Navigating the UCLA International Development Studies (IDS) Major: A Comprehensive Guide

The UCLA International Development Studies (IDS) major offers students a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing global challenges. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the major's requirements, opportunities, and resources, drawing upon insights from current students and faculty. It's designed to help prospective and current students navigate the IDS major effectively, from initial declaration to post-graduation opportunities.

Introduction to the IDS Major at UCLA

The UCLA International Institute offers academic programs that allow students to concentrate on a specific geographical region or a global comparative approach to issues through various disciplines. The IDS major provides a framework for students interested in activism, service, and leadership related to international development. It prepares students for diverse fields, including education, government, cultural organizations, nonprofits, health, law, business, and international affairs.

Declaring the IDS Major

Eligibility and Requirements

To declare the IDS major, students must meet specific criteria, including:

Completion of six preparation courses with posted grades.
A minimum average UC major GPA of 2.0 for the preparation courses.
Completion of a modern foreign language equivalent to UCLA level 3.

Declaration Process

Preparation Courses: Ensure all non-language preparation courses are complete.
Online Declaration Form: Submit the online declaration form no later than the summer of your junior year (for the 23-24 academic year).
DARS Modeling: Before submitting the form, model your Degree Audit Report (DAR) for IDS to verify that all preparation courses are correctly displayed.
Notifications: Students meeting the minimum eligibility requirements will be declared within three weeks of form submission. Check your MY.UCLA account, inbox, and spam folder for the decision.

Double Majoring

Students can pursue IDS as a double major. To do so, they must complete the preparation courses for both majors and two upper-division courses in each major. Up to 5 upper division courses can be shared between the IDS major and another major/minor.

Core Requirements and Coursework

The IDS major has specific course requirements designed to provide a broad understanding of international development.

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Preparation Courses

A minimum of six courses are required, including:

One introductory course in international development studies (e.g., INTL DV 1).
One economics course (economic geography, microeconomics, or macroeconomics).
One statistics course.
Two years of a modern foreign language (equivalent to UCLA level 3).
Three courses from the following:
- Sociocultural anthropology
- Cultural or regional geography
- Introduction to globalization
- Introduction to international and area studies
- Contemporary history/civilization/culture of a developing region
- Comparative or world politics
- Introduction to sociology
- Introductory gender studies

Note that no more than one semester of foreign language may be used toward the minimum six major preparation courses required.

Foreign Language Requirement

Level 3 of a foreign language is required for major declaration, and Level 6 (or Spanish 5) is required for graduation.
The foreign language requirement can be met through coursework at UCLA, via a placement exam, or abroad.
If you hold an F1 visa and attended high school where instruction was not in English, the IDS foreign language requirement may be waived.
Ensure the language you are taking offers intermediate level at UCLA.
Courses may be completed in the summer at UCLA or a community college.
Language Placement Tests will give you a course recommendation. They are offered through a language's respective department. You must take the Placement Test, not the Exemption Test.
IGETC FL may be accepted as 1 year equivalent.

Core IDS Courses

Completion of any 2 core IDS courses: (IDS 110, M120, 130, 140). IDS 1 and core courses are offered once a year. All courses are also offered in the Summer. Some interesting courses include INTL DV 1 | Intro to Intl and INTL DV 130 | Theory & History in Intl.

Academic Policies and Procedures

Grading and Course Policies

All courses for the major, including preparation courses, must be taken for a letter grade, regardless of whether they are taken at UCLA or elsewhere.
The IDS major requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 for the preparation courses. There is no minimum grade requirement for individual courses as long as you get above an 'F'.
If you choose to take a course P/NP, you can still get unit credit towards your degree, but it won't count for your major.
You can only repeat a course if you receive a 'C-' or below. The newer grade will replace the previous one in your GPA (as long as you haven't exceeded the 16 unit repeat limit).
An Incomplete grade will never be replaced or removed from your DPR.
Many classes also have prerequisites, so please check with the department or consult the current schedule of classes for prerequisites.

