International Development Studies

 

REQUIREMENTS 

 

 Major Worksheet

Requirements as of Fall '20

Course Descriptions

IDS course descriptions

Degree Planner 

3 &  4-year 

Honors 

IDS Senior Thesis

 

Enrollment Tips

WINTER 2025 

Courses with * will show up on DAR in January

 Winter Courses Here

PAST COURSES

Click HERE for past course offerings

SUMMER 2024 COURSES 

Session A                    Session C

Travel Study                                    

PETITION 

Study abroad courses and UC/Non-UC courses

Petition for Committee Review

 

2024-25 IDS Unique Courses 

• IDS 1 and core courses are offered once a year. All courses are also offered in the Summer. All restrictions and pre-requisites are lifted in Summer.
• If all 4 Core Classes are taken, one course can be used as Social & Critical Theory.

Subject to change
 

Fall 24 Winter 25 Spring 25

IDS 1
Hannah Appel
Introduction

IDS 110
Joseph Wright
Core Class OR
Social & Critical Theory
 

IDS 160
Jennifer Jung-Kim
Variable Topics

 

IDS 130
Kevan Harris
Core Class OR
Social & Critical Theory

IDS 140
Desmond Fonseca
Core Class OR
Social & Critical Theory
 

IDS 191
Jennifer Chun
Capstone Seminar

IDS M120
Dan Posner
Core Class OR
Social & Critical Theory

IDS M150
Michael Ross
Social & Critical Theory

IDS 191
Sita Mamidipudi
Capstone Seminar

IDS 191
Shaina Potts
Capstone Seminar

UC Education Abroad Program (EAP)+

  • Many programs offer internships, research, and volunteer opportunities.
  • Financial Aid available.
 

Petition 

Submit official petitions upon your return!

 Approval Process

IDS Database   

 pre-approved courses 

 

Travel Study +

 japan student images  

  

 
 

 

 Open to ALL MAJORS

  • 10 UCLA graded units (two classes: Glbl St 110A and 110B)
  • One course can be applied to International Development Studies major Disciplinary Elective requirement
  • All programs are taught in English (there are no language prerequisites).
  • 3-4 week-long summer programs
  • Financial aid might cover part of the cost, check with Financial Aid office for details.  
  • Registration begins on November 18. To register, visit the IEO website
     

Quarter in Washington (UCDC)+

Reducing Poverty: approved to fulfill INTL DV 191 (senior seminar) requirement.

Researching World Politics: approved to fulfill Disciplinary requirement.

I A STD 195CE: can be petitioned for Regional or Disciplinary requirement.

 

 Apply now for the 2024-25 school year

Deadline: Monday of Week 2 of Fall Quarter

Mandatory Meeting:  Week 3 of Fall Quarter

 

 

 

 

WHY DO HONORS?

You have a strong interest in research and writing, have done extensive reading on a topic.

You will work independently under the guidance of a UCLA faculty member

Strengthen research, writing, critical thinking, and reading comprehension skills for graduate school and career

 

FEATURED HONORS STUDENTS

Zoe Reinecke, 2021 IDS Honors Alumna

Zoe Reinecke, 2021

Honors Thesis title: “Non-Governmental Organizational Responses to the Educational Needs of Refugees in Kenya During the COVID-19 Pandemic”

Through her thesis, Zoe aimed to inform of ways in which policy can be leveraged to improve the educational experiences of refugees. Her best piece of advice is to go for it! She recommends finding a mentor you respect and who is invested in your research and your future. Read more here.

 

 

Hayley Farrell, 2022 IDS Honors

Hayley Farrell, 2022

Honors Thesis title: “Globalization and Developing Economies: Implications for Ghana's Poultry Farmers”

Hayley aimed to examine how the poultry industry in Ghana has been impacted by imported chicken and other global factors. Her best piece of advice is to take advantage of the many opportunities available at UCLA beyond just completing coursework! Read more about her time in Ghana here.

