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MA in Development Studies at University of Mysore
Mysuru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Development Studies at University of Mysore Mysuru?
This Development Studies program at University of Mysore focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to socio-economic progress. It integrates economics, sociology, political science, and environmental studies to address complex development challenges. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical grounding and practical application, crucial for understanding India''''s diverse developmental landscape and contributing to inclusive growth.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from arts, social sciences, or even engineering backgrounds who are passionate about social change and sustainable development. It also suits working professionals in NGOs, government agencies, or CSR initiatives seeking to deepen their theoretical knowledge and practical skills for effective policy-making and program implementation.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue impactful careers in government sectors, international organizations, NGOs, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) departments across India. Typical roles include Project Officer, Policy Analyst, Research Associate, and Community Development Manager, with entry-level salaries ranging from INR 3-6 LPA, growing significantly with experience in the development sector.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Interdisciplinary Base- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with foundational subjects across economics, sociology, and political science. Attend workshops on academic writing and critical thinking to articulate complex development issues effectively. Form study groups to discuss theories and their relevance to Indian contexts.
Tools & Resources
University Library resources, JSTOR, Google Scholar, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A solid theoretical foundation is essential for analyzing policy and project impacts, which are core functions in development sector roles.
Master Research Methodology Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to Research Methodology (DS 405) and actively participate in assignments involving data collection, analysis, and report writing. Utilize statistical software like SPSS or R for quantitative analysis and learn qualitative data analysis techniques.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R/Stata (university labs), NVivo for qualitative data, Research papers
Career Connection
Strong research skills are indispensable for roles in policy analysis, monitoring and evaluation, and academic research.
Engage with Current Affairs and Policy Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly follow Indian development news, government policies (e.g., NITI Aayog reports), and socio-economic indicators. Participate in university seminars, debates, and guest lectures to understand diverse perspectives on contemporary development challenges in India.
Tools & Resources
The Hindu, Indian Express, Economic and Political Weekly, NITI Aayog website
Career Connection
This awareness enhances interview performance and prepares you for real-world policy formulation and advocacy roles.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Field-Based Internships- (Semester 2 summer break, Semester 3 (DS 506 Project/Internship))
Actively seek and complete internships with NGOs, government departments (like Rural Development and Panchayat Raj), or social enterprises after your second semester. Focus on understanding ground realities, project implementation, and community engagement.
Tools & Resources
University career cell, DevNetJobsIndia.org, LinkedIn, Networking events
Career Connection
Practical field experience is crucial for securing placements and applying theoretical knowledge in real development settings.
Specialize through Electives and Projects- (Semester 3-4)
Carefully choose optional papers in Semesters 3 and 4 that align with your career interests (e.g., Disaster Management, Agricultural Development). Utilize project work and assignments to delve deeper into these specialized areas and build a portfolio.
Tools & Resources
Syllabus elective list, Faculty advisors, Relevant case studies
Career Connection
Specialization helps differentiate your profile and makes you a stronger candidate for niche roles within the development sector.
Participate in Development Conferences/Workshops- (Semester 3-4)
Attend state-level or national-level conferences and workshops on development themes. Present papers if possible or volunteer. This builds your network with practitioners, academics, and policymakers, and keeps you updated on sector trends.
Tools & Resources
University notices, Indian Social Science Council events, NGO forums
Career Connection
Networking is vital for discovering job opportunities, mentorship, and understanding evolving industry demands.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation Research- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to your Dissertation (DS 555) on a topic relevant to contemporary Indian development. Aim for high-quality primary or secondary research, guided by your faculty mentor, to produce a substantial academic output.
Tools & Resources
Research databases, Statistical software, Faculty guidance, Academic writing tools
Career Connection
A strong dissertation showcases your analytical and research capabilities, critical for research-intensive roles and higher studies.
Focus on Professional Communication Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Develop strong oral and written communication skills for diverse audiences, including report writing for policymakers, presentations for communities, and effective team communication. Practice presenting your research findings clearly and concisely.
Tools & Resources
Public speaking clubs, Mock interviews, Professional writing workshops
Career Connection
Effective communication is paramount for advocacy, fundraising, project management, and policy dissemination in development.
