Often linked with human well-being, global development is centered on improving access to opportunities for people worldwide through efforts to reduce poverty and inequality and better health and education. With a focus on creating a better future for all, global development moves away from its association of development within the context of international aid to study the underlying processes that address 21st-century development challenges.
How this certificate prepares you for roles in international development
When studying global development, you’ll build the knowledge required to inspire and enact positive change by addressing human needs.
This global development and innovation graduate certificate allows you to address the knowledge and skill gaps that development practitioners often struggle with. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped with key abilities and competencies necessary to effectively lead change efforts, including:
- Incorporating current perspectives in the field into your strategy.
- Transforming an idea into an actionable plan for development.
- Understanding varying cultural sensitivities and dispositions.
- Working with stakeholders from communities to policymakers.
ASU is the only university to offer a graduate certificate in global development and innovation. While many schools offer degrees in this field, the certificate option is unique. As a student or working professional interested in international development, a certificate can offer more flexibility in terms of course options and time commitments.
Arizona State University’s graduate certificate in global development and innovation empowers you to play a key role in overseeing and managing complex development challenges. This highly customizable certificate provides a solid grounding on theories regarding how innovations emerge, how they diffuse across societies and their impact on global development policies and practices. This certificate is designed for professionals working in development, innovation, policy, science and engineering.
Global development is an especially broad concept. We understand that your specific areas of interest and long-term goals are unique, which is why this certificate is customizable with multiple elective course options.
The College of Global Futures faculty includes internationally renowned thought leaders and researchers. This group of global scholars brings together leading experts to develop transdisciplinary solutions for the world’s most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges. Our faculty members prepare students to create long-lasting change and contribute to a positive future for people and the planet.
The College of Global Futures is dedicated to building a sustainable and equitable future for the planet and society. These initiatives support ASU’s overarching commitment to innovation, research and delivering high-quality academic programs. ASU is recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report and receives accolades from other prestigious organizations.
in the U.S. for innovation for 11 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
university in the U.S. in pursuit of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“Cool Schools” for sustainability by Sierra Club for campus sustainability.
best online bachelor’s programs.
best global universities.
Applicants to the graduate certificate in global development and innovation program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Global Futures.
Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of their bachelor's program. Alternatively, applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in an applicable master’s program.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- Official transcripts.
- Personal statement.
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume.
- Letters of recommendation.
An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.
No, Arizona State University’s certificates and diplomas don’t specify whether you earn them online or in person. All certificates, diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”