International Development Studies: Key Things Christian Students Should Know
In this piece, we’re exploring the topic of International Development Studies, what it is, why it matters, and how, as followers of Christ, we can step into this field with purpose, wisdom, and a drive for meaningful change.
What is International Development?
International Development, at its core, is about building up communities, societies, and systems by addressing poverty, injustice, inequality, and conflict. It focuses on aid and cooperation from developed to developing nations, addressing specific issues like education, health, and infrastructure through bilateral or multilateral relationships.
What is the Purpose of International Development?
The goal of International Development is to enhance the welfare and economic conditions of developing countries by tackling specific challenges such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and governance.
Such initiatives are essential for fostering progress through effective policy measures and collaboration. It aims to help with poverty reduction and achieve sustainable growth in developing countries.
This field teaches you to look beyond symptoms and ask questions like “What’s the root cause? Is it a lack of education, weak governance, or systemic inequality?”
As followers of Jesus, it reminds us that while donating food and clothes is important, addressing systemic change, the long-term solution, is part of caring for creation and following the path that God has set for us.
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:40).
Why is it Important to Study International Development?
Because issues like global poverty and pandemics affect millions of people, studying global development equips you with the knowledge and tools you need to respond wisely and compassionately. In 2024, according to Social Income and World Bank:
About 700 million people are living in extreme poverty (approximately 9.2% of the global population), living on less than $1.90 per day.
Besides those living in extreme poverty, about 26% of the global population (the equivalent of 1.3 billion people) live in moderate poverty, defined as living on between $1.90 and $3.20 per day.
Almost 50% of the world’s extreme poor live in countries affected by conflict and violence, this population being largely concentrated in developing countries such as sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Nearly half the world’s entire population lives on less than $6.85 a day.
(Sources: Social Income, World Bank)
Why should you, as a Christian student, care about studying development? International Development is about caring for people and being stewards of the earth. It's about lifting up the vulnerable, tackling injustice, and building systems that ultimately honor God’s creation. This field lets you do that on a professional level.
And how can International Development studies address the issues of poverty?
These studies focus on analyzing the root causes of poverty and designing solutions in areas like education and healthcare, highlighting the need for systemic change over temporary fixes.
It also recognizes that every person, made in God's image, has a voice that matters, and true development involves walking alongside them as they shape their futures.
What Can You Do with a Global Development Studies Degree?
A degree in International or Global Development provides you with career opportunities to build an impactful career where you can serve communities, shape policies, and drive meaningful change.
Here are some paths you can take:
Work with NGOs or Christian Humanitarian Organizations
Many organizations, both secular and faith-based, are dedicated to humanitarian relief and sustainable development, enabling you to:
Provide emergency aid (e.g., food, water, medical care) after natural disasters
Help develop education programs for children in developing countries
Contribute to long-term projects to improve access to clean water, healthcare, and economic opportunities
Here is a list of some of the best global development charities where you can contribute your time, skills, knowledge, and money, in order to engage in life-changing work:
ICM - Transforms the lives of ultra-poor families through holistic strategies that address physical, emotional, and spiritual needs
GiveWell - Identifies and recommends highly effective charities, focusing on those that save or improve lives the most per dollar donated.
Innovations for Poverty Action - Discovers and promotes effective solutions to global poverty problems by designing and evaluating interventions and supporting decision-makers to use evidence.
GiveDirectly - Allows donors to send money directly to the world's poorest households, believing that people living in poverty deserve the dignity to choose for themselves how best to improve their lives.
Become a Congressional Staffer or Policy Advisor
Roles like Congressional Staffer or Policy Advisor help influence decision-making in governments as well as international bodies to implement fair and effective development policies. In this role, you could:
Create policies that help reduce poverty and inequality
Conduct research for secular organizations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) or World Bank
Influence faith-based initiatives, helping churches and Christian organizations advocate for just policies
Address issues like human trafficking, lack of education, and lack of access to proper healthcare
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” (Isaiah 1:17)
Start a Social Enterprise of For-Profit Business
Starting a social enterprise or even a for-profit business with a focus on fighting global poverty and inequality blends business skills with social impact.
Unlike businesses focused purely on profit, social enterprises exist to solve problems. This may include providing jobs to refugees, selling fair-trade goods, or creating sustainable technology.
It can also involve the concept of earning to give, enabling to to donate money to charities and non-profit organizations that could make a real impact on the world.
