Master of Rural Development, abbreviated M.R.D. or MRD, is a multi-discipline graduate degree. The master's program integrates the disciplines of geography, sociology, political science, economics, business administration, and psychology to create an interdisciplinary approach to studying and solving rural issues. Programs usually consist of both course work and thesis research. The M.R.D. program is awarded at universities across Europe, Asia and North America, in countries such as, Belgium, Canada, India, Nepal, Ireland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Spain and the United States.