About IDE
Study Economics at Yale. Make an Impact Around the World.
Welcome to International and Development Economics (IDE) at Yale, an intensive one-year master’s program designed to equip you with the tools to navigate today’s global development landscape. The IDE Program offers rigorous academic training in quantitative analysis, preparing students for PhD research and policy positions that require a working knowledge of graduate-level economics.
About the Program
The IDE program combines a rigorous curriculum with a warm, collaborative environment, fostering both personal and professional growth. The program enrolls about 30-35 students a year, allowing close relationships among advisors, lecturers, and students. This level of attention is very rare among similar master programs. We are also part of a diverse and thriving graduate school community of over 5,000 students at Yale: In addition to our core curriculum, students can take classes and participate in events at the School of Management, Law School, School of the Environment, School of Global Affairs, and more.
About Your Classmates
Many of the IDE students are from developing countries, but the key characteristic of all IDE students is that they have a strong interest in international and development economics. While most of our students come directly to the program from undergraduate programs, many others come after working for between 2 and 5 years in either the private sector, government agencies, or policy analysis and research organizations. We truly welcome these varied experiences. Students benefit from the diversity in the cohort as each individual experience enriches class debates.
About Our Alumni
Our alumni network is strong, and graduating students go on to make an impact across the global development landscape:
- Academia: graduates have gone on to do PhDs at Berkeley, Harvard, LSE, MIT, Yale, and more, with many now holding tenured faculty positions.
- Governmental or International Organizations: such as Singaporean ministries, Bank of Japan, or the United Nations.
- Policy and Research Groups: including J-PAL, IPA, EPoD, IDinsight, the World Bank, and the IMF.
- Private Sector: including consulting (McKinsey, Compass Lexecon) and finance (Nomura, Goldman Sachs, Wise)
What Makes IDE Stand Out From Other Programs?
- Research Opportunities: We help you apply your data skills through IDE Research Assistantships with renowned Yale researchers in international development.
- STEM Designation Benefits: International students can enjoy a 1+2 year Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension due to our STEM-certified degree.
- Intensive One-Year Curriculum: Accelerate your career with our focused and demanding program that doesn't compromise on depth or quality.
- Personalized Learning Environment: Thrive in small cohorts of 30–35 students, ensuring individual attention and mentorship from world-renowned faculty.
- Events and Networking: We bring leading policymakers and economists to you. Participate in conferences and events hosted by the Economic Growth Center (EGC), including our annual Kuznets Lecture, and other events such as Firms, Trade, and Development Conference and Climate, Environment, and Economic Growth Conference.
A Supportive and Collaborative Environment
We pride ourselves on fostering a close-knit community where students support each other. The varied experiences of our students enrich class discussions and enhance learning. Whether you come directly from undergraduate studies or bring professional experience, you'll find a welcoming environment that values your unique perspective.
Opportunities for Joint Degrees
There is the possibility of including IDE in one of two joint programs at Yale: IDE and Yale School of the Environment (YSE), or IDE and School of Public Health. Both joint programs require 2.5 years of study at Yale. Learn more here.
Join a Legacy of Excellence
Since 1955, the IDE program has been shaping leaders in economics and development. Our alumni have pursued PhD programs at top universities and have made significant impacts in government agencies, international organizations, research institutions, and the private sector.
If you're passionate about making a difference in the world through economics, the IDE program at Yale is your gateway to success. We're looking for driven individuals ready to take on the challenges of today's global development landscape.
Learn More and Apply
Discover how the IDE program can transform your career. Visit our admissions page for more information on the application process, deadlines, and requirements.
We look forward to welcoming you to our community.
