Academic programs

Academic Programs in International Development and Humanitarian Aid

International development is a field of knowledge that is part of a symbiotic relationship between theory and practice. Theoretical approaches influence the promotion and implementation of policies at the national and international level, practices of implementation in the field contribute to the development of approaches and theories, and joint learning enriches both the activity in the field and the academic world.

Israel offers several academic programs toward a master's degree in the fields of international development and humanitarian aid. Some of the programs are multidisciplinary and international, and include students from different fields of knowledge and different countries, while understanding that multidisciplinarity is essential in studying development and aid. Since the practice of development and aid is multidisciplinary and can exist in different academic spaces, there is a wide variety of programs, both bachelor's and master's degrees, that deal with tangential and complementary fields to international development and humanitarian aid.

The program for international development studies (Glocal) is a unique program for graduate studies that focuses on international development from a community perspective. With worldwide globalization processes, international development organizations are becoming central players in improving the quality of life of individuals and communities in developing regions around the world. This process deepens the relationship between different societies and exposes the professionals to various challenges arising from working in the new social environment. Part of the program includes studying the international forces shaping the development of communities and societies in countries with low socio-economic characteristics. The program provides introductory studies with an emphasis on theoretical studies along with practical knowledge from the field through examining the work of non-state international development organizations. To complement the academic knowledge, the program will impart tools enabling the adaptation of the acquired knowledge to field work. The encounter between knowledge and practice will be completed by a one-semester internship, in the second year of studies, in a project managed by a development organization in Israel or abroad. Additionally, a limited number of students will be able to enrich their knowledge in the field by undertaking a research track. This track provides an emphasis on the connection between theory and practice through the examination of specific cases from around the world. The Glocal program for international development allows you to choose between two specialization tracks: "development and gender" or "international migration and development". Additionally, the program offers a research track which includes writing a thesis.

MA degree in international development studies (Glocal)

The African studies program at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev invites you to complete a master's degree on sustainable communities in Africa.

A fulltime study program in English over a year and a half (three semesters): a year on campus, one semester completing a practical project in an African country, and the completion of a final paper.During the third semester, students must spend at least three months of an internship/research project on the African continent. One study day a week on campus. Research scholarships for eligible candidates

MA degree in African Studies in the African Sustainable Communities track, Ben-Gurion University

A one-year (two days a week) multidisciplinary program that encompasses a very wide range of issues related to emergency management, including communication and advocacy in emergency situations, ethical and legal aspects of emergency and disaster management, post-disaster rehabilitation and rebuilding routine and resilience, disaster psychology, and more. The curriculum places a central emphasis on connecting theory with practice—not only classroom studies, but also practical experience, participation in trainings, exercises and tours, and the opportunity to specialize in humanitarian aid organizations in Israel.

M.DM. degree in emergency and disaster management, Tel Aviv University

The Sustainable Development program is a master's degree taught in English, which trains students to be agents of change. This includes knowing what is really happening in developing countries, how we affect them and they affect us, what are the global and local issues that influence these areas, and how to harness technology to lead changes. Our goal is to improve the quality of life in developing countries by bringing new technologies (for example, those that allow access to clean water or advanced agricultural technologies), thus reducing the conditions of poverty and hunger. The program dedicates a semester to actively applying the theoretical studies, whether in Israel for those who choose not to travel, or in a developing country where they will be employed in projects and research.

MA degree in sustainable development

The program offers a master's degree in geography and environmental studies with a specialization in managing disaster areas and emergency situations.

The reality in Israel and around the world dictates dealing with the consequences of increasing industrialization, extreme and volatile nature, and the escalation of terrorism. Disasters are unpredictable. Therefore, it is of great importance to plan and improve the processes of prevention and preparedness, dealing with and treating the disaster—until rehabilitation. The geography and environmental studies program invites you to advance your knowledge in one of the most important fields of today and tomorrow, and, upon completion of your studies, to integrate into the various systems that deal with disasters and emergency situations.

The program focuses on dealing with natural disasters, industrial disasters, conventional and unconventional terrorist scenarios, epidemics, and more. The program provides training and expertise in dealing with emergency situations by imparting theoretical and practical knowledge and diverse analytical tools for decision-making in disasters and emergency situations and fulfilling key roles in the emergency economy. The program is based on the principles of the "disaster cycle" and focuses on each of the principles: planning, prevention, minimization, response, support and rehabilitation. The program is taught by the leading experts in academia and in the field of disaster management.

MA degree in Emergency and Disaster Management, University of Haifa

The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies offers a four-month international academic program for students in their 20s, before, during or after their undergraduate studies. The program is intended for Israeli, Palestinian, Jordanian, and international students and interns, who study and live together on campus on Kibbutz Ketura. Program participants can combine academic studies in English in the fields of practical and research experience in environmental studies, Israeli-Palestinian dialogue, and life in a diverse multicultural community. The studies include 4–5 academic courses on environmental issues, which the students choose from a wide variety of courses, both in the fields of exact sciences and social sciences. The courses are recognized by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and are accepted by many universities in Israel and around the world.

Spring semester at the Arava Institute

תכנית לימודי אפריקה בין אוניברסיטאי.jpeg

The inter-university program for African studies is a bachelor's degree program (dual track), shared by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and the Open University. BGU is the program's administrative center. A student enrolled in the program can study courses on African subjects both at the university where s/he is enrolled and at the other universities partnering with the program. The cooperation between the educational institutions expands the possibilities and enriches the curriculum. The courses in the program deal with the African continent throughout different periods in history and different aspects (historical, political, geographical, cultural, religious, and so on).

BA degree in the inter-university program for African studies

A bachelor's degree in sustainability studies at Reichman University (Herzliya Interdisciplinary Center) prepares students for leadership in key positions in the administrative, economic, and social activities of the Israeli economy and global companies. This program in sustainability is combined with studies in government or economics with a specialization in data analysis and trains professionals and entrepreneurs to solve the challenges presented by the 21st century. The program's goal is to train young people possessed with awareness, understanding, and knowledge who will be able to lead processes and develop green entrepreneurship that will address the burning environmental challenges: the climate crisis, food shortages, big data, and data analysis in aspects of sustainability, transportation, smart cities, energy, water, and more.

BA degree in Sustainability and Economics, and BA degree in Sustainability and Governance in Hebrew and English, Reichman University

The purpose of the field of social work is to expand the systems of resources available to the individual and to society, to help design reciprocal activities between people, to strengthen their control over the conditions of their lives, and to improve the quality of their lives. The profession is essential in situations of: crisis, personal and social changes, of personal limitations, of social deprivation and distress due to a disaster. The purpose of the program is to facilitate exposure to international platforms to become acquainted with new knowledge in various fields in the social work profession and to create research relationships and partnerships. Every year, a delegation of students and an accompanying lecturer will travel to the destination countries on behalf of the school. There, they will visit the partner universities, attend trainings, participate in lectures and workshops, and more.

BSW degree in social work, international program

A rich and innovative training program that combines academic knowledge in partnership with academic institutions from abroad together with practical knowledge "from the field" in collaboration with experts from all sectors: the business, the public, and the government. Development of a learning and research community to exchange opinions, share knowledge, and create new connections and optimal initiatives. Development of the impact field of research, through the integration of guided academic research with the activities of companies and organizations in the field. The use of research methodologies and methods will lead to the creation of new research-proven knowledge.

Kayama