Stanford University

Overview

The Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law programme at Stanford University is an interdisciplinary honours track designed for seniors. This unique course explores the interplay between democratic governance, economic development, and the rule of law, allowing students to integrate their primary major with a focused research experience through the Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law. The programme emphasizes a full-time campus-based learning environment where students engage in seminars and receive research supervision.

What you'll study

• Honours research pathway: Engage in a significant senior research project under the guidance of experienced faculty.
• Interdisciplinary seminars: Participate in structured learning that covers key themes related to democracy, economic development, and the rule of law.
• Major integration: Continue fulfilling the requirements of your primary major while incorporating programme-specific seminars and research components.
• Capstone component: Complete a senior thesis or equivalent research output that showcases original analysis and evidence-based argumentation.
• Research engagement: Involve yourself in activities at the Center that link academic pursuits with pressing policy questions.

Course/module titles may vary each academic year. Please check the official programme page for the most current syllabus and requirements.

Entry requirements

The admission process for this programme is holistic, with no standardized GRE or GMAT requirements or minimum GPA specified. Prospective students should provide a Coalition Application or Common Application, along with a nonrefundable application fee. Additional materials required include official transcripts, school reports, letters of recommendation from two teachers, and a midyear transcript.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law programme are well-equipped for a variety of career paths. The skills and knowledge gained through this interdisciplinary approach prepare students for roles in government, international organizations, non-profits, and academia. Furthermore, the emphasis on research and policy engagement enhances employability in fields related to public policy, law, and social development.