capabilities developed through a year-long consultative process supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
Undergraduate Program
There is no undergraduate program in Development Practice.
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
The first segment of the course provides an overview of the conceptual science of climate change. The second segment of the course will review energy management concepts. The third segment will present economic and policy perspectives to assess evolution of energy policies and to analyze the political economy of climate change policies and their implications. Climate Change and Energy: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate student standing or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Development Practice/Graduate
Terms offered: Fall 2020
Graduate seminar examining the role of energy science, technology, and policy in
international development. The course will look at how changes in the theory and practice
of energy systems and of international development have co-evolved over the past half-
century, and what opportunities exist going forward.
A focus will be on rural and decentralized energy use, and the issues of technology, culture,
and politics that are raised by both current trajectories, and potential alternative energy
choices. We will explore the frequently divergent ideas about energy and development that
have emerged from civil society, academia, multinational development agencies, and the
private and industrial sector. Climate, Energy and Development: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate student standing or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Development Practice/Graduate
Terms offered: Fall 2019, Fall 2018, Fall 2017
Graduate seminar examining the role of energy science, technology, and policy in
international development. The course will look at how changes in the theory and practice
of energy systems and of international development have co-evolved over the past half-
century, and what opportunities exist going forward.
A focus will be on rural and decentralized energy use, and the issues of technology, culture,
and politics that are raised by both current trajectories, and potential alternative energy
choices. We will explore the frequently divergent ideas about energy and development that
have emerged from civil society, academia, multinational development agencies, and the
private and industrial sector. Climate, Energy and Development: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate student standing or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Development Practice/Graduate
Terms offered: Fall 2020, Fall 2019, Fall 2018
This course will introduce the basic concepts including economic welfare, externality, public good, global commons, policy approaches for dealing with externality, and techniques for quality analysis. It will include case studies where groups will design economic incentives and policy solutions to major problems. It will have sections on particular problems including climate change, water and air quality, animal waste, toxic contamination, forestry and fishery policy. Economics of Sustainable Resource Development: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate student standing or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Development Practice/Graduate
Terms offered: Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2018
This course will introduce the basic concepts of innovation, product development, and marketing in developing countries. Students will analyze alternative knowledge and innovation systems, and the role of public and private sector interactions. The course will also introduce models of technology transfers, adoption, and diffusion of technology, as well as introduce students to basic principles of marketing, assessment of consumer choices, and the challenge of bringing to market efficient solutions to meet customer needs. Innovation, Product Development, and Marketing: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate student standing or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Development Practice/Graduate
Terms offered: Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2018
This course will introduce concepts in natural resource management. Segment 1 will cover basic modeling, techniques, and methodology in natural resource mamangement and sustainability. Segment 2 will address genetic resources and agriculture. Segment 3 will cover principles of natural resource management, namely water and air, in the development context. Segment 4 profides an overview of major concepts in the conservation of biodiversity. Students are expected to present research reports based on case studies. Principles of Natural Resource Management: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate student standing or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Development Practice/Graduate
Terms offered: Fall 2020, Fall 2019, Fall 2018
A pragmatic, interdisciplinary introduction to strategic planning and project management, introducing students to a portfolio of models, tools, and techniques drawn from the private, nonprofit, and public sectors. It will offer an opportunity through case studies, simulations and class projects to apply those approaches in settings relevant to the development field. Strategic Planning and Project Management: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate student standing or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Development Practice/Graduate
Terms offered: Spring 2013, Fall 2012
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts of estimation, prediction, and hypothesis testing. The course will focus on impact evaluation theory and methods and will explore the variety of tools available for rigorously measuring the impact of development programs on poverty. Quantitative Methods and Impact Evaluation: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate student standing or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Development Practice/Graduate
Terms offered: Fall 2020
The seminar will introduce core disciplines and concepts in public health, using a case-based, integrated approach. Examples of cases discussed include: respiratory disease and air pollution; tobacco control and prevention of smoking-related conditions; disease elimination or eradication via childhood immunization; environmental control and prevention of schistosomiasis; behavior change and prevention of HIV/AIDS; and novel economic approaches to improving healthcare delivery to impoverished groups. Foundations of Public Health: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for DEVP 232 after completing PB HLTH W200. A deficient grade in DEVP 232 may be removed by taking PB HLTH W200.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Development Practice/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Reingold
