Inside the CDE
Welcome to the CDE
The Center for Development Economics (CDE) at Williams College offers
an intensive, one academic year, master's degree program designed for
economists from low and middle-income countries who have some practical
experience. The goal of the program is to provide students with a
thorough understanding of the development process, emphasizing analytical
techniques helpful to policymakers. The result is an effective mix of
theory and policy application that enables students to be more objective
in their home environment.
Over the years, the CDE has trained more than 1000 students from 100
nations around the world in an intellectual and residential atmosphere
that is rigorous yet supportive and friendly. While individual graduates
have risen to the highest levels of service in their governments, we are
most proud of the commitment to development demonstrated by more than 90
percent of alumni who still live and work in their home countries.
CDE faculty members have Ph.D. degrees from among the most prestigious
institutions in the U.S. and around the world. They also have extensive
teaching and practical experience, many having either lived in developing
countries (often as government consultants) or worked for international
organizations such as the World Bank and the IMF. Small classes at the
CDE allow individual attention from a faculty that is readily available
to meet with students outside of the scheduled class time.
The admissions process is highly selective. Candidates for the CDE
program include those with superior first degrees (often in economics)
and who have demonstrated responsibility early in their careers in public sector institutions or in non-governmental organizations.
The CDE works closely with foreign governments, with international agencies,
and with admitted candidates to arrange funding for incoming students.
We normally enroll about twenty-five individuals per year. While the
application deadline is December 31, we strongly encourage earlier
submission to increase funding opportunities.