The College of Development Studies 

Establishment

The Institute of Development Research (IDR), which was the precursor of the College of Development Studies (CoDS), was established in January 1972 with the objectives of initiating, coordinating and directing interdisciplinary research on the development problems of Ethiopia, and providing training in the field of development studies. In 2008, the IDR, along with two other units, namely RLDS and IGS, had transformed to the College of Development. Currently located at the Addis Ababa University main campus at Sidist kilo, the College works to promote gender equality and multiculturalism in its teaching and research engagements.

The College of Development Studies organized with six (6) Centres: Centre for Environment and Development Studies; Centre for Gender Studies; Centre for Population Studies, Centre for Rural Development Studies; Centre for Food Security Studies; and Centre for Local and Regional Development Studies.  The College is well-organized with qualified faculty having varied academic backgrounds and work experiences.

The major missions of the College of Development Studies were running postgraduate training, carrying out research and providing consultancy services. The College offers five (5) PhD and eleven (11) Master’s Programs in its regular and evening divisions. More MA/MSc and PhD programs are in a pipeline to be launched, particularly in the areas of disaster risk management and agricultural economics. The College aspires to expand its reach and offer short-term (in-service) training, outreach and consultancy services in the years ahead. Overall, the faculty and graduate students under these programs inform dialogue through research; assessing development practices and interventions.

Academics

Centers

Environment and Development Studies

• PhD in Development Studies (Environment)
• MA in Environment and Sustainable Development
• MA in Tourism Development and Management
• MSc in Water Resources Management

Food Security Studies

• MSc in Food Security and Development
• PhD in Food Security and Development

Gender Studies

• MA in Gender Studies

Population Studies

• MSc in Population Studies,
• PhD in Population Studies

Rural Development Studies

• MA in Rural Livelihoods and Development
• PhD in Development Studies (Rural Development)

Regional and Local Development Studies

• MA in Regional and Local Development Studies
• MA in Urban Land Administration and Management
• MA in Urban Development and Livelihoods
• PhD in Urban, Regional and Local Development