Frequently Asked Questions

There are three annual offerings:

DPMI 2013 – Dates:

1. May 20 - June 7, 2013 (Monterey, California)

2. May 27 - June 14, 2013 (Washington, DC)

3. January 6 - 24, 2014 (Monterey, California)

Application Deadline for Davis UWC Scholars for Summer DC program: February 15, 2013

Summer Session Application Deadlines:

Winter Session Application Deadlines:

Applications received from qualified applicants after these deadlines may be accepted if space is available.  Once accepted for the program, a deposit is due to reserve your space. Contact dpmi@miis.edu for more information. 

Apply to the DPMI program by following the link below and applying online.

DPMI Washington, DC-Summer 2013

DPMI Monterey-Summer 2013

DPMI Monterey-Winter 2014

DPMI Plus (MIIS students only)

If you are an enrolled Monterey Institute student, you may simply fill out the online application and submit it electronically. Additional materials are required of non Monterey Institute students, including a personal statement, resume or CV, and an unofficial transcript.

Participants who have completed at least two years of undergraduate work, and have a demonstrated interest in international development are welcomed to apply to the DPMI training. This program is for junior professionals, career-changers, advanced undergraduates, and graduate students.

Note: DPMI Plus is only available to DPMI participants enrolled at the Monterey Institute in a full-time graduate degree program.

Yes, all participants in MIIS non-degree training programs have to maintain a visa status that allows for study. Please contact visas@miis.edu to discuss the J-1 and F-1 student visa options. 

All accepted and deposited applicants, will be contacted by the Monterey Institute Office of International Student Services to begin the I-20 application process. 

We recognize that many of our international students come to the Monterey Institute with sophisticated language backgrounds. Terms like "native-speaker," "fluent," or "bilingual" often do not accurately reflect the rich backgrounds of our students.

In order to maintain the quality and integrity of the Monterey Institute experience, we recommend that non-native English speaking candidates have a high English language proficiency.

Recommended minimum language test scores:

TOEFL:

• Internet-based test: 79
• Writing sub-score: 23
• No sub-scores below 19

IELTS:

• 6.5 Overall
• No Sub-score below 6.0

Note: Test scores not required. 

Please contact Carolyn Meyer at cmeyer@miis.edu if you are a non-native English speaker and have questions about your English proficiency and participation in this training. 

Module #1: Managing Development Projects - Participants learn about the project cycle and how to analyze project opportunities. They become proficient in using the Results Framework, related tools and advanced software to guide project design and monitoring. They also learn how to use indicators to assess project performance. During the module, students use country data to create a project and accompanying monitoring plan that is consistent with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). View 15-minute video on pedagogy for this module.   

Module #2: Social Entrepreneurship and Strategic Partnering - Participants, working within a context of social entrepreneurship, become proficient in the use of tools and techniques to conduct an analysis of vision and mission; identify core competencies; and forge strategic partnerships to enhance organizational effectiveness. Innovative software applications are introduced to support a simulation. 

Module #3: Facilitating Participatory Development - Participants master tools and skills needed to effectively assume the roles of facilitator, trainer, and change agent. Local human resource development is an important component in every development project. The module focuses on transferring skills to participants so they can conduct their own training programs.Topics covered include participatory development methods, techniques of facilitating adult learning, needs assessments, adult learning practices, community mobilization, stakeholder negotiation, conflict mediation, and the training of trainers. This module will also touch on how issues of power present themselves in adult learning and development settings. You will acquire the skills and sensitive tenacity to create more inclusive, participatory learning environments.

Deliverables*

*Subject to variation

Module One

-Problem Tree

-Results Framework

-Project Design Summary

-Indicator Worksheet with baseline and target values

Module Two

-Core Competency Map

-Strategic Partnership Matrix

-Developing an Alliance and Industry Innovation

Module Three

-Participatory Development Facilitation Plan

-Facilitation Methods (Power Cube, Identity Wheel, Card and Chart, and more)

-Adult Learning For Social Change Strategy

Pre-readings will be supplied in electronic form to admitted students one month prior to the course.

A course website will also be provided with links to readings. Additional handouts and materials will be distributed in class.

Participants are required to bring a laptop to each session. 

Students may choose to take the DPMI training for 3 or 6 units of academic credit from the Monterey Institute and the DPMI Plus practicum/internship course for 6 units. Regular Monterey Institute tuition rates apply for academic credit and the $1,500 certificate fee is still required.

Students who successfully complete DPMI and wish to obtain additional academic credit for their experience (up to 12 units) may do so if they enroll in specially designated classes for DPMI participants at the Monterey Institute. These classes, for which regular academic tuition must be paid, engage participants in projects that are applications of DPMI module content. Projects may be completed on- or off-campus as there are no formal class meetings. Work is done under the supervision of a DPMI faculty member for a pass-fail grade (although under special circumstances a letter grade is awarded.)

