International Development Studies 3+1 Program
Complete a Unique Pathway to a Career in International Development
Do you want to make a difference to the pressing issues facing the world? Do you see yourself working locally or somewhere around the world in a role like Economic Development Officer, International Aid Worker, or Policy Analyst?
The University of Guelph and Humber Polytechnic are excited to offer a new pathway for students to receive both a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Development Studies and an Ontario Graduate Certificate in International Development within four years.
This collaborative 3+1 program is open to students applying directly from high school, as well as University of Guelph students currently enrolled in the International Development Studies major.
If you are a current IDS student interested in transferring to the 3+1 program, speak to a Bachelor of Arts Academic Advisor. Note: students enrolled in a co-op program are not eligible for the 3+1 program.
Notice: The 3+1 IDS pathway with Humber Polytechnic is currently unavailable due to a suspension of Humber’s graduate certificate. Students are encouraged to pursue the International Development Studies program and a wide range of academic and experiential learning opportunities at the University of Guelph.
- 5 Specializations
- to choose from to customize your degree
- 30+ Countries
- available as study abroad options to expand your horizons
- 2-6 Weeks
- of hands-on learning through field schools
- 12 Weeks
- of industry experience during your placement
Earn a Degree and Graduate Certificate in 4 Years
Years 1-3: University of Guelph
In the 3+1 program, you'll spend your first three years at the University of Guelph, completing your honours bachelor of arts degree.
Our expert-taught classes will give you a strong foundation to understand the complexities of economic and social development in Canada and around the world.
You'll study the causes, consequences, and solutions to significant social, political, and economic inequalities and develop skills to address them. Dive further into your specific interests with one of our five areas of emphasis.
Year 4: Humber Polytechnic
If you have met academic requirements by the end of third year, you'll move on to complete your fourth year at Humber Polytechnic's Lakeshore Campus.
The Ontario Graduate Certificate in International Development is a management program that will provide you with an opportunity to make a difference on a global scale.
The certificate will equip you with the hard and soft skills required by industry partners to develop and grow international development and disaster relief projects globally.
Five Areas of Emphasis to Choose From
Whether you're passionate about the environment, gender and inclusivity, food security, or development—whether in Canada or internationally—you can choose a specialization that will transform your interests into the knowledge and skills needed to create meaningful change. Our five areas of emphasis offer a variety of elective courses you can choose from, allowing you to design a program that aligns with your aspirations and goals. Your journey to creating meaningful change starts here!
"We know the challenges facing our world can seem daunting, but in International Development Studies, we dive headfirst into exploring the difficult questions needed to really understand these issues. Our interconnected world needs passionate changemakers who can understand these challenges from multiple perspectives on a global scale, and that's exactly what we train our students to do."
Get Industry Experience with Fourth Year Field Placement
During the summer semester of your fourth year, you'll get 12 weeks of industry experience through a mandatory field placement, either in Canada or abroad.
Your specific field placement will be based on a combination of your unique interests as well as availability with industry partners in community development, international development, and the humanitarian sector.
Your opportunities for experience outside the classroom don't just start in fourth year – during your time at the University of Guelph, you can take advantage of other career-oriented experiences embedded into your degree. Learn more about study abroad, course-based experiential learning, field schools and volunteering.
What International Development Studies Graduates Say
"As an International Development Studies student, I knew that I needed to study abroad to get to know different cultures. Although going on exchange was one of the scariest things I've ever done in my life, it was also one of the most enriching. It has definitely broadened my horizons and made me more appreciative of different cultures."
"One course I took was about global food systems and security, and now I actually work alongside some of those authors whose work I read in that class... I also took a course where we went to the Yukon and studied northern food systems and food security, which is a key component to the work I do now. That definitely helped land this job."
"I was surprised by how much the professors cared in the IDS department. I came from high school and felt isolated, but then it felt like I found a home [in IDS]. I was kind of surprised by how collaborative all these courses were, how much positive work you could do together through experiential learning, and how supportive everyone was, in a very good way."
"Creating communities in cities that are complete and sustainable is important to me. We know that climate change is not just going to go away, so it’s a matter of adapting to the situation and learning how to create sustainable urban areas. So how do we create a complete community? How do we incorporate Indigenous knowledge?"
"My interests are in gender justice, specifically with promoting menstrual equity and the development of women's entrepreneurial skills, because they have a ripple effect on the whole community. I'm working to contribute to these spaces in a way that promotes women's value beyond the economic benefits they bring to their communities: they are also human."
Admission Requirements
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Scholarships & Bursaries
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