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The School of Governance and Development Studies

The School of Governance and Development Studies (GaDS) was launched in September 2006 under the Faculty of Social Science (FSS). Since then, the School expanded its programs in regular, summer and weekend intake modalities, where tens of thousands were graduated from such modalities in the last 20 years. Currently, the School of GaDS hosts one undergraduate and 5 postgraduate (MA) programs. The School is also offering 2 freshman courses such as Logic and Critical thinking and Global Affairs. To facilitate research dissemination, Ethiopian Journal of Governance and Development is launched under this School.

Programs under the School of Governance and Development Studies

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Undergraduate Programs

BA in Governance and Development Studies

BA in Governance and Development Studies is a multidisciplinary undergraduate degree focusing on the principles of good governance, public policy, development processes, international relations and socio-economic change. It prepares students to analyze, design, and implement development initiatives within government, NGOs, and the private sector. The program was launched in 2006. Regular students are expected to complete the program in 4 years and 5 years for the extension modalities.

Graduate Profiles

Development policy analysts
Governance and public administration officers
Program managers in NGOs and international agencies
Political and community development specialists
Research and data analysts
Civil society advocates
Project coordinators in development projects

Potential Employers

Government ministries and agencies
International development organizations (e.g., UN, World Bank)
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Local and regional government offices
Think tanks and research institutions
Private consulting firms
Community development agencies and civic groups

Postgraduate (MA) Programs

MA in Development Management

Master of Arts in Development Management (DVMT) program, commenced in 2009, designed to institutionalize a dynamic and strategic vision to provide an interdisciplinary, advanced, research-based, practical education in contemporary world. The DVMT will provide a broad but critically-analytical education in a range of relevant subject areas in order that its graduates may have a thorough grounding in and comprehensive understanding of complex and development problems at the local, national, regional and global levels. The students are expected to complete the program in two years for regular and 3 years for the extension modalities.

Graduate Profile

Graduate Profiles for MA in Development Management include:

Development Program Managers: Oversee and coordinate development projects and initiatives.
Project Coordinators and Officers: Manage specific development projects in NGOs, government agencies, or international organizations.
Policy Analysts and Advisors: Provide expert analysis and recommendations on development policies.
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialists: Assess the impact and effectiveness of development programs.
Research Analysts: Conduct research on development issues, trends, and best practices.
Capacity Building Trainers: Design and deliver training to strengthen organizational or community development efforts.
Advocacy and Community Engagement Officers: Promote development projects and policy awareness.

Potential Employers:

International agencies (e.g., UN, World Bank, IMF)
Government ministries and departments focused on development
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Development consulting firms
Research institutes and think tanks
Donor agencies and foundations
Local community development agencies

MA in Governance and Development

MA in Governance and Development is a graduate program, launched in 2009, that explores the interconnections between political governance, public policy, and socio-economic development. It equips students with analytical and practical skills to promote effective governance, institutional reforms, and sustainable development strategies. Its duration for completion counts two years for regular and 3 years for extension modalities.

Graduate Profile

Policy analysts and advisors
Governance and public administration consultants
Development project managers
Research and program officers in governmental and NGOs
Political and civic education specialists
Advocacy and community development practitioners
Academic researchers and lecturers

Potential Employers

Government ministries and agencies
International organizations (e.g., UN, World Bank)
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Development and policy consulting firms
Research institutions and think tanks
Civic and community organizations
Regional and local government bodies

MA in Peace and Conflict Studies

MA in Peace and Conflict Studies is a graduate program that examines the causes of conflict, peace-building processes, and strategies for conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction. It provides students with the analytical tools and practical skills to promote peace, security, and social cohesion in various contexts.

Graduate Profile

Conflict resolution specialists
Peacebuilding and reconciliation officers
Human rights advocates
Research analysts in peace and security
Policy advisors for governments or international bodies
Program managers in NGOs focused on conflict zones
Educators and trainers in peace education

Potential Employers:

United Nations and other international agencies
Government departments focused on peace and security
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Conflict resolution and peacebuilding organizations
Research institutes and think tanks
Human rights organizations
Education and training institutions

MA in International Relations and Diplomacy

Opened in 2015, MA in International Relations and Diplomacy is a postgraduate program that explores global political dynamics, international cooperation, diplomacy, and foreign policy. It equips students with the skills to analyze international issues, navigate diplomatic negotiations, and contribute to global peace and security. Its completion year is two for regular students and 3 for non-regular modalities.

Graduate Profile

Diplomatic officers and foreign service professionals
International policy analysts and advisors
International NGO and IO (International Organization) staff
Political risk and security consultants
Research analysts in foreign policy
Educators and trainers in international affairs
Public diplomacy specialists

Potential Employers:

Ministries of Foreign Affairs and International Relations
International organizations (e.g., UN, AU, WTO)
Embassies and consulates
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on international issues
Think tanks and research institutes
Multinational corporations with global interests
Academic and educational institutions

MA in Public Management and Policy Development

MA in Public Management and Policy Development is a graduate program focused on equipping students with skills to design, implement, and evaluate public policies and manage public sector organizations effectively. It combines theories of public administration with practical approaches to policy development and governance.

Graduate Profile

Public policy analysts and advisors
Government program managers
Policy research and evaluation specialists
Public sector administrators
Civic and community development coordinators
Consultants in public management
Researchers and academics in public policy

Potential Employers:

Government ministries and agencies
Local and regional governments
International organizations (e.g., UN, World Bank)
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in policy advocacy
Think tanks and research institutions
Public sector consulting firms
Educational institutions