 

 


ELIGIBILITY

  • Be officially declared as an IDS major
  • Completion of any 2 core IDS courses: (IDS 110, M120, 130, 140). Students may petition to apply with only 1 core course complete.
  • Minimum 3.5 GPA for all upper division IDS courses
  • Must have secured a faculty advisor
  • Submit the IDS Honors Application and have your advisor complete the faculty form.

*Petitions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis


PREPARATION

  1. Attend an online or/and in-person library research workshops/tutorials on narrowing down your topic, finding sources, organizing information, etc.
  2. Attend the mandatory Spring Undergraduate Research Workshop  and complete the worksheet to start narrowing down your topic and turning your topic into research questions!
  3. IDS Library Resource Guide: Find journals and sources for your thesis. Created by your librarian!


Click below to watch the recording of our 2024 Senior Thesis and Honors Workshop!

 

 

 


APPLICATION FORM AND GUIDELINES

Design and conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty advisor culminating in an honors thesis. Application is due by Monday Week 2 of Fall quarter.

Application Faculty Form Honors Booklet
 

 


SAMPLE HONORS THESES

Past IDS Honors Thesis Titles   Past IDS Honors Theses

 

 

 


WRITING ASSISTANCE

 


OFF-CAMPUS VPN ACCESS INSTRUCTIONS 

These are also available on the WI+RE website, and on the Library's YouTube channel!

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Mac

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Windows

 

From Left to Right Olivia Gonzalez (Student Advisor), Prof. Cindy Fan (Vice Provost), Khonzoda Murodkhujaeva, Alexis Daetz, The Honorable Paul Krekorian (President of Los Angeles City Council), Samhita Mallavarapu, Mikayla O’Conner, Prof. David Kim (Associate Vice Provost)*
*Names without titles are 2023 IDS student awardees

IDS Academic Award

One to two cash awards will be distributed to a graduating senior for exceptional academic achievement in the International Development Studies major.

Eligible applicants must be:

  1.  International Development Studies major (double majors are also eligible)
  2.  A senior graduating in any quarter of the 2024-2025 academic year, or Fall 2025
  3.  In good academic standing with overall GPA of 3.75 in upper-division major coursework

 Applicants must submit:

  1.  Brief application form (found below)
  2.  Resume
  3. A writing sample (15 to 40 pages) on any issue related to international development, preferably from a past course. A longer paper allows our committee to more thoroughly evaluate your work.
  4. UCLA Faculty Reference: please list the name and email address of one of our previous instructors who can serve as a reference. They will be contacted if you are a finalist for the award.

Tentative Dates: March 1-May 1st, 2025 at 11:59 PM

Apply HERE

 

IDS Activist Award

One to two cash awards will be distributed to a graduating senior to recognize their outstanding commitment to making a difference on issues significant to international development through activism, service and leadership.

Eligible applicants must be:

  1.  International Development Studies major (double majors are also eligible)
  2.  A senior graduating in any quarter of the 2024-2025 academic year, or Fall 2025
  3.  In good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.00 in upper-division major coursework
  4.  Able to demonstrate, through their work in local, national, or international organizations, their commitment to making a difference on issues linked to international development

Applicants must submit:

  1.  Brief application form (found below);
  2.  Resume
  3.  An essay (no more than 2 pages, double-spaced) that describes previous work related to international development and plans after graduation: work may include campus organizations, internships, and volunteer or paid work either in the U.S. or abroad. See below for full prompt. 
  4. List one reference (outside the university), with name, organizational affiliation, contact information (including cell phone)

ESSAY PROMPT: In no more than 2 pages, double-spaced, please describe previous work that clearly demonstrates your commitment to making an impact on issues significant to international development through activism, service, and/or leadership. Work may include engagement in campus organizations, internships, as well as volunteer or paid work either in the U.S. or abroad. Please include the nature of your participation, duration of activities, and reflect on the following questions:

What does activism mean to you? How has your activism enhanced your education at UCLA, especially when it comes to the core values and aims of development? What have been the difficulties of pursuing activism as a UCLA student, and what advice would you give to incoming students who wish to pursue activism alongside their formal education?

