WELCOME, NEW BRUINS!
"I chose UCLA because it offers a wide range of classes...and resources for people of color like myself in order to foster our personal, academic, and professional growth...A growth mindset is key, and perspective is everything." - Giselle Almendariz
"I chose International Development Studies as my major because it lets me take all the classes I want...it offers so many opportunities to volunteer and travel as well!" - Annette Sorensen
"There is so much diversity. UCLA as a large institution can seem overwhelming, but through its student organizations and programs, it feels so small and easy to navigate. The student community is very inclusive..." - Wudia Kamara
What is International Development Studies at UCLA
IDS is a selective major that allows students study, analyze, and critically assess the social, political and economic forces that, throughout history, have shaped inequality in the modern world. Engage with debates around the widening patterns of disparities of wealth, power, privilege, and access to social justice that occur in the Global North and Global South.
The IDS Major Features Current students must apply to be admitted Interdisciplinary Major- 11 Upper Division courses Study abroad and internship credit may fulfill major requirements Small core courses and senior seminar Optional senior thesis where students can earn Departmental Honors
Independent faculty-guided research
The History of International Economic Expansion Development Theory & Aid Institutions The Consequences of Rapid Urbanization Population-Resource Issues The Transfer of Resources Conflict Resolution & Diplomacy International Migration & Refugee Relief War and Political Violence Health, Illness, and Health Services Food Security & Self-Sufficiency Human Rights & Environmental Justice Political Stability & Democratization Survival of Indigenous Societies Conflicts between Modernity & Tradition Inequalities of Wealth & Power at all Levels Relationships between Development & Underdevelopment Cultural Identity and Cultural Production Gender Disparities in the Developing World Globalization as a Contributor to Development and Underdevelopment
Policy Solutions and case studies of successful and failed interventions
SUMMER COURSES
These are a few of the many interesting courses you could take during SUMMER! They have no pre-requisites:
STUDY ABROAD
With 42 destinations to choose from, you can participate in immersive study abroad programs and earn major/minor credit
TRANSFER STUDENTS
See our Transfer Students tab!
RESOURCES TO SUPPORT BRUINS
Information on healthy and safety, campus life, nature of instruction, and more to help you navigate your UCLA experience.
See the Guidebook here
QUESTIONS?
See our FAQ page! You can also email us or make an appointment.
CONNECT WITH US
Jennifer J. Chun, Chair, International Development Studies Hannah C. Appel, Ph.D., Anthropology, International Institute Jennifer J. Chun, Ph.D., Asian American Studies, International Institute Kevan Harris, Ph.D., International Institute, Sociology Patrick C. Heuveline, Ph.D., International Institute, Sociology Michael F. Lofchie, Ph.D., Political Science Daniel N. Posner, Ph.D, International Institute, Political Science Shaina S. Potts, Ph.D., Geography, International Institute Michael L. Ross, Ph.D., International Institute, Political Science Alden Young, Ph.D., African American Studies, International Institute
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.
Sandy Valdivieso
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.
With questions regarding major requirements, research, internship, etc. Include your name and UID in all emails. Expect approx 2 business days for a response idps@international.ucla.edu
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
Our Students
The Academic Programs offered through the UCLA International Institute allow students to focus on a particular area of study - either a specific geographic area, or a global comparative and issue-oriented approach - through a variety of disciplines across campus. The Institute also offers its own courses taught by core teaching faculty under the following subject areas: African Studies, Global Health, Global Studies, International & Area Studies, International Development Studies, International Migration Studies, and Latin American Studies.
B.A. just the starting point for these graduating seniors
Kyilah Terry (B.A., European Studies 2019) is headed to graduate school this fall, while Maria Amaya Morfin (B.A., International Development Studies 2019) is currently preparing for the GRE and grad school applications. read more
Two projects win funding at Global Development Lab showcase
The winning projects will provide an Internet connection for Atutur Hospital in Kumi, Uganda, and deliver food and after-school tutoring to unsupervised children in Tijuana, Mexico, respectively. read more
International internship: Enabled Children's Initiative
UCLA senior Kawsar Nasir Ahmad did a 10-month internship with the Afghanistan-based Enabled Children's Initiative, an experience that has only solidified her plans to work for Doctors without Borders after she becomes a doctor. read more
More Student Stories>>
Our Alumni
Alumni of the UCLA International Institute Academic Programs live across the globe, and are involved in a multitude of fields, including the education, government, cultural, nonprofit, health, legal and business sectors and international affairs. Below are a few bios of our alumni.
Global Studies graduate wins UCLA Young Alumnus award
Katya Daniel (UCLA 2008) was named 2019 Young Alumnus of the Year at the annual UCLA Alumni Association awards ceremony held June 8, 2019, at the Luskin Conference Center. read more
UCLA and an international career were not on his radar screen
Chasing race car dreams
More Alumni Stories>>
CAREERS WITH IDS
These are just a few of the many paths your career could take with IDS!