Fordham University, Graduate Program in International Political Economy and Development (IPED)

 

Fordham University’s MA in International Political Economy and Development (IPED) attracts current and future professionals involved with international economic issues as policy analysts and administrators. The program’s advanced interdisciplinary approach builds on a rigorous foundation of analytical skills and practical field experience.

“Our curriculum and our location in New York City are ideal for anyone who wishes to be at the center of the world economy,” says Henry Schwalbenberg, director of the IPED program. The IPED program is also attractive for its small size, with no more than 25 to 30 students in each cohort.

“Generous financial support is available for highly qualified students,” says Schwalbenberg. About 60 percent of current students have fellowships, including five students each year who participate in the U.S. Peace Corps Coverdell Fellowship program. Financial help is also available to help support students in their summer internships.

Most students do internships abroad, in New York City, or in Washington, D.C. Students also participate in IPED study tours each year to countries such as The Philippines and South Africa and on career trips in the U.S.

“A big highlight of the year is when we take students on career trips to Washington D.C. or Manhattan and meet with alumni,” says Schwalbenberg. “It’s very impressive to see what our alumni are doing now.” Because of the program’s small size, Schwalbenberg gets to know the students, and he enjoys seeing how their careers progress.

About 40 percent of Fordham IPED alumni are in the private sector with firms such as Credit Suisse, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Ernst & Young, Thomson Reuters, and Standard & Poor’s. Another 25 percent are employed by nonprofit organizations, often overseas as project managers for Lutheran World Relief, Catholic Relief Services, or Save the Children. About 22 percent serve as analysts or managers at government agencies such as the U.S. International Trade Administration or with international organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Among the remaining 13 percent, many pursue PhDs in one of the social sciences.

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