Master of Community Development

The Master of Community Development is designed to meet the needs of individuals with diverse academic backgrounds who care about the problems and potential of socially, physically and economically distressed communities. Students will also be involved with the design and development of new and growing communities with the anticipation of avoiding future problems being faced by communities today. The degree consists of a minimum of 36 credit hours, of which 24 are required courses and 12 elective courses. The curriculum is designed to broaden the knowledge base, promote research, service learning and decision making along with developing interactive and collaborative skills applicable to teamwork, management, leadership and entrepreneurship.

Regular application requirements of the University apply to all applicants for the Community Development Masters degree. In addition, the candidates must schedule a meeting with the program director to develop a study plan which will lay out course selections and identify the need, if any, for additional credit hours beyond the required 36. During the application submission process students must include their Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.

The degree requires a minimum of 36 semester credit hours.  The core of the program consists of 24 credit hours of courses required of all students.  A list of pre-approved courses is provided, from which the student may select the remaining twelve credit hours.  Alternative courses may be selected from offerings of other degree programs on campus, with departmental approval.

 
Required courses.................................................................................. 24 SCH

CODE 5013 Community Development Seminar

CODE 5033 Community Development Studio

CODE 5043 Community Development Practicum I

CODE 5063 Community Development Practicum II

CODE 5343 Community Development Research

CODE 5323 Community Development Analysis

CODE 5073 Community Development Finance

CODE 5083 Demography & GIS in Community Planning

 *Note:  CODE 5406 Internship can be used as a required course to replace CODE 5043 and 5063 with departmental approval.

Elective courses.................................................................................... 12 SCH

 
For a broad base understanding of the field of community development, the following are recommended. However, students can select other electives in the noted certification programs.

 CODE 5103 Cultural Heritage Preservation

CODE 5503 Capital  Development

CODE 5603 Land Development in Declining Communities

CODE 5203 Community Leadership in Developing Communities

Total Degree Requirements................................................................... 36 SCH

Download Degree Plan