Bachelor of International Development
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Program Overview
Humber’s Bachelor of International Development degree program is an interdisciplinary program that provides you with a solid theoretical foundation in sustainable international development studies and its related disciplines, as well as professional and technical skills in development management. The program is designed specifically to bridge the gap between theory and practice by building hands-on project management skills and capabilities. The program fosters a comparative understanding of developed and developing countries - countries of the global North and South - through directed study, analytical research and opportunities to travel that provide cross-cultural learning experiences.
Your core courses, in which you’ll develop professional competencies, include four streams: international development studies, supplementary disciplines, management skills and research skills.
Curriculum
Course list will be available soon.
Work-Integrated Learning
The 14-week/420-hour work placement is from May to August following Semester 6. A placement advisor will support your efforts to find a position that fits your academic and career goals. Your placement will give you the opportunity to explore the field of international development, as well as gain the hands-on, real-world experience that employers value. We will work with employers and our partners to help you identify the best opportunities to pursue.
The Humber Advantage
The International Development Institute
Humber is home to the International Development Institute (IDI), an institute with over 30 years of international development experience that brings new ideas from the field to the classroom. Projects that Humber graduates have been involved in have focused on building the capacity of Southern partner institutions in a range of sectors, including entrepreneurship, small enterprise development, microfinance, public management, applied technology and vocational education.
Initiatives and Events
IDI initiatives also include events such as the IDI Symposium held at Lakeshore Campus involving faculty, students and many key representatives from the NGO industry. Students participate in breakout sessions alongside NGOs to discuss current international development issues. International Development Week is another enriching experience held annually at Humber and organized by students. This week long event includes industry guest speakers, a marketplace developed with industry partners as well as interactive workshops and events.
Career Paths of International Development Graduates in Canada
What path will your career take after graduating with a degree in International Development Studies?
Follow the link to view the results of a recent study of more than 20 International Development Studies programs in Canada, including Humber’s, and see what recent graduates are up to. Be sure to watch the video, too!
Over the 8 semesters of the program you will gain a solid foundation in development theory and build the management skills required to identify, design and implement international development projects anywhere in the world. Upon graduation you will be able to step out of the classroom and into the field in a way that contributes to positive change in the global south. Humber has chosen faculty for this program based on their expertise and experience managing international development projects under real-world conditions. Many faculty members continue to work with various international non-governmental organizations.
Three students in the Bachelor of International Development degree program are among seven Ontarian youth who received the Global Changemaker Award. Sarah Judd, Lainey Oleka and Robin Sagi received the award from the Ontario Council for International Cooperation for their work spearheading the Fair Trade Campus initiative at Humber College, increasing public awareness in ethical purchasing, and moving the campus closer to being designated fair trade.
International Development Week 2016 Video Showcase
IDW OPENING CEREMONIES
IDW NGO MARKETPLACE
IDW PANEL A RIGHT TO WATER
IDW TRIVIA SMACKDOWN
IDW PANEL THE MYTH OF WATER ABUNDANCE IN CANADA
Expert Faculty
You’ll learn from professors who hold a variety of relevant graduate degrees and have professional and practical experience in the field of international development. Most work in the field, either directly within developing countries or through international development organizations here in Canada. Placements offer professional experience where you will employ and further develop relevant competencies.
View CredentialsAbena Kai Thomas
MPH (Public Health) – University of Alberta
BSc (Health Sciences and Biochemistry) – McMaster University
Alana Mascoll
MBA – Centenary College, USA
Graduate Certificate (International Project Management) – Humber College
BA (Gender Studies and Political Science) – University of Toronto
Aqeela Tabassum
PhD (Economics) - York University
MA (Economics) - York University
MSc (Economics) - International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Elinor Bray-Collins
PhD (Political Science) – University of Toronto
MA (Adult Education) – University of Toronto
BA (International Development Studies) – University of Toronto
Professor
Ewa Kowalski
PhD (Comparative, International and Development Education) – University of Toronto
MA (Comparative, International and Development Education) – University of Toronto
MA (English Philology) – University of Wroclaw, Poland
Professor
John Lewis
PhD (Theory and Policy Studies) – University of Toronto
MA (Theory and Policy Studies) – University of Toronto
BA (Political Science and History) – University of Toronto
Professor and Program Coordinator
Nidhi Tandon
MSc (Agrarian Economics) – University of Sussex, UK
BA (Economics) – University of Sussex, UK
Professor
Your Career
International project manager, international logistics manager, international program co-ordinator, rural or northern community development officer, international program development officer, gender specialist, grant writer, researcher – these are all careers you can pursue as a graduate of our program. The program gives you the necessary skills and tools to work in a wide variety of international organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank or Asian Development Bank; non-governmental organizations like World Vision, Eqwip Hubs, WUSC, Save the Children Canada and Right to Play; government agencies such as Global Affairs Canada; entrepreneurship or economic development agencies; and businesses that focus on international development and management such as Agriteam Canada.
Need Advice?
Program Advising Appointments
Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.
Book An Appointment
Transfer & Pathway Advising
Speak to a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.
Book a Virtual Appointment
Contact Us
Admissions Questions
Domestic Applicants
General Inquiries 416-675-3111 or enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.
International Student Enquiries
Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.
News Feed
Industry Experts Share AI and Digital Fundraising Insights with International Development Postgraduate Students
Thu, June 05, 2025
Students in the International Development program gained insight into an evolving world of digital strategy, AI, and fundraising innovation.
International Development Students Tackle Simulated Disaster in "Central Humbolan Republic"
Fri, April 26, 2024
International Development students delved into the complexities of responding to a global crisis unfolding in the "Central Humbolan Republic."
Celebrating International Development Week at Humber
Fri, March 08, 2024
The week of February 5th - 9th was a busy one for International Development students and alumni as Canada celebrated International Development Week.
International Business Students Attend Regent Debate Sponsored by the C.D. Howe Institute
Fri, January 12, 2024
A group of students in the International Business program joined Professor Pierre-Pascal Gendron in attending the Regent Debate.
No news at this time.
Ministry Consent
Humber College has been granted a consent by the Minister of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a seven-year term starting August 22, 2019. Humber College shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.
Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber Polytechnic reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.