By starting a business with Kingdom values, you can honor God through ethical leadership, ensuring that your work is not just profitable but also helps make an impact on the world’s most pressing problems.
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." (Proverbs 31:8-9)
Expert Spotlight
Lane Kipp is the Founder and Managing Director at All Access, helping people make a more global impact by giving towards ending global spiritual and physical poverty. He also founded Impact Builder, helping organizations make more impact and get more funding. Lane focuses on strategic giving and charity effectiveness.
Serve as a Management Consultant in Global Development
Development projects require skilled managers and consultants to ensure that resources reach the right people and are used effectively in order to meet development goals.
You can help shape how future leaders think about justice, service, and global responsibility. You’re helping raise up a generation that sees development not just as a job but as a mission.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.” (Colossians 3:23-25)
International Development Specializations & Programs
International Development is a broad field with many areas of focus. Depending on your interests and calling, you can specialize in topics and areas like conflict resolution, economic development, healthcare development, or human rights.
These specializations help you develop expertise in specific global challenges and equip you to make a meaningful impact, whether through policy or humanitarian work initiatives.
Here are 10 university programs (US and UK only) that can give you a clearer overview of global/international development studies and what they involve:
Georgetown University - Master of International Development Policy
London School of Economics and Political Science - Department of International Development
University of Oxford - Department of International Development
Programs like the ones mentioned above will equip you with the knowledge and skills to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges:
Conflict resolution: Learn to mediate disputes and foster peace in conflict areas.
Environmental stewardship: Focus on sustainable development and responsible resource management to care for God’s creation.
Economic development: Explore ways to promote financial growth and stability in developing communities.
Human rights and social justice: Advocate for vulnerable populations through policy-making and laws on a larger scale.
What Will You Learn During an International Development Program?
Generally speaking, during an International Development program, you'll gain essential skills to navigate complex global challenges:
✅ Project management
You’ll learn how to design, implement, and oversee development initiatives from start to finish.
✅ Ethics and policy-making
You’ll be able to explore the ethical and practical considerations behind development work and the decision-making processes behind policy.
✅ Research and data analysis
You’ll develop the ability to assess needs, measure impact, and use data-driven solutions for sustainable change.
Of course, these can vary depending on the specific courses, program level (Bachelor’s vs. Master’s), location, and individual preferences.
Skills Required for a Degree in International Development
Last but not least, International Development studies require more than just theoretical knowledge. It takes practice and key skills like leadership, adaptability, and critical thinking. Here’s a rough idea of the soft skills you’ll need to succeed in global development roles:
Compassionate leadership: Leading with empathy, by example, in order to empower others and drive lasting change.
Critical thinking: Analyzing problems objectively and finding ethical and practical solutions.
Adaptability: Adjusting to challenges in diverse and constantly evolving environments.
Do you need a Master’s Degree in International Development?
Many of the top pathways we recommend do not require degrees in international development.
Here are a few other things you could consider;
Studying Economics: At the bachelors or graduate level, specializing in international development. This will qualify you for many of the same jobs but give you additional options should you choose to pursue other research or business workj
Gaining work experience: Try working in operations or other roles at effective global poverty and health charities. We share some of these on our job board.
Earn-to-give: If you can land an ethical high-paying job, then you might do even more good by working in that job and donating a considerable amount of your income to effective global health and poverty charities.
Final Thoughts on International Development Studies for Christian Students
In the end, regardless of your career path, whether in humanitarian work, public policy, or social entrepreneurship, remember that your efforts are valuable when grounded in service, justice, and compassion.
Make sure you seek God’s help and trust that your education and career can create a lasting impact.
And if you need further guidance on choosing the right career that aligns with your faith, we offer free 1-on-1 advice for Christian students looking for ways to have a positive impact.
See below what our mentees have to say:
“It was a pleasure speaking with Vesa and gaining a clearer understanding of how I can be an impactful Christian while choosing the right career path to address global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and preventable diseases.” (Samuel)
“I found the entirety of the call to be very useful! I personally gained the most from the unstructured conversation that Vesa and I shared at the end -- I had been grappling with some questions/reservations/doubts about the application of effective altruism in my life. Vesa shared some illuminating, empathetic, and practical insights that curbed much of my anxiety. Thank you, Vesa!” (Stephanie)
As always, we pray you'll find purpose, trusting in Jesus to lead you on your journey.