International Development Studies (Science) | Academic Advising & Career Centre

Admissions Category: Social Sciences & Humanities

Program Overview

One of the most unique and dynamic programs found at UTSC, International Development Studies is a multidisciplinary study of how and why countries develop differently from each other. The Science stream of the Specialist Program addresses the major issues that are the focal point of among the world’s most influential international and national environment and development policy makers. Our prioritized focus on environmental biology as the specialized field in environmental science responds to demand by students for these interdisciplinary skills to achieve these career goals. Students will not only learn the complex dynamics of development theory, but will be given practical experience that is essential to professional development.

Complementary Programs:

Minor Programs in Biology, Environmental Science, Human Geography, Health Studies, Public Policy

Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:

Competencies & Skills

Knowledge and understanding of the connections among issues such as inequality, poverty, and oppression
Knowledge and application of key international policies governing issues in environment and development
In-depth knowledge of environmental biology
Analytical writing and communication
Research design
Project management and evaluation

Careers for Graduates

International Development Consultant
Environmental Consultant
Conservation Officer in Government Services
Coordinator in Non-profits
Development Officer
Governance Officer
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
Policy Advisor
Impact Investor
Law/Legal Services
Start-ups, Social Innovation

Further Education

Biology
Public Policy
Environmental Science
Sustainability
Law School
Teacher Education
Project Management
Energy Management

Program Pathway

Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4

Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely

4.5 credits as follows: IDSA01H3, BIOA01H3, BIOA02H3, CHMA10H3, CHMA11H3, EESA01H3, EESA06H3, [MGEA01H3 or MGEA02H3], [MGEA05H3 or MGEA06H3].
Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling breadth requirements and electives.
Use Degree Explorer to plan your courses and program.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Writing and reading support is available at the CTL Writing Centre.
Attend IDSSA facilitated study groups.
Sign up for AA&CC study skills workshops on CLNx (>Events & Workshops).
Attend the annual Winter Critical Hope Lecture.

Apply Theory to Practice

Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities on the Career & Co-Curricular Learning Network (CLNx).
Attend the Fall and Winter IDS Potluck to observe the poster presentations from students returning from the field.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Join the International Development Studies Students’ Association (IDSSA); attend their events and programs.
Explore other relevant student clubs on campus and get involved.
Volunteer in DSL’s Alternative Reading Week program to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development; explore other DSL programs.

Plan for Your Future Career

Volunteer with organizations to explore your interest within relevant industries; check listings on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
Register with SCSU’s Volunteer Network Program.
Research labour trends in development studies at idsemployment.weebly.com.

Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely

2.0 credits from Core courses in ID from the following: IDSB01H3, IDSB02H3, IDSB04H3, IDSB06H3, IDSB07H3.
2.5 credits as follows: BIOB50H3, BIOB51H3, EESB03H3, EESB05H3, EESB16H3.
0.5 credit from Methods for IDS courses: STAB23H3.
0.5 credit from: GGRA30H3, EESC03H3.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Schedule an appointment with your program librarian for in-depth library research assistance.
Explore Research Assistant opportunities through the Work Study program on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment>Work Study).
Contact Faculty members and inquire about research opportunities.

Apply Theory to Practice

Research about experiential learning opportunities on campus: utsc.utoronto.ca/experiential.
Connect with like-minded local organizations and explore skill building Work Study opportunities on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment>Work Study).

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Participate in initiatives planned by the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) and Oxfam at UTSC.
Consider doing the ISC’s Global Citizenship Certificate to prepare for working and succeeding in a culturally diverse and rapidly changing world.
Explore ISC’s Global Learning opportunities like a Summer Abroad.

Plan for Your Future Career

If you are considering grad school, speak to professors and program advisors early so you know what to keep in mind.
Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
Sign up for DSL’s ALL-IN Leadership Program.

Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely

0.5 credit from Methods for IDS courses: IDSC04H3.
2.0 credits from the following Advanced courses in Environmental Biology (0.5 credit must be at the D-level): BIOC37H3, BIOC58H3, BIOC61H3, BIOC62H3, BIOC63H3, EESC04H3, BIOD54H3, EESD06H3.
0.5 credit from the following Environmental Science in Practice courses: EESC13H3, GGRC26H3, GGRC44H3, IDSC02H3.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Develop research skills by entering to win the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize or Poster Forum.
Apply for the University of Toronto Excellence Award to conduct summer research projects under the supervision of a faculty member.

Apply Theory to Practice

Consider enrolling in IDSC20H3 and learn about the challenges faced by communities in their interactions with a range of development actors, including international development agencies, local Non Governmental Organizations (NGO), state actors and universities.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Volunteer to be a First Year Peer Advisor in DSL’s First Year Experience Program.
Intern with an NGO in Ghana, Malawi, Sri Lanka or Tanzania with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship; visit the ISC.
Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair to learn about local and international opportunities.

Plan for Your Future Career

Attend GDS networking events.
Do informational interviews with organizations you are interested in.
Plan a career path with an AA&CC staff member.
Go to the UTSC Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.
Develop professional skills by joining a conference like TEDxUTSC or International Development Conference through the DSL.

Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely

0.5 credit Research course: IDSD02H3.
Ensure you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.
Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Apply for the CCDS Faculty Mentorship Project or consider completing a Supervised/Independent Research Project in IDSD14H3 / IDSD15H3.

Apply Theory to Practice

Consider participating in the International Development Conference at UTSC; visit the ISC for details.
Consider enrolling in IDSD19H3 and explore whether such engagements offer opportunities for effective social change and improved theory.
Attend the Summer & Full-time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Consider becoming a student member of a professional association such as Canadian Association for the Study of International Development and network with external IDS professionals.
Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.

Plan for Your Future Career

Meet with your Program Supervisor/Advisor regarding applying to graduate studies.
Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.
Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course.”

Glossary

AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
CCR - Co-Curricular Record (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ccr/overview.htm)
CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ctl)
DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
ISC - International Student Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational)
NGO - Non-Governmental Organization (https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/corporate/transparency/briefing-materials/corporate-book/non-governmental-organizations.html)
SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)
UTEA - U of T Excellence Award (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/research/university-toronto-excellence-award)