Transfer Credits

The courses usually transfer and will show on your transcripts. You can access your DAR from URSA. It depends on the class and the score you received.

Study Abroad

Students can apply courses taken abroad toward the IDS major, subject to approval.
All courses must be pre-approved, but final approval is determined by the IDS chair via a petition (once you come back from abroad and courses have posted to your DPR).
The number of courses you take abroad will depend on how long you intend to study abroad for. Summer, semester and year-long programs are available in 42 countries.
All programs are taught in English (there are no language prerequisites).

Research and Thesis Opportunities

Honors Thesis

IDS majors have the opportunity to design and conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty advisor, culminating in an honors thesis. The IDS Library Resource Guide can help students find journals and sources for their thesis. Through her thesis, Zoe aimed to inform of ways in which policy can be leveraged to improve the educational experiences of refugees. Hayley aimed to examine how the poultry industry in Ghana has been impacted by imported chicken and other global factors.

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Independent Studies (199 Courses)

199 courses are independent studies courses in which you work directly with a professor on a course of study agreed upon by both of you. If you take a 199, you can have it count towards Part 4 (Regional or General Electives) for the IDS major. The department the 199 is listed under doesn't matter. However, the topic must be related to the courses that are already applicable to the major. Before enrolling to a 199, file a preliminary petition with our office to see if the topic of your paper is applicable to the major. Once approved, create a “Contract Course” through MyUCLA.

Internship and Career Resources

Internship Opportunities

REFLECT: Consider what kind of work you enjoy, the specific area of development you want to pursue (public health, planning, finance, human rights, education, environment, etc.), and the skills you have or need to acquire.
SEARCH: Look for internships on Handshake, attend Career Center fairs, and read our Weekly Bulletin to learn about internship and job opportunities available to International Institute Students.
You can receive academic credit by enrolling in I A STD 195CE. You must visit the Center for Community Learning for approval for your internship. If you wish to use this course towards specific IDS major requirements, please consult with an IDS advisor.

Career Paths

Alumni of the UCLA International Institute Academic Programs are involved in a multitude of fields, including the education, government, cultural, nonprofit, health, legal and business sectors and international affairs.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Studying Abroad

Financial aid might cover part of the cost, check with Financial Aid office for details. The International Institute offers scholarships for internships abroad. You can also search for scholarships, grants, & fellowships. Located at 233 Covel Commons. There are numerous books available that highlight financial aid for specific programs and destinations. Financial Aid for Study Abroad by Gail Ann Schlachter and R.

UndocuBruins Fellowship Program and MAP Scholarship

UndocuBruins Fellowship Program: a fellowship program that ensures all students, regardless of immigration status, have the opportunity to receive financial support and achieve their educational and professional goals. Mariposa Achivement Project (MAP) Scholarship: MAP Scholarship was created to support undocumented students cover the cost of academic materials. Application will close on September 23, 2022.

Additional Resources and Support

Academic Advising

With questions regarding major requirements, research, internship, etc. Expect approximately 2 business days for a response. Current UCLA students only. General academic advisor in your School/College/Department can assist you with your program plan. We are located in 10270 and 10274 Bunche Hall.

Events and Activities

Attend numerous events on specific world regions and pressing global issues.

Awards

One to two cash awards will be distributed to a graduating senior to recognize their outstanding commitment to making a difference on issues significant to international development through activism, service and leadership. or abroad. ESSAY PROMPT: In no more than 2 pages, double-spaced, please describe previous work that clearly demonstrates your commitment to making an impact on issues significant to international development through activism, service, and/or leadership. or abroad. What does activism mean to you? How has your activism enhanced your education at UCLA, especially when it comes to the core values and aims of development?

Student Life

"There is so much diversity. UCLA as a large institution can seem overwhelming, but through its student organizations and programs, it feels so small and easy to navigate.

Remote Learning

Held at scheduled times with faculty delivering course content using remote communication tools and students in attendance using those tools. Faculty will record the class and make available those scheduled activities for subsequent use by students. With the exception of office hours or review sections, there are no pre-scheduled sessions for this class.

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