Tentative Dates: March 1-May 1st, 2025 at 11:59 PM

  Apply HERE


International Institute Events

Attend numerous events on specific world regions and pressing global issues. For upcoming International Institute Events, visit the Event Calendar. 

 

 Event Calendar

 

International Institute Open House

International Institute Career Panel

Recommended Campus Groups

  • Global Development Lab - Equips students with skills and resources necessary to foster global development initiatives.
  • GlobeMed at UCLA  - Promoting global health equity through partnerships and sustainability.

       Find more UCLA student groups HERE

Visit the UCLA Center for Scholarships and Enrichment for additional assistance

STUDY ABROAD FUNDING

All Regions

Asia

Europe

Program-Specific Aid

Students studying abroad through programs below are eligible for funding.

General Study Abroad Scholarship Sites

  • UCLA Summer Travel Study Scholarships & Other Scholarship Opportunities
  • UCLA Scholarship Resource Center-Study Abroad Scholarships
    Search for scholarships, grants, & fellowships. Located at 233 Covel Commons. For more information, call (310) 206-2875
  • Studyabroad.com
    Forum on Financial Aid-Sources and Tips for Study Abroad Funding
  • UCLA Career Center Lab & UCLA Library
    There are numerous books available that highlight financial aid for specific programs and destinations. Here are a few to look into:
    • Financial Aid for Study Abroad by Gail Ann Schlachter and R. David Weber.
    • Work, Study, Travel Abroad: The Whole World Handbook, Council on International Educational Exchange.
    • Financial aid for research and creative activities abroad, Reference Service uclPress.
    • Financial aid for study and training abroad, Reference Service Press.
    • Financial resources for international study: a guide for U.S. nationals, Institution of International Education.

INTERNSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS

RESEARCH AWARDS

UCLA Undergraduate Research Center Awards:

  • Travel Grants
    Funding for presenting a paper at a regional / national conference
  • UCLA Undergraduate Research Fellows Program
    2-quarter (Winter and Spring) research project / honors thesis
  • UCLA Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP)
    Completion of Honors Thesis or 199 project during senior year

UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS

  • UndocuBruins Fellowship Program: a fellowship program that ensures all students, regardless of immigration status, have the opportunity to receive financial support and achieve their educational and professional goals. Application closes August 29th, 2022.
  • Mariposa Achivement Project (MAP) Scholarship: MAP Scholarship was created to support undocumented students cover the cost of academic materials. Application will close on September 23, 2022.

Summer Research Opportunities

 

Major/Minor Academic Advising


We strive to provide our students with holistic and comprehensive support through one-on-one advising, workshops and events.

 

Students should work in partnership with their college advisor, major advisor and other campus units to maximize their time at UCLA and make a positive impact in the world both during and after their college careers as informed and responsible global citizens.

 

Global Studies & IDS Advisor Sandy Valdivieso

Sandy Valdivieso

Global Studies & IDS Advisor

Liz Alvarez

Advisors can assist you with:

• Thoughtful academic and professional planning
• Exploration of research
• Inspire internship opportunities and experiences abroad
• Helping you connect your major to your career and personal goals
• Clarifying the scope and requirements of the major or minor

College Counseling with questions about deciding on a major, GE/IGETC Requirements, Course Add/Drop Petitions, Degree Plan Contracts, College-specific requirements, Holds, Grad Checks, Probation status, Readmission, etc.

Registrar's Office with questions about registration, fees, classes, etc.

Email us

With questions regarding major requirements, research, internship, etc. Include your name and UID in all emails. Expect approximately 2 business days for a response. Email us here.

Virtual/In-Person appointments

Current UCLA students only. If you're not a UCLA student, please e-mail us. Our offices are located in Bunche Hall. Please come prepared with questions and make sure you reviewed our website prior to our meeting. The appointment will be cancelled if you're not present (online or in person) within 5 minutes of the scheduled time. MY.UCLA APPOINTMENT SCHEDULER