Development Studies (BA in Development Studies)

Development Studies (BA in Development Studies)

Bachelor Degree

Development Studies (BA in Development Studies)

Why Choose this Program?

The Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies (BA in Development Studies) program was designed to:

  1. Receive a rigorous interdisciplinary education drawing on economics, sociology, political science, environmental studies, psychology, and public policy to understand complex development challenges.
  2. Engage with major development theories and contemporary policy frameworks, including modernization theory, dependency theory, political economy approaches, and sustainable development.
  3. Connect academic knowledge to real-world development practice through applied coursework, field research, and community-oriented learning.
  4. Understand Cambodia’s national development priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals within both local and global contexts.
  5. Develop strong analytical, research, and professional communication skills grounded in ethical conduct, reflective practice, and evidence-based reasoning.
  6. Prepare for careers in government, international organizations, NGOs, research institutions, and the private sector across Cambodia and the broader region.

Future Career Prospects

Graduates from this program will be able to pursue careers such as:

  1. Development planner, policy analyst, or program officer in government ministries and public agencies focused on poverty reduction and social policy.
  2. Program coordinator, monitoring and evaluation specialist, or project officer at international development organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, or Asian Development Bank.
  3. Community development officer, advocacy specialist, or humanitarian program coordinator in NGOs and civil society organizations.
  4. Research associate or policy analyst at think tanks, academic institutions, and development research centers applying social science methods to policy and practice.
  5. Corporate social responsibility officer, social impact analyst, or sustainability consultant in the private sector.
  6. Graduate student in development studies, public policy, international affairs, economics, or related fields at universities in Cambodia and abroad.

Course Structure

The four-year program consists of 120 credits and is structured to provide students with a comprehensive academic foundation through a well-balanced curriculum of foundation, functional, pre-major, and major courses.

To fulfill the graduation requirements, students must successfully complete the following coursework:

YEAR 1

Course Title

Credits

Priority

English I: Reading and Composition + Lab

4

Required

Gender Studies

3

Required

Khmer Studies

3

Required

Digital Literacy + Lab

4

Required

English II: Reading and Composition + Lab

4

Required

History of Cambodia

3

Required

Environmental Science

3

Required

Introduction to Political Science

4

Required

YEAR 2

Course Title

Credits

Priority

Personal Growth and Development

4

Required

ASEAN Government, Politics and Economics

4

Required

Logic and Critical Thinking

3

Required

Introduction to Development Studies

3

Required

Introduction to Law

3

Required

Introduction to Social Psychology

3

Required

Social Change in Modern Society

3

Required

Psychology of Motivation and Leadership

3

Required

Organizational Communication and Dispute Resolution

3

Required

 

YEAR 3

Course Title

Credits

Priority

Introduction to Public Policy and Administration

3

Required

International Organizations

3

Required

Macroeconomic Principles

3

Required

Aid, Trade, and Development

3

Required

Behavioral Foundations of Public Policy

3

Required

Public Policy Analysis

4

Required

Urban Development and Planning

3

Required

Environmental and Sustainable Development

3

Required

Research Methods in the Social Sciences

4

Required

YEAR 4

Course Title

Credits

Priority

Political Sociology and Ideology

3

Required

Community Psychology

3

Required

Political Psychology

3

Required

Human Security: Power, Politics, and Perils

3

Required

Power and Social Change

3

Required

Political Economy of Development

3

Required

Poverty and Social Issues

3

Required

The Politics and Economics of Globalization

3

Required

Project Management

4

Required

GRADUATION PATH

Option I: Senior Project

6

Required

Option II: Internship + Exit Exam

6

Required

 *Note: Graduation Path: Students choose only ONE option.

 

Type: Higher Education
Faculty: Social Sciences and International Relations
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Major: Development Studies (BA in Development Studies)
Duration: 4 years