Development Practice

Graduate Certificate

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Be a part of sustainable development practice.

The Regis Sustainable Development Practice program is premised on the understanding that tackling development challenges requires many kinds of knowledge and multiple points of view, interacting within an interdisciplinary approach. Sustainable Development Practice courses draw on various disciplines, including health, engineering, climate, ecology, economics, communications, mapping, metrics, culture, gender, finance, management and governance to explore a common theme. Our global classroom brings development theory into dialogue with students’ own experiences, resulting in more creative and robust real-world practice for our graduates.

The Certificate of Development Practice is customizable for students with development experience and may be applied toward the Master of Sustainable Development Practice degree program.

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Program Snapshot

Program Format
Synchronous classes may be attended in-person or remotely

Credits for Completion
12 credit hours

Tuition for the 25-26 Academic Year
$689 per credit hour

See cost of attendance

Sustainable Development Practice Classes

students at computer with book icon on top of image

DP 600: Introduction to International Development

History and theory of development, with introduction to development models including health, engineering, anthropology, policy, business, and environment.

DP 606: Gender and Development

Review key cases of gender-based oppression, empowerment and development efforts at the global level, as well as examining opportunities for community engagement in participatory development.

DP 620: Research and Learning for Development Practice

Examines methods for field and library research in the context of the entire development project management cycle and the wider community of development researchers.

"I am especially proud of our decolonized approach ... and the intentional way we create community."

Name: Emily Van Houweling
Title: Associate Professor
Hometown: Bend, Oregon

Learn More about Emily Van Houweling

What kind of professional expertise and knowledge do you bring to the development practice classroom?

I began my development career as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mali. Following this transformative experience, I have been involved in a wide variety of development programs and worked with large organizations like the World Bank, USAID and the Millennium Challenge Corporation, as well as a number of grassroots NGOs and non-profits. My professional expertise lies in water and sanitation access, gender issues and participatory development. My current research passion that I am pursuing with students is focused on water and sanitation gaps for unhoused people in Denver.

In your opinion, what are the greatest strengths of the Master of Development Practice and Graduate Certificate in Development Practice programs at Regis?

Our program provides a multidimensional approach to development. It is taught by a diverse group of development experts, and the students themselves are from all around the world, so our program provides an opportunity to work with and learn from a tremendous range of perspectives. I am especially proud of our decolonized approach to development and the very intentional way we create community in the classroom.

What are the key skills and/or experiences students gain in the development practice programs?

In our program, you will learn how to think globally and act locally. You will learn all the traditional development skills such as participatory planning, monitoring and evaluation and systems thinking, but also develop the ability to approach development from a grassroots, multicultural and integrated perspective.

What type of student thrives in the development practice degree and certificate programs at Regis? What sort of talents and abilities are useful in these programs?

The student who thrives in our program has some experience in community development, but also comes with an open mind and a desire to learn more! Our students come from all backgrounds and disciplines, from engineering to history to anthropology. We believe everyone has something to contribute based on their unique experience, and encourage you to bring your full self into the classroom.

Program Details

Get all the details on our Graduate Certificate of Development Practice, including course requirements and application materials.

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How to Apply

To apply to the Development Practice graduate certificate program, you will need:

Completed online application
Current resume
Admissions essay requirement
Official degree-bearing transcripts with a recommended 3.5 GPA

The first step in the application process is to contact an admissions counselor, who can evaluate your prior learning credit, provide information regarding financial aid and tuition assistance and help you through the entire application process.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year: $689 per credit hour
Total program credits: 15
Tuition is one part of the overall cost of attendance, which includes all expenses students may have, including basic living costs. For more information about tuition, fees and your estimated cost of attendance, visit our Cost of Attendance for Adult Undergraduates and Graduate Students page. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Financial support is available to those who qualify. The Regis Development Practice department is committed to bringing a diverse, international cohort of students together for deep and ongoing engagement leading to truly global development education and solutions, which requires financial accessibility for students from a wide range of local economies. The department will work within its available resources to make participation in the program feasible for all qualified students.

Regis also offers a variety of scholarships, grants and other programs to help you pay for school. Visit Financial Aid for more information.

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Application Requirements

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Important Dates

Priority Application Deadline: May 1

Admissions Decisions Finalized: May 15

Applications received after May 1 will be reviewed on a space-available basis. Your application file must be complete by the application deadline in order to be reviewed. The final application deadline for consideration to the program is July 15.

A Culture of Excellence

The Development Practice Graduate Certificate is offered by the Development Practice department within Regis College.

Learn More About the Department