Academics
Master of Science in Sustainable Development Practice (MDP)
The Master of Science in Sustainable Development Practice (MDP) at Claribel College is an intensive, multidisciplinary, four-semester (full-time) graduate programme designed to prepare current and aspiring professionals to address Jamaica and the Caribbean’s most pressing sustainable development challenges. The programme is practice-oriented and targets individuals working in, or seeking leadership roles within, government, the private sector, civil society, international development, and entrepreneurial ventures. It is offered with full-time and part-time options to accommodate working professionals within six years.
The 36-credit curriculum integrates competencies from the health sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, and management. A supervised capstone project enables students to design and implement a real-world solution to a development challenge relevant to their profession or community context, with particular attention to Jamaica’s Vision 2030 National Development Plan, the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Claribel College is a member of the Global Association of Master’s in Development Practice (MDP) Programs, part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Through this affiliation, MDP students gain immediate access to an international community of peers, faculty, and alumni across more than 30 institutions in 25 countries worldwide, enhancing global perspectives, professional networks, and collaborative learning opportunities.
Graduates of the programme hold leadership positions in government ministries and agencies, international and regional organizations, development-focused NGOs, the private sector, and have launched social and sustainability-driven enterprises.
The MDP Programme is delivered through live online meetings, allowing participants to engage directly with instructors, mentors, and peers from anywhere in Jamaica or around the world.
Admission Requirements
- Completed application form
- Bachelor’s degree or higher with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- A minimum of two years full-time work experience in sustainable development
- Two references (one from an academic source)
- One recent passport-size photograph in color (within the last six months)
- Resume or CV
- Personal statement
- An admissions interview
Prior Learning Assessment
Provisions are made for Prior Learning Assessment for the MDP Programme at Claribel College. Accepted forms of Prior Learning Evidence include the following:
- Portfolio assessment
- Professional experience
- Professional certifications and training
- Military training
- Entrepreneurial and community-based learning
- Challenge examinations or interviews (where applicable)
International Students
We invite international students to join our Claribel community of learners. The academic requirements for international students at Claribel College are the same as Jamaican students. Our programmes are delivered via live online sessions, therefore students are not required to obtain a student visa to travel to Jamaica. However, if participating in an in-person college-sponsored activity, then students must apply for and receive the appropriate travel visa (where necessary) to visit Jamaica.
International students whose native language is not English are required to submit TOEFL scores showing that they have a mastery of the Englich language.
Certificate in Development Practice (CDP)
The Certificate in Development Practice (CDP) consists of 15 credits and is designed to attract individuals seeking micro-credentials in the sustainable development field to strengthen their impact in government, NGOs, the private sector, and community-based initiatives. The credits earned in the CDP programme are transferable to the MDP programme. Students are expected to complete this programme within two years.
The MDP Programme is delivered through live online meetings, allowing participants to engage directly with instructors, mentors, and peers from anywhere in Jamaica or around the world.
Admission Requirements
- Completed application form
- Bachelor’s degree or higher with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- One reference from an academic source
- One recent passport-size photograph in color (within the last six months)
- Resume or CV
Prior Learning Assessment
Provisions are made for Prior Learning Assessment for the CDP Programme at Claribel College. Accepted forms of Prior Learning Evidence include the following:
- Portfolio assessment
- Professional experience
- Professional certifications and training
- Military training
- Entrepreneurial and community-based learning
- Challenge examinations or interviews (where applicable)