MA Program

GDS Graduate students welcome Leocadio Juracán from Guatemala to SMU during Fair Trade Month, October 2023.

Masters of Global Development Studies


The MA in Global Development Studies is an interdisciplinary degree accepting students from many disciplinary backgrounds. It was the first of its kind in Canada, and continues to be a leader in research and teaching in global development. 

The Benefits of Doing an MA in Global Development Studies at Saint Mary’s  

• The Program boasts a faculty engaged in real-world research on complex development problems, who publish widely and enjoy working with students. 
• The Program’s modest size permits greater individual student attention and supervision. 
• The inter-disciplinary nature of our program provides students with the opportunity to study and engage in research not only with core GDST Faculty, but with Faculty from a wide range of disciplines both inside and outside the program, who are members of our Program Committee.
• You will be studying in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on the Eastern seaboard, one of the most beautiful ports in Canada. Saint Mary’s is located in the heart of Halifax, Atlantic Canada's largest metropolitan centre, and benefits from its proximity to the region's four other universities, its colleges, provincial government offices, and its centres of arts and culture.

MA Program Requirements 

The MA in Global Development Studies is a 16-month program, with the option to complete a Thesis or a Major Research Paper (MRP). For more information of the full requirements of the program, see the Graduate Calendar.

Apply to our Masters Program

The MA Program in Global Development Studies is not accepting applications for the 2025-2026 academic year. The application portal for September 2026 admission will open in September 2025.