Human Security & Development

The Human Security and Development Track prepares students for international policy careers in international conflict resolution, development, human security and foreign policy.

Conflict Resolution

Quinn VanValer-Campbell (IPS '12) discusses her experience working with women of the 1995 massacre in Srebrenica, Bosnia.

What is Human Security?

Human security is an emerging model for understanding global vulnerabilities in which security should be focused on the individual rather than the state.   In other words, a people-centered view of security is necessary for national, regional and global stability.

What is International Development?

International development is the development of greater quality of life for humans encompassing: poverty reduction, public health, gender equality, human rights, economics, governance and related environmental issues.

Human Security & Development Track

The Human Security and Development track prepares students for international policy careers that require a holistic and integrated understanding of human security and development.  Students examine a diverse set of topics including: human rights, human security, development, international politics, violence prevention, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, migration, gender issues, and domestic, regional and global institutions. In addition to gaining a critical understanding of these topics, students become adept in negotiation, mediation, and other conflict resolution skills.

Human Security & Development Careers

Many of our alumni have gone on to have successful careers for various capacities such as:

  • Community, national and international organizations
  • Local and national government offices
  • Socially responsible businesses
  • Think-tanks and academic institutions
  • NGOs and volunteer organizations

Learn more about the exciting careers our graduates are currently pursuing.

Track Requirements (60 credits required)

The Human Security and Development track provides students with a foundation of policy analysis, economics, and global politics.  In addition, students are encouraged to gain professional development experience in negotiation, conflict resolution, peace building, human rights, migration and other relevant areas.

Core Requirements (16 credits)

Seminars (12 credits)

In addition to the required courses outlined on your degree map, you are required to take 3 advanced Human Security and Development Seminars from the list** below. Contact your assigned Academic Advisor for more information.

Integrated Academic and Professional Project (IAPP) (6 to 12 credits)

In consultation with their academic advisor, students will identify a combination of qualifying courses and experiences that will meet the degree requirement of 4 credits towards a Integrated Academic and Professional Project (IAPP). Qualifying courses should be selected from approved lists provided by GSIPM to CACS. Students should outline the IAPP no later than the end of their second semester in their 4 semester program (end of first semester for students with a shorter program timeframe).

Students may fulfill the IAPP requirement through the following opportunities:

For more ideas on how to fulfill this requirement, please visit the Monterey Abroad section or contact your Academic Advisor.

Electives (up to 14 credits, with at least 8 credits from this list of approved electives)

Select 14 credits with at least 8 credits from the list** of approved electives. Contact your assigned Academic Advisor for more information.

Approved Electives:

Seminars:
Courses:
Workshops:

*Spring 2012 Semester Course Electives

**Please note that this is a list of courses offered during the 2011-12 academic year. Course offerings will vary by semester.

Linguistic and Intercultural Competency (12 credits)

Language Studies program courses are offered in 7 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Russian and Spanish.  Through the Institute’s renowned content-based instruction, students combine advanced-level language study with topics related to their graduate coursework. Our Intercultural Competency offerings provide students the cross-cultural communication skills needed to pursue global career opportunities.

Program Requirements
Language Studies/ Summer Intensive Language Program/ Middlebury Language School or Schools Abroad courses (8 credits or more)
Intercultural Competence courses (up to 4 credits)