Global Development Studies

Bachelor of Arts


Introduction

Congratulations on being accepted into a Bachelor of Arts degree program! You are embarking on an academic journey that will offer you the best of a broad liberal education with the ability to specialize in various fields of study.

The Global Development Studies program is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with an understanding of the issues, policies, and practices associated with sustainable global and community development in the context of both Canada and internationally. Courses examine social, economic, environmental, and political change as well as issues of poverty, hunger, social justice, colonialism, participatory development, cultural beliefs, human rights, and governance. Students gain practical skills for designing, implementing, and effectively managing community development projects which prepares them for further studies as well as employment in governmental, non-governmental, and other international development-related fields in Canada and abroad.

The Bachelor of Arts degree is offered as either a B.A. or B.A. (Honours), both requiring the completion of 120 units and normally four years of full-time study.


Courses required in your first year

Recommended options include African Studies 201Anthropology 203Communication and Media Studies 201Economics 201 and 203Geography 254Indigenous Studies 201Political Science 279,  Sociology 201 , South Asian Studes 203Sustainability Studies 201, and Urban Studies 253

1. Students can choose to take Global Development Studies 201 in either the Fall or Winter semester.

2. The Global Development Studies program requires the completion of 6 units in modern languages other than English. It is recommended that students begin their language courses in their first year. Students should select a language that will compliment a regional focus.

Tip:
Remember to register for both fall and winter semesters at the same time.

For further information, please contact:
Telephone: 403.220.3580
Email: artsads@ucalgary.ca
Website: arts.ucalgary.ca/anthropology-archaeology/future-students/undergraduate/programs/development-studies


Your Faculty and Program 

Studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree means that you are a student in the Faculty of Arts.

The program that you choose refers to the subject area you’d like your Bachelor of Arts degree to focus on (e.g. Bachelor of Arts, major in History). This is something that you will have indicated when you applied for admission.

To see your program, log into your online Student Centre and under the Admissions menu and within the "My Applications" box, click on "status". You will then be able to see your faculty and program.

From Archaeology to Visual Studies, there are numerous majors and programs to choose from within the Faculty of Arts. If you'd like to see the different majors and programs that the Faculty of Arts has to offer, visit the faculty website.

Did you receive credit (e.g. IB or AP) upon admission? 

If you are coming to the University of Calgary with Advanced Placement credit or International Baccalaureate credit, you will follow the same registration process as any first time university student. You may be eligible to use your transfer credit in your degree program depending on the program you have entered and whether or not the courses are applicable. Look for International Baccalaureate credit information here and Advanced Placement information here.

View your transfer credit in your online Student Centre. Once you know the transfer credit you have received, you may contact the academic advisor in your faculty to get advice on course selection.

Generally, students must complete 18 units at the junior (200-level) before they are allowed to register in 300-level courses. However, if you received IB or AP credit for a 200-level course, you may take the 300-level course that has your 200-level course listed as a prerequisite.

Enhance your Bachelor of Arts Program 

Co-op and Internship: Get a head start on your career through our co-operative education and internship opportunities. You will gain valuable work experience in your industry—all before you graduate.

Study Abroad: Experience different cultures, gain a better understanding of world issues, and travel around the globe, all while earning credit towards your degree. The University of Calgary offers exchanges and study abroad programs in 61 different countries.

Community Service-Learning: Combine your classroom learning with volunteer work that achieves community goals, and see first-hand how your academic learning relates to social issues.

Global Development Studies Society: undergraduate society for all DEST and non-DEST students. Our mission is to empower local change agents at the Ucalgary with the network, skillset, and capacity to solve the world's greatest challenges! We offer a resource bank and events like "Working for the United Nations," "Working for the Government of Canada", "Career Night!", and much more.