Online Graduate Certificate in Global Development and Innovation
Arizona State University’s graduate certificate in global development and innovation empowers you to play a key role in overseeing and managing complex development challenges. This highly customizable certificate provides a solid grounding on theories regarding how innovations emerge, how they diffuse across societies and their impact on global development policies and practices. This certificate is designed for professionals working in development, innovation, policy, science and engineering.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 5
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 15
What is global development?
Often linked with human well-being, global development is centered on improving access to opportunities for people worldwide through efforts to reduce poverty and inequality and better health and education. With a focus on creating a better future for all, global development moves away from its association of development within the context of international aid to study the underlying processes that address 21st-century development challenges.
How this certificate prepares you for roles in international development
When studying global development, you’ll build the knowledge required to inspire and enact positive change by addressing human needs.
This global development and innovation graduate certificate allows you to address the knowledge and skill gaps that development practitioners often struggle with. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped with key abilities and competencies necessary to effectively lead change efforts, including:
- Incorporating current perspectives in the field into your strategy.
- Transforming an idea into an actionable plan for development.
- Understanding varying cultural sensitivities and dispositions.
- Working with stakeholders from communities to policymakers.
ASU is the only university to offer a graduate certificate in global development and innovation. While many schools offer degrees in this field, the certificate option is unique. As a student or working professional interested in international development, a certificate can offer more flexibility in terms of course options and time commitments.
Will my certificate say "online"?
No, Arizona State University’s certificates and diplomas don’t specify whether you earn them online or in person. All certificates, diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Global development courses
Global development is an especially broad concept. We understand that your specific areas of interest and long-term goals are unique, which is why this certificate is customizable with multiple elective course options.
What can I do with a certificate in global development?
This certificate supports a range of careers in international development. As a graduate, you may work for organizations in the public, private or nonprofit sectors. Career field examples include, but aren’t limited to:
Educators who understand global development
The College of Global Futures faculty includes internationally renowned thought leaders and researchers. This group of global scholars brings together leading experts to develop transdisciplinary solutions for the world’s most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges. Our faculty members prepare students to create long-lasting change and contribute to a positive future for people and the planet.
Educators who understand global development
The College of Global Futures faculty includes internationally renowned thought leaders and researchers. This group of global scholars brings together leading experts to develop transdisciplinary solutions for the world’s most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges. Our faculty members prepare students to create long-lasting change and contribute to a positive future for people and the planet.
How to apply
Applicants to the graduate certificate in global development and innovation program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Global Futures.
Creating tomorrow’s solutions, today
The College of Global Futures is dedicated to building a sustainable and equitable future for the planet and society. These initiatives support ASU’s overarching commitment to innovation, research and delivering high-quality academic programs. ASU is recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report and receives accolades from other prestigious organizations.
#1
in innovation for 10 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
#1
university in the U.S. in pursuit of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
#1
“Cool Schools” for sustainability by Sierra Club for campus sustainability.
Top 10
best online bachelor’s programs.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
