Introduction
This major deals with theories and practice in international development mainly based on the experience of community development in Korea known as “Saemaul Undong,” which increasingly attracts international attention as a successful example for developing countries. In addition, students also study regional development and social welfare in international development context. This will help students equip with a wide range of knowledge and skills required to be an expert and practitioner in this field.
Thus, this major focuses primarily on providing an education that fosters experts in the applied social science field needed for international development and social welfare. It also offers a solid grounding of theories and methodologies in planning theory, community development and organization, international social welfare practice and policy, welfare administration, social research and statistics, regional planing, economic development, geographical information system, etc.
History
This major was first established as the Department of Community Development in 1976, in which the first to fourth batch of students were admitted on a special basis and received full scholarships for their entire studies. After graduating, they were employed as government officials. In 1987, its name was changed to the Department of Regional Development and was under the College of Political Science and Public Administration. In 1999, it was changed to the Major of Regional Development as part of the School of Public Administration and night courses was also introduced. In 2007, the major became an independent department again and the name was changed to the Major of Regional Development and Welfare Administration. Then in 2015, the Department have the current name and more specialized in international development.
Students in the department can have double major in social welfare which lead to level two certifications as a social worker upon graduation. In 1987, master's degree programs were installed, PhD courses were also put into place from 1999.
Job Fields
Having completed the program, students will have acquired knowledge on many issues of international development and social welfare. Students with dual certificate will have opportunities to get involved in Official Development Assistance programmes (ODAs), international development activities of NGOs and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as well as social welfare programs in the sector of government, finance, public corporations, business, press and research, etc. Certificates related to this major can be applied to ODA experts, social workers, social research analysts, and policy analysis evaluators. Other international development related certificates are expected to be introduced soon.
