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The Department of Global Development Studies (DEVS) provides interdisciplinary programs designed to equip students with the tools to understand and shape global transformations. Our curriculum explores critical issues ranging from poverty and social disparities to economic globalization, ecological preservation, and cultural renewal. Students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills to tackle pressing worldwide concerns and create positive change. By combining broad conceptual frameworks with applied methodologies, we prepare graduates for varied career paths in sectors including public policy, legal professions, media, social innovation, and more.
Following introductory coursework, DEVS students progress to fundamental classes in Indigenous Studies, Political Economy, Cultural Development, Environmental Transformation, and Gender Studies. These core subjects are complemented by diverse elective offerings. Upper-year students can specialize through advanced courses on topics like Corporate Responsibility in Development or Metropolitan Growth Studies. The program also encourages international learning experiences, with third-year students frequently participating in study abroad opportunities coordinated through our International Programs Office.
Applicants must have the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), and six 4U/4M courses. Students must have a minimum of three 4U courses, except where stated otherwise. Students in francophone schools may offer the equivalent of English 4U.
The accepted tests of facility in English and the minimally acceptable scores for each are:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Score of 6.5 on Academic Module with no band below 6.0; Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - iBT (Internet Based TOEFL)/88 overall: 24 Writing, 22 Speaking, 22 Reading, 20 Listening; Paper Based TOEFL (PBT)/580 (TBC); Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) - Overall band of 70 with no band below 60; Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) - 90; Queen’s School of English - High standing on 12-week English for Academic Purposes advanced level English courses; Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Overall score of 60.