Overview

Rural Development is an interdisciplinary field of study oriented towards the economic, social, and infrastructural development of rural areas. It tries to bring improvement in the quality of life and economic well-being of people living in relatively isolated and sparsely populated areas. The Master of Arts in Rural Development is a 2-year full-time course divided into 4 semesters. This course is designed to offer advanced knowledge about rural economics, governance, development policies, and sustainable practices for rural societies.
 

Course Objectives

MA in Rural Development will equip students with advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in rural planning and development. The course is structured to train students to analyse policies designed for rural areas and their social structures and apply practices to sustainable development. It will also help to build expertise in the design of strategies for rural advancement, agricultural development, and community empowerment. At the completion of this course, students will be prepared to participate meaningfully in rural development projects, public policy, NGOs, and research institutions.
 

Course Curriculum

M.A. in Rural Development is a two-year, four-semester program that integrates theoretical frameworks with practical applications. One will be introduced to the socioeconomic dynamics of rural communities, development policy, agricultural economics, and various rural management strategies. Students will acquire skills in project management, planning, and evaluation of rural development initiatives.
Core subjects of the course include:

Semester I

1. Foundations of Rural Development
2. Rural Society and Social Structures
3. Rural Economy and Livelihoods
4. Rural Governance and Policies
    

Semester II

1. Development Theories and Policies
2. Agriculture and Sustainable Development
3. Microfinance and Rural Development
4. Natural Resource Management
    

Semester III

1. Poverty and Rural Development
2. Health and Education in Rural Areas
3. Rural Entrepreneurship and Innovation
4. ICT for Rural Development
    

Semester IV

1. Fieldwork and Rural Development Project
2. Rural Development Finance and Budgeting
3. Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods
    

Career Opportunities

Dedicated and skilled professionals have multiple career options:

1. Rural Development Officer
2. Government agency
3. NGOs
4. Rural industries
5. Project Head
6. Rural Manager