The Department of Development Studies originates from the Development Studies Institute after forming the College of Social Sciences and Humanities in 2015.

The history of Development Studies at SUA goes back to 1969 when interdisciplinary courses were first introduced at the University College Dar es Salaam of the then University of East Africa. In 1970, when the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) came into being, a Department of Development Studies was established within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. In July 1973 the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) was established under the provision establishing the University of Dar es Salaam.