International Development Minor

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Build the skills to fight poverty and expand opportunity, worldwide.

What does it take to lift communities out of poverty, promote good governance and human rights, and build a more sustainable future? The International Development Minor answers that question by grounding students in the history, theory and practice of global development.

Open to students across the university, this applied, policy-focused minor pairs naturally with majors like Economics, Government, Sociology, Anthropology, Geography, International Relations and Global Studies and more. This minor introduces students to the history, theory, and practice of international development, building practical program management and evaluation skills along the way. Graduates will be prepared for careers in nonprofits and the public and private sector, at home or abroad.

And you don't have to wait to get started! Coursework you've already completed or are taking right now may count once you're admitted.

You'll be equipped to pursue paths like:

  • Careers with nonprofits, government agencies and international foundations
  • Postgraduate experiences like the Peace Corps or Fulbright
  • Graduate study in public policy, economics, government, sociology, business and related fields

Program at a Glance

  • 15 credit hours
  • 2 foundational courses:
    • PA 325: International Development (may substitute GOV 366L: International Development and Global Justice, or ECO 333K: Development Economics)
    • PA 325: Evaluation Methods for Global Development
  • 3 upper-division electives approved by the faculty director. GOV 366L and ECO 333K may also be taken as electives if not used to satisfy a foundational course requirement. A full list of pre-approved electives will be provided.
Open to

Undergraduates in any UT Austin college or school who meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility criteria

Rising sophomore standing (by credit hours)

At least one completed semester at UT Austin

Minimum 3.0 GPA

Retroactive credit

Coursework you've already completed or are taking right now may count once you're admitted.

First admitted cohort

Spring 2027

Application deadline

Nov. 15, 2026, for Spring 2027 admission

Additional deadlines will be announced on a rolling basis each fall and spring.

Decision notified

Approximately two weeks after the application deadline (around Dec. 1, 2026, for the first cohort).

Admission basis

Competitive; based on academic merit, fit with the program and course/seat availability.