Master's in Sustainable International Development

Confront poverty and inequality. Create global community.

Heller’s Master of Arts in Sustainable International Development Program (SID) is committed to socially just and sustainable development – which means that we focus on addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality in the world’s most marginalized communities. Together, our community of students, scholars, and practitioners create solutions to the most pressing global issues.

Through this two-year program, students typically spend a year in residence taking classes, then during the second year, complete a six-month practicum in the field and write a final paper. Several track options are available, including a one-year program, a second year in residence and numerous dual and joint degree options.

Apply Now for Fall 2021!

The application for the 2021-2022 academic year is now open. Join a virtual admissions event to learn more about the program, and learn about our financial aid options, including a 60% minimum scholarship for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers!

student in a classroom looking toward the blackboard

Master theoretical frameworks and policy-oriented skills

Learn how theories of gender and ethics are reflected in development policy and practice. Develop project planning, implementation and evaluation, critical thinking, data collection and analysis skills.

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Join a community dedicated to equity, inclusion and diversity

We work to ensure that community members respect and value others. We are committed to equity, inclusion and diversity in our research institutes, academic programs, policies and community relationships.

Gain field experience for a career with impact

Apply your knowledge through a six-month practicum in the field at a development organization such as a U.N. agency, international NGO, or a local development organization.

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Work with passionate peers from around the world

Our students—who come to Heller with an impressive array of experiences—are eager to share their insights and to seek ways to address systemic inequalities and advance social justice within their own communities.

Learn more about the SID program

Zari Havercome ’16, MBA/MA SID’22

“Shirley Chisholm said, ‘Service is the rent you pay to live on earth.' I want to support communities that are disenfranchised, under-resourced, taken advantage of—the people experiencing cyclical poverty and hunger. We have come too far for people to still suffer from things they don’t have to,” says the AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumna.

Alumni Outcomes

Jarnail Singh, MA SID’13, Deputy Director, The MacArthur Foundation, India Office

“The skills I gained at Heller allowed me to grow within the organization. Heller is a community of leaders; you learn not to be closed to any sort of ideas. The leadership traits I picked up during my time at Heller—coupled with technical knowledge—that’s what did the trick.”

Hend Nafea, MA SID/COEX'19, Human Rights Program Coordinator, Vital Voices Global Partnership

“I grew up in a small patriarchal Egyptian village in the Nile Delta so I was denied basic rights and freedoms. I felt my studies gave me the skills I needed to better advocate for human rights, and to continue my work for human rights, not just in Egypt, but also around the world.”

Rebecca Herrington, MA SID/COEX'14, CEO, Headlight Consulting Services

“At Heller, there’s the opportunity to be proactive and create your own path through the programs. I leveraged what professors had to offer with their experiences, had the experience of teaching and grading, and took advantage of being in Boston to work with NGOs there.”