Application Information for Prospective Students

The IDCE department stresses a cross-disciplinary approach, drawing from the strength of the four main graduate programs. IDCE masters degrees offer opportunities for present or future development professionals to move from entry-level positions to career-track opportunities. Strong applicants for IDCE's four competitive graduate programs will often have overseas, fieldwork, research, professional, and/or internship experience prior to applying. Each program requires a minimum of 12 course units as well as a final M.A./M.S. project, which is a culmination of the M.A./M.S. experience. Many students gain additional experience through an internship, overseas research project, or applied training during their studies.

Most students complete the degree requirements in 2 years as a full-time student. Students in the Geographic Information Science for Development and Environment program can complete the program in three semesters, although some prefer the two-year schedule. Exceptionally qualified students may complete the program in a 12-month intensive track. All tracks begin in mid-to-late August each fall.

Entrance Requirements

Entrance requirements include a bachelor's degree, a completed IDCE application that includes a personal statement, transcripts from all applicable undergraduate schools that you have attended, three references (one of which is academic), a resume or CV, and an application signature page. Also, please include $50 application fee in the form of a check drawn on a US bank or money order made out to Clark University. (International applicants have the option of submitting their application fee through Peer Transfer).

Applicants from countries in which English is not their first language must also submit original test scores from either:

• 1. a TOEFL score of at least 577 (233 on the computer-based test) or
• 2. a 90 on the iBT (Internet Based TOEFL) or
• 3. a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS.

Scores must be submitted with the application. All application materials must be submitted before January 15 for entrance the following August. Late applications will be accepted if openings become available after the deadline has passed; contact Admissions to inquire about openings. (Only complete files are considered for admission.)

International applicants are exempted from the TOEFL requirement if they have completed their undergraduate studies in a four-year college/university in the United States.

Strong Applicants

IDCE programs seek students with a clear commitment to work in the fields of development and environment. Graduate students generally focus their studies on sustainable resource management, globalization, conflict negotiation, displacement, gender and development, vulnerability assessment, community institutions, grassroots participation, regional integration, or geographic information systems. The Admissions Committee looks for a good academic record, excellent recommendations from academic and professional sources, and two or three years of field experience. A candidate’s statement of purpose and career intentions are also important.

The ES&P admissions committee looks for a firm science foundation e.g. successful previous coursework in biology, chemistry, and/or physics. In addition, math/quantitative skills are expected, and the Committee also looks for evidence of coursework in this area.

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Applying to IDCE

IDCE has four separate options for degrees and programs. Please select the program/degree in which you are interested.

• Master's (M.A./M.S.) Degrees
• Dual-Degrees Programs
• Accelerated B.A./Master's Degree Program
• Undergraduate Degree

Visiting IDCE

Please note that IDCE strongly encourages you to visit during one of our planned Info Sessions, Open House, or Visitor's Day. This is to ensure faculty and current student availability. If you cannot make one of these dates, please contact the Admissions Office and we will try to accommodate you on a personalized visit.

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IDCE Open House/Info Sessions/Visitor's Day

IDCE hosts a Fall Open House, Spring Visitor's Day (April 5, 2013 - RSVP to idce@clarku.edu), and various Info Sessions at the IDCE House located at 10 Hawthorne Street, Worcester. Please contact Admissions to inquire about the schedule for the 2011-2012 academic year. Please know that IDCE waives the $50 application fee for those who attend an Admissions event.

Get more information on Visitor's Day.

Directions

Click here for directions to the IDCE House, just off Clark University's main campus. Our address is 10 Hawthorne Street (though the mailing address is 950 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610).

Contact Admissions

Remember to view the Frequently Asked Questions about admission to the IDCE Graduate Programs. If you still have questions, contact us:

IDCE Graduate Admissions Office
International Development, Community, and Environment Department
Clark University
950 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01610-1477 USA

Admissions Phone: 508-793-7205
Fax: 508-798-4386
Admissions email: idce@clarku.edu
Paula Hall, Graduate Admissions Manager: phall@clarku.edu
Brittany Crompton, Graduate Admissions Assistant: bcrompton@clarku.edu

You may also want to visit:

Graduate Admissions www.clarku.edu/graduate
Undergraduate Admissions www.clarku.edu/admissions/apply

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