Master of Development Project & Program Management
A focused, professionally oriented online program designed for learners seeking practical skills in development project management, program coordination, MEAL, project finance, donor compliance, and evidence-informed decision-making.
Duration
9 Months
Delivery
100% Online
Full Fee
USD 3,500
Scholarship
90% for Afro-Asia
Program Overview
Building Practical Skills for Development Practice
The Master of Development Project & Program Management is a professionally oriented postgraduate program designed for individuals seeking to strengthen their ability to plan, manage, monitor, finance, and lead development projects and programs across NGO, public sector, donor-funded, and social impact settings.
The program combines applied project management, program strategy, monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning, project finance, and Theory of Change. It supports learners in building the practical knowledge and professional judgment required to design stronger interventions, manage implementation, track results, use resources responsibly, and make evidence-informed decisions in complex development environments.
This program is especially relevant for professionals and emerging practitioners who want a structured, practical, and career-focused learning pathway in development project and program management.
Quick Reference
At a Glance
Target Audience
Who This Program Is For
This program is designed for learners seeking practical development-sector skills and stronger readiness for project, program, MEAL, finance, grants, and coordination roles.
The program is suitable for:
Eligibility
Entry Requirements
Applicants are generally expected to demonstrate the following qualifications. Applications are reviewed by the Admissions Team as part of the admission and scholarship review process.
Program Benefits
Why Choose This Program
The program connects project management, program strategy, MEAL, development finance, and Theory of Change into one focused 9-month learning pathway. It is built for learners who want to understand how development projects and programs are designed, financed, implemented, monitored, reported, and improved.
Focused 9-Month Pathway
A structured 9-month postgraduate pathway focused on practical development project and program management.
Integrated Curriculum
The program brings together project management, program management, MEAL, project finance, and Theory of Change in one connected learning pathway.
Applied Capstone Field Project
Learners complete a capstone project that connects learning with development practice, implementation challenges, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-informed decision-making.
Flexible Online Delivery
The program is delivered fully online, supporting working professionals and learners across different locations.
Scholarship-Supported Access
Eligible applicants from Africa and Asia may benefit from the GIHDS Global Scholarship Initiative.
What You'll Achieve
Learning Outcomes
Graduates will develop practical knowledge and professional capacity for effective development project and program management.
Upon successful completion, learners should be able to:
Plan and manage development project cycles from design to closure
Design and coordinate development programs involving multiple projects
Apply MEAL frameworks to support monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning
Manage development project finance, budgeting, financial documentation, and donor compliance
Use Theory of Change to design, review, and improve development interventions
Navigate donor requirements, reporting standards, and stakeholder expectations
Lead teams and support evidence-based decision-making in development settings
Strengthen project implementation, coordination, risk management, reporting, and learning processes
Program Structure
Curriculum
The program is structured over 9 months and includes five taught courses followed by a four-month capstone project. The curriculum builds practical knowledge progressively, moving from development project management to applied capstone practice.
Credentials
Certificate & Transcript
Upon successful completion of the program and fulfilment of all academic requirements as determined by GIHDS, eligible graduates may be issued institutional completion documents by the Institute.
These documents are issued solely by GIHDS and serve as the Institute's formal record of completion and academic performance within this program.
Master's Degree Certificate
Official institutional certificate for the program
Academic Transcript
Recording completed courses and academic performance
Letter of Recommendation
Upon request and at the Institute's discretion
Professional Opportunities
Career Pathways
The program supports career progression by building practical knowledge in project management, program coordination, MEAL, finance, accountability, reporting, and development planning.
Project & Program Management
- Project Officer
- Project Manager
- Program Officer
- Program Manager
MEAL, Grants & Finance
- MEAL Officer
- Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
- Grants Officer
- Project Finance / Budget Officer
Coordination & Leadership
- Development Program Coordinator
- Partnership Coordinator
- NGO Program Manager
- Development Project Coordinator
Career outcomes depend on each learner's prior education, experience, professional context, and labour market conditions. The program does not guarantee employment but is designed to strengthen professional readiness and sector-relevant capacity.
Investment
Tuition & Scholarship
Through the GIHDS Global Scholarship Initiative, eligible applicants from Africa and Asia who are committed to development, NGO, public sector, or social impact work may receive a 90% tuition scholarship.
Tuition
| Full Program Fee | USD 3,500 |
| Scholarship | 90% for Afro-Asia students |
How to Apply
Admissions Process
The admissions process is designed to be clear and accessible.
Application Submission
Applicants complete the online application form and submit the required information.
Application Review
The Admissions Team reviews the application and eligibility for the program and scholarship.
Admissions Offer
Successful applicants may receive an admissions offer and scholarship confirmation.
Tuition Payment
Applicants complete the required tuition payment to confirm admission.
Program Begins
Confirmed students receive program access and begin their online learning pathway.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Take the Next Step Toward
Development Leadership
Advance your knowledge and prepare for meaningful roles in development project and program management through the Master of Development Project & Program Management.
Eligible applicants from Africa and Asia may benefit from the GIHDS Global Scholarship Initiative.
Contact Admissions: admissions@gihds.org
Website: www.gihds.org