Development Management is a professional degree that focuses on the practical skills needed to manage development projects and programs. Students in development management programs learn about project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, as well as financial management, human resources, and communication. Development management degrees are often offered by business schools or public policy schools.
Development Studies is a more academic degree that focuses on the social, economic, and political factors that affect development. Students in development studies programs learn about the history of development, the different theories of development, and the challenges facing developing countries. Development studies degrees are often offered by social science departments, such as economics, political science, and sociology.
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between development management and development studies:
| Feature | Development Management | Development Studies |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Practical skills for managing development projects | Social, economic, and political factors affecting development |
| Degree type | Professional | Academic |
| Department | Business school or public policy school | Social science department |
Ultimately, the best degree for you depends on your career goals. If you want to work in the field of development management, then a degree in development management is the best choice. If you are more interested in the academic study of development, then a degree in development studies is the better option.