Formerly known as: Development Practice C232/Public Health C253
Terms offered: Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2018
Law, Politics, and Policymaking will introduce students to principles of law, the mechanisms of politics, political economy, and policymaking delving into fundamentals of business, as well as environmental, international, and human rights law in the context of development. This course will provide students with insights into real-world contexts in which sustainable development practice takes place. It will consist of case studies of political economic and legal analysis. Law, Politics, and Policymaking: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate student standing or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Development Practice/Graduate
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Learn to apply the tools of economic analysis to problems of growth, poverty, and environmental sustainability in developing countries and to understand what can be done to promote development through policies and investment projects, and learn to analyze the economic, social, and environmental impacts of specific initiatives. This course will teach students to use data to conduct development analyses and learn to prepare the corresponding reports for international development agencies and policymakers. Economic Development and Policy: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Microeconomics and econometrics at the undergraduate upper-division or Master's level
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Development Practice/Graduate
Terms offered: Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2018
This three-segment course starts with critical evaluation of literature and methods for communal natural resource management, followed by a segment that emphasizes leadership skills and conflict resolution approaches for development. The third segment will address issues of conflict and policymaking in a global context and provide the institutional perspective of development organizations and strategies. Leadership, Conflict Resolution, and Community Development: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate student standing or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Development Practice/Graduate
Terms offered: Fall 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2019
This course provides an opportunity for Master of Development Practice students to interact with a diverse group of invited guest speakers, including academics and practitioners. It will also provide opportunities for group discussion of basic questions, and it will provide opportunities to present ideas and discuss research and internship plans and experiences. Interactive/Multidisciplinary Seminar: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate student standing or consent of instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Development Practice/Graduate
Terms offered: Spring 2016, Spring 2015
This course will cover technological, legal, and institutional mechanisms to resolve the water conflict between Israel and its Arab neighbors, emphasizing the agricultural, industrial, environmental and urban sectors that compete over this resource. Students will examine the distribution of available water resources in Israel among different users and sectors as well as between Israel and its neighbors. Transboundary Water Conflict Resolution: The Israeli/Arab Case: Read More [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Development Practice/Graduate
Terms offered: Fall 2018
This course will cover technological, legal, and institutional
mechanisms to resolve the water conflict between Israel and its Arab
neighbors, emphasizing the agricultural, industrial, environmental and
urban sectors that compete over this resource. Students will examine
the distribution of available water resources in Israel among different
users and sectors as well as between Israel and its neighbors. Transboundary Water Conflict Resolution: The Israeli/Arab Case: Read More [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Development Practice/Graduate
Terms offered: Fall 2020, Fall 2019, Fall 2018
This course emphasizes the development and application of policy solutions to developing-world problems related to poverty, macroeconomic policy, and environmental sustainability. Methods of statistical, economic, and policy analysis are applied to a series of case studies. The course is designed to develop practical professional skills for application in the international arena. International Economic Development Policy: Read More [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Development Practice/Graduate
Terms offered: Fall 2020
This course provides a hands-on introduction to entrepreneurship as it relates to sustainable development. Its focus is on exploring and developing the toolsets, skillsets and mindsets required to launch and sustain a successful venture, be it from the ground up or from inside an existing organization, for-profit or non-profit. Guided by visiting experts and guest lectures, students will learn how to focus on “customers” first and to understand "sustainability" not only in environmental and social terms but also how to ensure critically important financial sustainability. Special Topics: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Development Practice/Graduate
Terms offered: Fall 2019, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
This course will bridge the gap between development theory and its application by sharing the challenges that arise from: i) the implementation of projects and programs supported by international financing institutions like IFAD; and ii) the assessment of their impact. Since the mandate of IFAD is to focus on fighting rural poverty, the seminar will cover a range of topics regarding: i) sectoral/sub-sectoral domains such as rural development, natural resource management, and micro-finance; ii) vulnerable social groups such as indigenous people, marginal farmers, women and youth; and iii) key development processes such as targeting, empowerment, participatory planning, and monitoring and evaluation. Implementation and Assessment of Internationally-Funded Development Projects: Read More [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 6 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Development Practice/Graduate
Terms offered: Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2018
This course will focus on the means and methods of finance applied to social, economic, and environmental challenges facing developing economies. It will survey the application of innovative financing emerging through new products and services, new processes and operations and organizational forms in addressing problems as diverse as entrepreneurial finance, renewable energy, environmental finance, global health, accelerating medical solutions, regional development, affordable housing, urban revitalization and infrastructure.