Eligibility for DPMI Directed Study:

In order to register for DPMI directed study units, a student must have satisfactorily completed all DPMI program requirements:

1) Complete all assigned pre-readings
2) Attend all scheduled class meetings
3) Complete the written assignment required for the DPMI Certificate of Completion (i.e., the 5-page Statement of Development Philosophy).

Registration for DPMI 8698 A, DPMI 8698 B, and DPMI 8650A (DPMI Plus) courses should be completed through the regular registration process in Bannerweb.

DPMI Directed Study Courses (DPMI 8698):
DPMI participants may enroll in either one or two DPMI directed study courses. Although both courses carry the same number (DPMI 8698), the course titles that appear on a student's transcript differ. The first DPMI 8698 course (Foundations of Development Project Management) is a prerequisite for the second DPMI 8698 offering (Applied Development Project Management). In other words, students may not enroll in Applied Development Project Management unless they have already completed Foundations of Development Project Management or are concurrently enrolled in it.

Important note: Students who have completed DPMI training may enroll in DPMI 8698 (A and/or B) during the semester of their choice. Enrollment is not limited to the semester immediately following participation in the DPMI training. For some students, it may be advantageous to bundle DPMI 8650, DPMI 8698 A and DPMI 8698 B into a single semester for a total of 12 units. This is especially recommended for students who plan to enroll in DPMI 8650 during a summer session.

DPMI 8698 A-Foundations of Development Project Management (3 credits)
Requires completion and submission of deliverables for Module I and the 5-page Statement of Development Philosophy. Students enrolled in this course during the summer should submit links to their work to Beryl Levinger and dpmi@miis.edu by the last day of classes for the semester of enrollment. You must also provide the link to your work on the course wiki. Students registered in the fall, spring, or summer semesters should submit a link to their work by the end of the semester in which they are enrolled.

Deliverables for both modules should be presented using any one (but only one) of the following technologies: Weebly (recommended), Google Sites, or Wix. Please use the same technology to present all your deliverables. Be sure that your work is made public so that anyone can view it.

Your deliverables need not be uniquely your work. When you are working on team projects (e.g., the Results Framework), you may present the work you did with other team members. You are, however, strongly encouraged to improve or enhance the group's product so that you have a portfolio that represents your best work and that is worthy of sharing with a future employer.

DPMI 8698 B-Applied Development Project Management (3 credits)
Requires completion and submission of deliverables for Modules II and III in the same presentation site used for Module I. Due dates are the same as above.

DPMI+/Development Project Practicum (DPMI 8650, 6 credits)
The Development Project Practicum is an academic and professional program in which students complete professional assignments (typically three to seven months) with an organization that they have helped identify. The practicum is designed to afford students the opportunity to apply DPMI tools, frameworks, and concepts in the field. Participants develop a set of negotiated deliverables which are reviewed and approved by Professor Levinger and Carolyn Taylor Meyer. Deliverables involve the application of DPMI tools, frameworks and concepts.

Students typically prepare 7-11 deliverables during DPMI Plus in addition to an organizational case study. Each deliverable must include an introductory, explanatory narrative report (2-3 pages) that provides contextual information and a rationale for whatever decisions are implicitly embedded in the work product. Graphics (e.g., problem trees, Results Frameworks, core competency maps) must be accompanied by a significant narrative text that justifies (with data) and explains what you are presenting. Stand-alone graphics are not acceptable as DPMI+ deliverables. The narrative report should also explain how the deliverable relates to the DPMI curriculum (i.e., which specific tools, concepts or frameworks are being applied as well as a rationale for why these are appropriate to your organization's context).

Because DPMI+ focuses on the application of tools, concepts and frameworks presented during the 3-week DPMI training program, it’s a good idea when planning your deliverables to review this wiki where you will find all the material that was covered during each module.

While deliverables vary considerably among students, a satisfactory set of deliverables might include an annotated problem tree with supporting data; an annotated Results Framework with measurable indicators; en exit strategy for a complex development initiative; an outreach strategy that is designed to build an enabling environment for a set of development objectives; a comprehensive intervention design that is consistent with a Results Framework; a "preferred practice" tool that is appropriate to the specific context of your DPMI+ placement; the design of a training module that fosters participatory development; a video of a participatory stakeholder session that you conducted; a detailed presentation of a process you designed to engage stakeholders in a change process; design of a participatory needs assessment; an organizational core competency map; a strategic partnership plan; or, a community or organizational asset map. Each of these deliverables would, of course, be accompanied by a 2-3 page explanatory narrative report.

Students must also create a case study that examines some DPMI-related issues confronting the organization in which they are carrying out their professional activities. These issues may include project design; project monitoring; training; stakeholder participation; strategic partnering; social entrepreneurship; and innovation. Please refer to this PowerPoint presentation for required content and one possible format.

