Program Overview

The M.A. in Global Development and Social Justice is a two year Distance Learning and on-site program comprised of 33 credits (9 credits First Summer in Rome, 21 credits Distance Learning Fall – Spring, 3 credits Final Summer in Rome).  Four courses in total are taught in a classroom setting.  Three courses, MGD 100: Models of Intervention in Global Development, MGD 130: Impact of International Organizations in Global Development, and MGD 120: Information Resources for Global Development and Social Justice practices are taken at the St. John's University Rome Campus in the beginning of the program.  All of the other courses are taught online.  When students return to Rome, after two years of study, they take MGD 200: Integrating Seminar & Capstone Project, the final course, which is completed in a classroom setting at the St. John’s University campus.

The M.A. in Global Development and Social Justice, aims at best practices and leadership in global development. Our mission of social justice and human rights advocacy, grounded on Catholic Social Teaching, is reflected through our innovative online methodology.  We seek to provide education, especially to those lacking economic, and/or social means. This innovative multidisciplinary program is chaired by the Director of the Center for Global Development.  It combines classroom instruction with online learning to offer students the flexibility to pursue in-depth research in a broad variety of critical areas related to development and social justice that can be accessed worldwide.  Furthermore, our committed faculty and support staff teach students how to search out the causes of poverty and social injustice and encourage them to explore and identify solutions which are adaptable, effective, and concrete.