Course Objectives: In addition to understanding the evolving field of development finance, students will discover why capital structure matters in aligning diverse interests into new business models for sustainable social and economic change and develop capacity in designing appropriate financial products/structure.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students will acquire and apply data gathering, economic, and financial analytical skills to identify specific market failures in developing economies enabling them to apply appropriate financial tools to bridge capital gaps for project and enterprise finance.They will:
•
Design and construct an innovative finance application in a developing economy;
•
Measure, analyze and report development impacts of an innovative finance project;
•
Identify and develop how a development impact investment would benefit and expand capital access through the creative use of innovative financing tools;
•
Assist a high-impact project to access flexible market and below-market financial tools;
•
Identify how to structure the transaction and identify potential interested partners with aligned interests in the proposed project.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Development Practice/Graduate
Terms offered: Fall 2019, Spring 2019
Conducted in cooperation with University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and American University of Beirut (AUB), this project- and case- based virtual exchange course will offer students the unique opportunity to learn about issues surrounding global health and conflict in the Middle East and North Africa while participating in a meaningful cross-cultural exchange. Looking at a range of topics related to the subject, the course will be comprised primarily of expert lectures, case studies, and an interdisciplinary group project, in which UC Berkeley students team up with medical students at UCSF and public health graduate students at AUB. Global Health and Conflict in the Middle East and North Africa: Read More [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of web-based lecture per week
Online: This is an online course.
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Development Practice/Graduate
+Indicates this person is a member of the MDP Executive Committee.
+ Indicates this faculty member is the recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award.
Faculty
Jennifer L. Bussell, Associate Professor. Comparative politics and political economy of development and governance in South Asia and Africa . Research Profile
+ Alain De Janvry, Professor. Agricultural & Resource Economics, Agriculture, poverty and inequality, quantitative analysis of development policies, impact analysis of social programs, technological innovations in agriculture, management of common property resources . Research Profile
+ Daniel Farber, Professor. Constitutional law, public choice and public law . Research Profile
Louise Fortmann, Professor. Natural resource sociology, agriculture and community natural resource management in east and southern Africa, conservation and environment, political ecology, property, and democratizing science. Research Profile
+ Paul Gertler, Professor. Impact assessment, poverty alleviation and economic growth . Research Profile
Wayne Marcus Getz, Professor. Population modeling epidemiology and resource wildlife management. Research Profile
+ Michael O'Hare, Professor. Arts Policy, Quantitative Methods, Environment, Public Management. Research Profile
Isha Ray, Associate Professor. Water and development, Gender, water and sanitation, technology and development. Research Profile
Thomas Reardon, Professor. Supply/value chains in sustainable development . Research Profile
+ Arthur L. Reingoldc, Professor. Epidemiology, emerging and re-emerging infections and vaccine preventable diseases in developing countries and the US . Research Profile
David Roland Holst, Adjunct Professor. Economics related to environment, development, agriculture, and international trade . Research Profile
George T. Scharffenberger, Lecturer, MDP Program Director. MDP Interactive Seminars.
Sofia Berto Villas-Boas, Associate Professor. Marketing & innovation. Research Profile
Glenn Yago, Senior Fellow & Founder, Milken Institute. Financial innovations for sustainable development -- capital markets, emerging and frontier markets, and environmental finance . Research Profile
+ David Zilberman, Associate Professor, MDP Faculty Director. Agricultural and environmental policy, the economics of innovation, risk, marketing, water, and pest control, biotechnology and climate change, political economy . Research Profile
Lecturer
Omar Romero-Hernandez, Lecturer. Project management. Research Profile
Susan Carpenter, Lecturer. Dispute resolution practitioner and conflict resolution . Research Profile
Mark Coopersmith, Senior Fellow Lecturer. Entrepreneurship. Research Profile
John Danner, Senior Fellow Lecturer. Entrepreneurship. Research Profile
Neil Popovic, Lecturer. International and environmental law . Research Profile
Frank Schultz, Lecturer. Business and social sector strategy.
When you print this page, you are actually printing everything within the tabs on the page you are on: this may include all the Related Courses and Faculty, in addition to the Requirements or Overview. If you just want to print information on specific tabs, you're better off downloading a PDF of the page, opening it, and then selecting the pages you really want to print.
