Working to improve lives, reduce inequality and protect the environment
The world is complex, and the challenges can seem overwhelming. Here in the Department of Global Development, we unlock the energies and talents of experts from a range of disciplines to address some of the biggest problems facing humanity. We know solutions are hard. But we never stop asking questions, seeking answers and partnering with people and communities to make life better, everywhere.
With a focus on education with impact, our transdisciplinary approach emphasizes real-world engagement with communities in New York state and around the globe. Our dynamic learning atmosphere and academic culture goes beyond purely technical work to provide deep analysis and transformative solutions.
This is what we do. We catalyze change and provoke fresh understanding. We develop next-generation leaders through engaged and active learning that connects students with field experiences. This is who we are. We are committed to justice, to science, to people and we never stop striving to make direct social impact all around the globe.
Catalyzing change to build a more just world.
Students in Global Development engage with life-changing research and social impact through our two majors, four minors, innovative graduate programs, impact-driven professional development and projects spanning 30+ countries.

60+
Researchers
186
Undergraduate students
54
Graduate students
The world is complex. But we believe understanding is possible.
We take a multidisciplinary approach to tackle the biggest challenges of our time.
Food Security & Nutrition
Feeding 9 billion people by 2050
We are at the forefront of agricultural research, development and policy to ensure healthy livelihoods.
Development Sociology
Understanding human behavior and interactions
We dissect complex problems to develop innovative solutions by analyzing the structure and function of human society.
Rural & community development
Solving local problems with homegrown solutions
We collaborate with rural and urban communities in New York and across the globe to build resilience, support sustainable development and alleviate poverty.
Climate change
Sustaining a healthy Earth
We are committed to protecting the environment at every stage of development to steward sustainable food, energy and environmental resources.
Gender, race and ethnicity
Fighting for equality for everyone, everywhere
We advocate for a more just, equitable world through specialized trainings, network building and collaboration to drive change.
Economics
Confronting the cycle of poverty
With a speciality in agriculture, food and development economics, we confront global food systems and structures of inequality to alleviate poverty.
Education & leadership
Cultivating next-generation leaders
We engage with K-12 educators and school systems, adult learners and early- to mid-career professionals to promote inclusive education and training.
Plant Sciences
Breeding crops for a food-secure world
We use crop improvement to stand up to plant diseases and pests, working globally to improve plant resilience and protect our world food supply.
Demography
Studying the structure of the human population
We use a demography lens to confront problems such as inequality, population movements, social norms, family planning, access to education and more.
Confronting global challenges
We collaborate with partners in New York state and around the globe to make a difference. Explore some of our recent research, initiatives and student experiences:






Confronting global challenges
We collaborate with partners in New York state and around the globe to make a difference. Explore some of our recent research, initiatives and student experiences:









On the international stage
A home of global thought leaders.
We work to build an equitable, environmentally sustainable world through boots-on-the-ground practice, cutting edge research, innovative teaching and community-based extension.


We seek to understand before we seek to be understood. Our experts and students collaborate directly with individuals and communities to learn and develop new insights, policies and practices that make a direct impact.
Students in Global Development are encouraged to pursue hands-on learning opportunities right here in local communities and across the globe, such as the international agriculture and rural development learning experience in India.
54+
Visiting scientists & fellows
from over 20 countries
Making a sustainable impact
Recent insights, news and events in the Department of Global Development

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