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 Spring 2021 and Fall 2021!

The application for the 2021-2022 academic year is now open. You can use this application to apply to both Spring 2021 and Fall 2021 entry terms. Spring 2021 enrollment begins in January, and includes the COEX/SID, COEX/GHPM, and SID/GHPM dual degree programs.

student in a classroom looking toward the blackboard

Master theoretical frameworks and policy-oriented skills

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

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.

a male student with glasses talking to a female student

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

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."