Why Choose the IAD Program?
The UC Davis Master of Science in International Agricultural Development is one of the only graduate programs of its kind in the United States. We train the next generation of food systems professionals and thought leaders, who go on to work at organizations like the United Nations, the World Bank, and leading NGOs and industry, here in California and around the world.
IAD students take on the questions the world urgently needs answered: how to feed a growing population, adapt farming to a changing climate, and build livelihoods that last. Students spend a summer embedded with a partner organization in the field, complete applied capstone projects on real challenges, and graduate with the skills, networks, and experience that define careers in global agricultural development. Our alumni are active in more than 40 countries.
Whether you’re coming from a background in agricultural science, international studies, economics, or field experience — there’s a place for you here.
What is IAD?
Why Us?
- Achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) requires practitioners and researchers who understand both the science of farming systems and the politics, economics, and social dynamics that shape global food systems.
- While most graduate programs train either narrow specialists or broad generalists, IAD bridges that gap—building the cross-disciplinary expertise employers across research, government, and industry actively seek.
- As part of UC Davis, a world-leading agricultural research institution, IAD students learn directly within and contribute to an elite research environment.
- Rather than a traditional thesis, IAD students complete an embedded capstone project with a vetted partner organization, graduating with practical experience, strong connections, and career-ready credentials.