While grading is on a pass/fail basis, please note that work that is the equivalent of less than a B, will be given a failing grade. Your work should reflect approximately 90 hours of preparation time (including preparation of all deliverables, narrative reports and the case study).

For more information, please contact us.

The program fee is $2,500. 

Monterey Institute and Middlebury students and alumni can participate at the internal rate of $1,500.

The program fee covers the cost of instruction, materials, and supplies for the course as well as breakfast and receptions. 

Other costs to consider include room and board, transportation to and from Monterey or DC, and access to a laptop during the training. 

There are no scholarships at this time for DPMI. However, you may be eligible to receive US Federal Financial Aid in the form of loans to cover the certificate fee. If you are a Monterey Institute student, please see the Office of Student Financial Planning to learn more about your individual options.  Only students who choose to take DPMI for academic credit will be eligible for financial aid.

Past participants have also independently secured outside scholarships to cover the costs of the program. Some who are currently working for development organizations have applied directly to their places of work for reimbursement of the training fee and associated living and transportation expenses (if applicable). Please contact dpmi@miis.edu if you would like a program support letter that you can present to your employer. 

All three full offerings are taught by the same instructors, and the skills practiced in the course are the same although the development context may change.

So what is the difference between IPSS, DPMI Plus, and FMS?

Hint--It's in the details.

When deciding whether to do IPSS, DPMI Plus, or FMS, students should consider the following:

1) Which training program(s) should I complete?

The DPMI program provides participants with practical training in development project management, social entrepreneurship and strategic partnering, and facilitating participatory development. During the training, students learn new technologies used in the development field, work in teams representing various non-governmental organizations that are selected, ad hoc, during the program, and facilitate simulated trainings among their peers. By the end of the training, participants will have acquired a unique set of tools and techniques that they can apply in the field.

The IPSS pre-departure training covers organizational analysis, consulting techniques, technical skills, applied research design, and professional preparation and communication workshops.  The training is designed by Dr. Mahabat Baimyrzaeva, with workshops led by different experts. IPSS fellows present their final work to their peers during the final part of their internships and then meet remotely with a faculty panel for feedback. Projects can be done individually or in teams. 

The Frontier Market Scouts 12-day certificate training in social enterprise management and impact investing is offered in January and May/June each year. The training covers designing a business model, introduction to social entreprise and impact investing, scaling high-impact social enterprises, and social enterprise management and due-diligence. 

2) What is the difference in the application processes?

Application standards are approximately the same. All programs seek students who have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA at the Institute. 

DPMI Plus participants should apply online in the semester preceeding their prior to their desired internship start date. Dr. Levinger and Carolyn Meyer review all applications.

The IPSS application process is also online. Applications are due nearly a year in advance (in late March for the subsequent spring class). Students who make it to the second round of the IPSS application process, will be asked to complete a writing assignment in which they complete a problem analysis excercise. This exercise simulates a task that most IPSS students will need to complete while on assignment. Dr. Baimyrzaeva, Carolyn Meyer, and a faculty/staff panel review all applications.

Frontier Market Scout students should apply by October 1 (early review) or November 1 (regular admission) for the January training and February-July field program. Scouts interested in the summer training and February-December field program should apply by March 1 (early review) and April 1 (regular review).

3) Which faculty member would be most suited to supervise my field research?

All DPMI Plus projects are supervised by Dr. Beryl Levinger, the DPMI academic director.

During an IPSS assignment, fellows will work with Dr. Mahabat Baimyrzaeva and other relevant faculty members to define and create their IPSS projects.

FMS students in the MPA program will work with the MPA capstone advisor and take the MPA capstone course while on assignment. FMS students from other degree programs may complete a field course with Dr. Yuwei Shi or Dr. Fredric Kropp. Many MIIS students complete the FMS field program for no credit. 

4) What are the deliverables for each of the programs? How are the deliverables graded?

DPMI

The 3-week DPMI training is worth 3-6 units of credit. The DPMI Plus field course is worth 6 units of credit and may fulfill the MPA capstone requirement and a seminar requirement.

Training: Each of the three weeks has a different set of deliverables that pertain to the type of work done that week. All students that wish to receive a certificate of completion for the DPMI program are required to submit a comprehensive development philosophy statement that reflects on themes and concepts discussed during the three week training. Projects are reviewed on a pass-fail basis.

Field Course: Students should propose approximately 7-11 deliverables for the DPMI Plus course by the third week of their internship. These deliverables should relate to the skills presented during the DPMI training and might include an indicator plan, core competency matrix, partnership strategy matrix, baseline survey, logical framework analysis, etc. Students will also need to complete a cover sheet for each deliverable and one case study report.

