Global Development Studies

In Global Development Studies, you will combine big-picture analytical thinking with practical skillsets to help craft positive social change through global engagement. In this general BA, courses are designed to build skills in policy design and advocacy, effective communication, and thematic knowledge on key global challenges, gender, indigeneity, sustainability, political economy and more.

Program Plan

The Bachelor of Global Development Studies program plan consists of 90.0 units. 60.0 of these units are electives which can be taken from any subject, at any level and in any order, as long you have (or obtain) the prerequisites for any 200 or 300-level courses. The other 30.0 units must be taken as described below.

Notes:

Courses may not be offered every term.
Requirements for this program have been modified. Please consult the 2021-2022 Academic Calendar for the previous requirements.
Only 6.0 units of courses from other faculties may be used in a degree program. This includes courses in BMED, COMM, GLPH, LAW, NURS and courses in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science.
This online program plan has been adapted from the official Faculty of Arts and Science E-Calendar to help online students identify only courses that are being offered online.

1. Core courses (15.0 units)

6.0 units from:
1. DEVS 100 (6.0 units): Canada and the “Third World” (course is no longer being offered)
2. DEVS 101 (3.0 units): Development Studies in Global Perspective
3. DEVS 102 (3.0 units): Canada in the World (coming Summer 2024)
DEVS 220 (3.0 units): Introduction to Indigenous Studies
6.0 units from:
1. DEVS 230 (3.0 units): The Global Political Economy of Development
2. DEVS 240 (3.0 units): Culture and Development
3. DEVS 250 (3.0 units): Environmental Transformations
4. DEVS 260 (3.0 units): Globalization, Gender and Development

2. Option courses (15.0 units)

9.0 units from:
1. DEVS at the 200-level or above (see course list below)
6.0 units from:
1. Any DEVS course that is not already counting towards another requirement.
2. DEVS_Eligible at the 200-level or above

3. Elective (60.0 units)

Selected from all ASO Course offerings.

List of courses available through ASO

DEVS 101 (3.0 units): Development Studies in Global Perspective
DEVS 102 (3.0 units): Canada in the World (coming Summer 2024)
DEVS 220 (3.0 units): Introduction to Indigenous Studies
DEVS 221 (3.0 units): Indigenous Studies II - Resistance and Resurgence
DEVS 230 (3.0 units): The Global Political Economy of Development
DEVS 240 (3.0 units): Culture and Development
DEVS 250 (3.0 units): Environmental Transformations
DEVS 260 (3.0 units): Globalization, Gender and Development
DEVS 280 (3.0 units): Global Engagement
DEVS 361 (3.0 units): Project Planning & Policy Advocacy
DEVS 362(3.0 units): Globally Engaged Experiential Learning
DEVS 364 (3.0 units): The (De)Colonial Struggle

DEVS_Eligible Course List

DRAM 303 (3.0 units): Indigenous Playwrights
ENGL 218 (3.0 units): Introduction to Indigenous Literatures in Canada
ENGL 259 (3.0 units): Global Shakespeare
FILM 303 (3.0 units): World Cinemas
GNDS 215 (3.0 units): Introduction to Sexual and Gender Diversity
HIST 200 (3.0 units): India and the World
HIST 207 (3.0 units): Global Indigenous Histories
HIST 214 (3.0 units): Food in Global History
HIST 252 (3.0 units): Africa in the Modern World
HIST 270 (3.0 units): Contemporary China
LAW 202 (3.0 units): Aboriginal Law
LLCU 209 (3.0 units): Rio de Janeiro: the Marvelous City
LLCU 249 (3.0 units): Latin Lovers: Love, Sex and Popular Culture

How do I apply?

Admission Requirements

Queen's Arts and Science Online has several admission categories for students with diverse educational backgrounds. Choose the right one for you.

Application Periods

There are three application periods each year - Fall, Winter and Summer. View the dates and deadlines for each.

Submit an Application

To apply for a Queen's online program, simply submit an online application directly through our website.

How Online Learning Works

Visit our webpage to learn more about when to access your course, time commitments, exams and more.

What can I do with my degree?

Can I apply to Grad School?

Admission requirements for graduate programs vary by institution and program. If your education goals include attending grad school, we recommend that you speak to the receiving institution and compare our programs to their admission requirements. It is currently not possible to complete an Honours degree in Global Development Studies online at Queen's.

Possible Career Fields

Your BA in Global Development Studies can lead you to a wide variety of career fields, which may include:

Business development
Community development
Disaster relief
Ethics
Fair trade
Food security
Foreign affairs
Fundraising
Human rights
Immigration
International development
Journalism
Public Health
Refugee settlement
Tourism and trade

Note: Students who are interested in pursuing graduate studies are encouraged to contact the programs directly to find out if our ASO 3-year 90.0-unit general degree will meet admission requirements.