The Master of Professional Studies in International Development program provides an interdisciplinary program of study for those who have experience in international development and are seeking to upgrade or update their educational qualifications. Training is offered in both a substantive specialization (such as population, planning, science and technology policy, or nutrition), and in areas of analysis for implementing objectives (development administration, development economics, development politics, development sociology, or international communication). A specialized concentration in some area of development policy, such as women in development or national reserve management, may serve as the student's concentration with the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies and the student's advisor.

The degree program requires at least 30 credits of course work and two residence units. Six credits are earned for an applied research project. About half of the work is in the student's area of concentration, and half is in complementary areas of analysis. Candidates can expect to complete their degree requirements in eleven to eighteen months. If more work in the substantive specialization is desired, the candidate is expected to undertake the work during the summer or in an additional semester.