This course aims to provide students with a general introduction to the basic core competencies and practical skills required of a "generalist" development practitioner and serves as the foundation course for the curriculum. Case studies will be used to demonstrate the interconnectedness of natural sciences and engineering, social science, health sciences, and management, especially as they relate to communities.

This seminar will reinforce the multidisciplinary breadth and trans-disciplinary perspective of the master's program, providing students with the opportunity to sharpen critical policy analysis skills. The goal of the course is to help students understand the sources of public policy, that is, why we have various public policies and how to produce professional policy analysis.

Studies how project plan inputs are accurately gathered, integrated, documented and managed; the tools and techniques used in project management; and the outputs of a project plan to viable stakeholders. Considers the development of project scope, work breakdown structures, and the importance of quality, risk, and contingency management in planning development projects.

The Mel Rines Student Angel Investment Fund is a cross-disciplinary, undergraduate, student-managed private equity fund. The Fund allows students to learn angel and venture capital investment strategies through the first-hand experience of investing in start-up companies. Students evaluate entrepreneur pitches, conduct due diligence on potential investments, work with angel partners, and present to an investment committee their recommendations to invest capital. Students interested in joining the Fund must submit an application and undergo an interview process. Students in good standing may retake the course.