main-bkgrd-img
GIVE ☰

International Development Studies

Photo for Solar energy and immigrant labor...
Solar energy and immigrant labor projects win GDL Project Incubator funding
Photo for Four International Institute students win...
Four International Institute students win Dean's Prize for research

The UCLA International Institute offers a variety of interdisciplinary academic programs, all with a regional or global perspective. They include six undergraduate majors, ten undergraduate minors, and three M.A. programs. Together, they enroll close to 1,000 students per year. Our alumni, some of whom go on to pursue professional degrees, work in education, government, cultural, nonprofit, and business sectors all over the world. We invite you to explore these programs, along with information about faculty, staff, alumni, and opportunities for engagement.

International Development Studies

Engage with the study of social, political, and economic forces that, throughout history, have shaped global inequalities.

We're currently updating our website to improve your experience. Some pages or features may be temporarily unavailable. Thank you for your patience.

Academic Counseling

We offer virtual and in-person advising support. We encourage you to read through our website to find application and requirements information. If you still have questions or concerns, you may contact us at idps@international.ucla.edu (please include your UID) or make an advising appointment by visiting our Advising Tab.

Our Students

Image for Giselle Almendariz

Giselle Almendariz

"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."
Image for Annette Sorensen

Annette Sorensen

"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!"
Image for Wudia Kamara

Wudia Kamara

"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..."

Careers with International & Area Studies

Development and policy

Development & Policy

  • International Development
  • Public Policy
  • Community Development
Education and NGOs

Education & NGOs

  • Nonprofit Organizations
  • Education Programs
  • Training & Technology
Government

Government

  • Government Agencies
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • Human Rights
International work

International Work

  • Relief Organizations
  • Food Aid
  • Global Programs
Environment and health

Environment & Health

  • Environmental Programs
  • Global Health
  • Sustainable Development
Group of students

Courses

These are a few of the many interesting courses you could take during SUMMER! They have no pre-requisites:

INTL DV 1 | Intro to Intl. Development Studies
INTL DV 110 | Culture, Power, & Development
INTL DV M120 | Political Economy of Development
INTL DV 130 | Theory & History in Intl. Development

Questions?

You can email us!

Questions

Transfer Students

Please see our transfer student information.

I love transfer students

Connect With Us

UCLA International Institute Academic Programs

10th Floor Bunche Hall

Email and Appointments


© 2026 The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved. Privacy & Terms of Use