IPSS

The IPSS program includes a 6 pre-departure workshops in January, followed by a 6-unit capstone course from February-August. The pre-departure course is described in question one. The IPSS field course includes an applied project, peer review, and a reflection paper. Letter grades are assigned for the IPSS field course, but the pre-departure training courses are evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis.

FMS

Training: MIIS students can take the FMS training for 6 units (6 workshops at 1 unit apiece). Completion of all workshops are required before completing a field assignment. MIIS students can take the FMS training as a certificate program for a program fee of $1,500 in lieu of taking the training for credit. Starting in January 2014, all MIIS students participating in the training will be required to pay a $1,500 program fee. 

Field Program: Frontier Market Scouts field placements are for six months (two-month summer option available in 2013). Field placements take place February-July, July-August, and July-December. MIIS students may take the training and complete the field program in a subsequent semester if they so choose. 

5) How much peer support and pre-departure preparation would I like to have prior to starting my professional service assignment?

DPMI Plus participants develop a strong set of professional contacts through the three-week, intensive training, although only a small percentage of participants from a specific training will be departing on DPMI Plus assignments at the same time. Students can stay in touch through email and social-networking sites.

IPSS January workshops have the added benefit of helping students build a peer support network prior to departing for their IPSS assignment. Students go through the experience with a group of students, and participate in a peer review process in groups while completing their IPSS project. IPSS brings together a group of peers working across a broad range of policy sectors, thereby giving students broader exposure to different policy fields. 

Frontier Market Scouts participate in a training than includes Scouts headed on assignments as well as those only participating in the training. Participants are exposed to a number of guest speakers and experts in the field. A majority of participants in this program are not current Monterey Institute students. 

6) When do I want to complete a professional service assignment?

DPMI Plus is offered spring, summer, and fall (or any combination of subsequent semesters) and can range in length from 3-9 months (May-January being the longest range). Some students completing DPMI Plus during the "summer semester" can graduate with 60 credits one season ahead of schedule if they take the maximum amount of credits offered for DPMI and DPMI Plus and are not required to return to Monterey. Regular tuition costs for 60 units (One degree program) apply. Note: financial aid is only awarded for four months (standard semester) or 3 months (summer semester) for DPMI Plus students. Participants choosing to complete an internship longer than four months should budget accordingly and not depend on financial aid to support themselves for month 5, 6, etc. Students may be able to register for 6 units in the summer and 6 units in the fall to lengthen their fellowship experience. DPMI Plus should be completed in your third or fourth semester.

IPSS is only offered January-August and lasts 5 -6 months. IPSS students are required to present their final project to a group of colleagues, tape this presentation and submit it to IPSS. The recorded presentation will be played for a group of faculty mentors as well as the fellow's IPSS research advisor in late August. The fellow will participate in a remote feedback session  with faculty after his or her presentation is shown. IPSS should be completed in your third or fourth semester. 

Frontier Market Scouts can complete field assignments February-July, July-August, or July-December (variable lengths may be accepted although six months is preferred). Students receive a minimum stipend of $200/month for up to six months. FMS can be completed in any semester or prior to entering the Monterey Institute if desired. 

7) What kind of career development approach do I prefer?

DPMI Plus assignments are most often secured by the student with document review and strategic support from their career adviser and the GSIPM special programs manager. Certain DPMI Plus assignments are secured for students by DPMI staff if the student's internship interests match a contact of the DPMI Plus or career advising team. DPMI Plus staff work continually with students to ensure that an appropriate internship is secured and may contact an employer on behalf of the student to describe the DPMI Plus program and the student's credentials. DPMI Plus participants are expected to apply to relevant positions on their own as well.

Through the IPSS application process, students list his or her first, second, and third organization choice. IPSS staff and a fellow's career advisor provide organization contact hints and resources to empower the student in securing his or her IPSS organization. IPSS staff work continually with students to ensure that appropriate internship are secured, sometimes moving to a third or fourth organization choice.

Frontier Market Scouts are placed with social enterprises around the world (including the US). The Scout is actively involved in the selection of his or her placement, however, acceptance of the Scout's application and background by the partner social enterprise is required. 

Another Important Point to Consider:

• 1) DPMI Plus is best suited for MPA and IPS students interested in international development or IEP students specifically interested in working in a program management capacity for international conservation NGOs.
• 2.) IPSS or the IONP programs are best suited for MANPTS students.
• 3.) IPSS is best suited for students seeking internships at think-tanks. 
• 4.) FMS is open to MBA, MPA, IEP, and IPS students interested in social enterprise and impact investing. 

For more information on DPMI Plus, IPSS, or FMS contact cmeyer@miis.edu or your career adviser. You can also visit http://go.miis.edu/dpmi, http://go.miis.edu/ipss, or http://go.miis.edu/fms.