The IAD Masters degree combines a set of common core courses in international agricultural development theory, analysis, and project management with a student-identified specialization aligned with each student's interests and career preparation needs.  See detailed degree requirements here.

Core Courses

200N. Philosophy and Practice of Agricultural Development (5)
Lecture/discussion—5 hours; term paper. Introduction to key elements of the philosophy and practice of agricultural development in less developed countries. Introduction to the major paradigms of development, the historical context within which these paradigms have operated, and the various development techniques and initiatives that have emerged from agricultural production to institutional capacity building and management. —I. (I.)

201. The Economics of Small Farms and Farming Systems (4)
Prerequisite: Agricultural and Resource Economics 100A or Economics 100A. Economic perspective on small farm development. Establishes a basis for predicting farmers’ responses to changes in the economic environment, and for proposing government policies to increase small farm production and improve farmer and national welfare.—II. (II.) Vosti

202N. Analysis and Determinants of Farming Systems (4)
Prerequisite: Plant Sciences 110/ PLS 111 and Plant Sciences 120. The unifying concepts of cropping systems in temperate and tropical climatic zones; agroecosystems stability, diversity and sustainability; management strategies, resource use efficiency and their interactions; the role of animals, their impact on energy use efficiency, nutrient cycling, and providing food and power.—III. (III.)

203N. Project Planning and Evaluation (4)
Prerequisite: courses 200N, 201, 202N. Interdisciplinary setting for application of student skills and specialization to a “real world” development project. Focus on team-building and effective interdisciplinary problem-solving methods, with the objective of producing a project document and presentation within a specified deadline.

290. Seminar in International Agricultural Development (1-2)
Seminar—1-2 hours. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Discussion and critical evaluation of advanced topics and issues in international agricultural development. May be repeated for credit. (S/U grading only.)— various terms

Specialization

IAD students create their specialization and choose courses for it with approval from their advisor. Sample specializations with associated courses are listed here. This list is not exhaustive but is intended to give students a sense of the breadth of possible specializations and courses. Though many sample specializations are aligned with departments, specializations can combine classes from multiple departments. Students are encouraged to talk with advisors, faculty, and fellow students to identify a specialization area and courses that fit their career objectives.

Please note that some courses may require prerequisites, and not all courses are offered every year. See the UC Davis general catalog for course scheduling and prerequisite information.

Notes on Areas of Specialization

• All courses to be taken for the specialization must be approved by the student's academic advisor.

• Plan I (thesis) requires 12 units of coursework in the specialization; Plan II (exam) requires 18 units. At least 3 units must be in 200-level classes.

• Courses taken to fulfill IAD prerequisites cannot be used to satisfy the specialization (e.g., ARE 100A, PLS 110A/C/L, PLS 120)

Summary of Degree Requirements

Thesis/Capstone Project

As an IAD student, you will conduct a project and document it in the form of a thesis or a capstone. For more information on the requirements for each, check out the Masters Thesis and Exam Plans page.