Build a Career Portfolio and Network Strategically- (Semester 4)
Compile a portfolio of your research papers, project reports, internship certificates, and any publications. Actively network with alumni and professionals through LinkedIn and career fairs. Prepare rigorously for placement interviews, focusing on case studies and ethical dilemmas.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University alumni network, Placement cell resources, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
A well-prepared portfolio and strong network significantly enhance placement prospects in a competitive job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor Degree in Arts (BA) / Social Sciences / Human Sciences / Sciences / Engineering & Technology / Management & Commerce / Law with 45% marks (40% for SC/ST/Cat-I) and passing the Post-Graduate Entrance Examination conducted by the University of Mysore.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 96 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS 401 | Theoretical Foundations of Development Studies | Core | 4 | Introduction to Development Studies, Major Development Theories, Economic Growth vs. Development, Sustainable Development, Human Development Indicators |
| DS 402 | Economics of Growth and Development | Core | 4 | Concepts of Economic Growth, Theories of Development, Models of Development, Poverty and Inequality, Role of State in Development |
| DS 403 | Sociology of Development | Core | 4 | Sociological Theories of Change, Development as a Social Process, Culture and Modernization, Social Stratification, Collective Action |
| DS 404 | Politics of Development | Core | 4 | State and Development, Political Regimes, Governance and Public Policy, International Political Economy, Conflict and Development |
| DS 405 | Research Methodology for Development Studies | Core | 4 | Research Design, Qualitative Methods, Quantitative Methods, Data Analysis, Report Writing Ethics |
| DS 406 | Population and Development | Optional/Soft Core | 4 | Demographic Theories, Population Dynamics, Population Structure, Demographic Transition, Population Policy |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS 451 | Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | Core | 4 | Concept of Sustainable Development, Millennium Development Goals, Introduction to SDGs, SDG Targets and Indicators, Achieving Sustainable Development |
| DS 452 | Human Resource Development | Core | 4 | Concepts of HRD, Human Capital Formation, Education and Development, Health and Productivity, Skill Development |
| DS 453 | Urbanization and Development | Core | 4 | Theories of Urbanization, Urban Growth Trends, Urban Challenges, Urban Planning, Smart Cities Initiatives |
| DS 454 | Rural Development | Core | 4 | Concepts of Rural Development, Rural Poverty Alleviation, Agrarian Reforms, Rural Policies, Panchayati Raj |
| DS 455 | Gender and Development | Core | 4 | Gender Concepts, Patriarchy and Development, Gender Mainstreaming, Women''''s Empowerment, Gender Based Violence |
| DS 456 | Development Planning | Optional/Soft Core | 4 | Planning Concepts, Models of Planning, Decentralized Planning, Planning in India, Project Cycle Management |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS 501 | Environmental Economics and Development | Core | 4 | Environmental Problems, Environmental Valuation, Climate Change, Environmental Policies, Sustainable Resource Management |
| DS 502 | Health and Development | Core | 4 | Health Indicators, Health Systems, Public Health Policies, Nutrition and Child Development, Disease Burden |
| DS 503 | Social Justice and Development | Core | 4 | Concepts of Social Justice, Inequality and Discrimination, Affirmative Action, Human Rights, Social Exclusion |
| DS 504 | Governance and Development | Core | 4 | Good Governance Principles, Public Administration, Corruption and Accountability, E-Governance, Role of NGOs and Civil Society |
| DS 505 | Disaster Management | Optional/Elective | 4 | Types of Disasters, Disaster Risk Reduction, Emergency Preparedness, Mitigation Strategies, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction |
| DS 506 | Project / Internship | Project | 4 | Problem Identification, Project Design, Data Collection, Fieldwork Experience, Report Writing and Presentation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS 551 | Development Administration | Core | 4 | Concepts of Development Administration, Bureaucracy and Development, Decentralization, Public Sector Reforms, Administrative Ethics |
| DS 552 | Role of Civil Society in Development | Core | 4 | Concept of Civil Society, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Advocacy and Social Mobilization, Participatory Development |
| DS 553 | Globalisation and Development | Core | 4 | Concepts of Globalization, Trade and Development, Foreign Direct Investment, International Financial Institutions, Critiques of Globalization |
| DS 554 | Agricultural Development | Optional/Elective | 4 | Agrarian Structure, Green Revolution, Agricultural Policies, Food Security, Sustainable Agriculture |
| DS 556 | Indigenous Knowledge & Development | Optional/Elective | 4 | Concepts of Indigenous Knowledge, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Local Health Practices, Role in Sustainable Development, Intellectual Property Rights |
| DS 555 | Dissertation | Project/Dissertation | 4 | Research Problem Formulation, Literature Review, Methodology Design, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing and Presentation |
