Welcome
We are dedicated to examining the related fields of International Policy and Development from interdisciplinary perspectives and providing our students with the exceptional research, analytical and writing skills needed to enhance the existing knowledge in those fields in ways that are mutually beneficial to the academic and public policy communities.
Our distinguished faculty members have backgrounds in a complementary range of academic disciplines, including economics, geography, history, international studies and political science. Their talents are reflected in a curriculum that incorporates elements of each of those disciplines into research fields in Economic Development, Political Development/Security Studies and Social/Cultural Development.
We have a diverse student body whose membership is drawn from across the United States and the world. It includes academics, bankers, corporate executives, diplomats, law enforcement officers, military officers and representatives of non-governmental organizations.
Above all, it is the interaction between faculty and students with a variety of academic and professional interests and experiences—both in person and from thousands of miles apart in the online environment—that enable us to continue to make enduring contributions to the fields of International Policy and Development year after year.
Please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail or telephone with any questions you may have regarding the program. I look forward to interacting with you in the future.
David L. Butler, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, International Development Doctoral Program
david.butler@usm.edu
601.266.4735