Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Development Economics Empowering Future Development Thinkers and Policy Leaders
🎓 About the Programme
The Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Development Economics is a flagship undergraduate program of Dhaka School of Economics (DScE), designed to create a new generation of economists, policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners. This comprehensive four-year degree equips students with the theoretical grounding, quantitative tools, and real-world insights necessary to address the complex challenges facing developing countries like Bangladesh.
The program was developed in response to the growing national and global demand for professionals who can analyze, design, and implement sustainable development strategies. It offers a unique blend of economic theory, applied development practices, and interdisciplinary coursework, preparing students for leadership roles in academia, government, NGOs, international agencies, and beyond.
📘 Program Structure and Academic Features
- Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)
- Total Credit Hours: 138
- Medium of Instruction: English
- Number of Courses: Over 40, including core, elective, and multidisciplinary subjects
- Evaluation Method: Combination of class participation, assignments, quizzes, midterms, final exams, term papers, and viva voce
Each semester includes essential courses in economics and development studies, along with skill-building subjects like language, statistics, sociology, public policy, and research methodology. Students also undergo intensive training in computer applications and data analysis.
📚 Core Areas of Study
The curriculum of the BSS in Development Economics is designed to nurture critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and policy-oriented learning. Key academic areas include:
- Microeconomics & Macroeconomics (Principles, Intermediate & Advanced levels)
- Development Economics I & II
- Rural and Agricultural Economics
- Public Finance & Fiscal Policy
- Population and Labor Economics
- Environmental and Sustainable Development Economics
- Econometrics and Statistical Techniques
- Political Economy of Underdevelopment
- Research Methodology & Report Writing
- Economic History and Sociology
Students also complete a research report and a comprehensive viva voce, which reinforces academic rigor and prepares them for research or further study.
📝 Admission Requirements
Eligibility Criteria for the Academic Session 2023–2024:
- SSC/O-Level (2018–2021) and HSC/A-Level (2022–2023) or equivalent
- Combined minimum GPA of 6.0 including 4th subject (HSC and SSC)
- O/A Level candidates must have passed at least 7 subjects with 4 B grades and 3 C grades
- Preference will be given to applicants with Economics or Mathematics background
Admission is offered once a year, following HSC/equivalent result publication. Selection may be based on:
- Admission test (written/oral)
- Or cumulative GPA in SSC and HSC
- Final admission criteria are subject to the discretion of DScE
🎯 Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be:
- Competent in economic theory and development research
- Skilled in analyzing policy, development programs, and socio-economic challenges
- Able to use statistical tools and software for economic analysis
- Prepared for postgraduate study in economics or related fields
- Equipped for roles in government, development organizations, NGOs, think tanks, and consultancy firms
💳 Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Total Estimated Cost: BDT 4,26,600 (subject to updates)
- Initial Admission & 1st Semester: BDT 66,080 (including prospectus, ID card, caution money)
- Per Semester Fee: Around BDT 51,950 from 2nd to 8th semester
Scholarship Opportunities:
- Admission Waiver: Up to 20% based on SSC and HSC performance
- Merit-Based Waiver: Up to 40% per semester for top-performing students (SGPA 3.85+)
- Financial Aid: Considered on case-by-case basis for deserving students
🧑🏫 Academic Excellence and Learning Environment
DScE offers a learning environment inspired by global institutions like the London School of Economics (LSE) and Delhi School of Economics (DSE). Students benefit from:
- Highly qualified faculty with international research exposure
- Regular seminars, policy dialogues, and guest lectures
- Access to a modern library, digital resources, and 500+ international journals
- A state-of-the-art Data Centre to support research and statistical learning
- Student-led research projects, field visits, and policy simulations
🌍 Career Prospects
The BSS in Development Economics opens doors to a wide range of academic and professional paths:
- Postgraduate studies (Master’s, MPhil, PhD) in economics, development studies, public policy, etc.
- Positions in ministries, development planning units, and economic think tanks
- Roles in UN agencies, international NGOs, and bilateral donors
- Career opportunities in banking, research, survey analysis, and consultancy
📍 About Dhaka School of Economics (DScE)
Dhaka School of Economics is a specialized and visionary academic institution under the University of Dhaka. Established in 2010, DScE is devoted to high-quality education and research in the fields of economics, with a strong focus on development, environment, and entrepreneurship. The school aims to become a Centre of Excellence for economic thought and innovation in Bangladesh and beyond.