Bachelor in Development Economics and International Development (Bachelor's)

For Bachelor in Development Economics and International Development (Bachelor's), applications for the Jan 2027 intake close on Nov 1, 2026, and tuition is Tuition for the 2026-2027 academic year is $34,500 per year..

This programme focuses on economic development through a Christian perspective, preparing students to serve disadvantaged communities locally and internationally. Students combine coursework in economics, finance, management, and international business with humanities subjects like politics and anthropology. Hands-on experiences include international travel, campus-based development projects, and internships with global organizations. The curriculum emphasizes practical application of skills in real-world development settings.

Focus areas include urban planning, nonprofit management, international development, microfinance, redemptive entrepreneurship, community development.

The programme requires a total of 120 credits, distributed across core courses in economics, international business, and finance, along with humanities and social science electives. Students complete a practicum through internships, study abroad experiences, or participation in the Collaboratory and International Business Institute.

Graduates enter roles such as development advisor, NGO employee, community planner, or manager in international or local development organizations.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required. Submission of official transcripts, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation is required.

The programme totals about 120 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, typically four years. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 78% of applicants.

Messiah University’s identity is rooted in Christian community and the conviction that faith should shape academic and student life. Its motto, “Christ Preeminent,” guides the university’s approach to education, with values that include sharpening intellect, deepening Christian faith and inspiring action. The institution has grown into a private university of the liberal and applied arts and sciences, serving 3,454 undergraduate and graduate students.

Academic options span more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs, with over 150 undergraduate and pre-professional degree options and more than 20 graduate degree and certificate programs. Areas of study are organized across interests and career fields. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program connects classroom learning, clinical expertise, scholarship and professional development. Faculty research and continuing education also extend into international clinical communities, including advanced manual therapy teaching in Rome.

The university’s 375-acre campus is in Mechanicsburg, in central Pennsylvania, and provides an active residential setting shaped by Christian community. Average class size is 20, with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. International students should expect faith to be integrated into academic programs and daily experience, alongside opportunities for service, athletics and campus involvement. Students come from 33 states and 23 countries, adding an international dimension to campus life.