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Master’s Degree in Rural Sociology - Community Development

Community Development Brochure (.pdf)

About the program
As a student in the master’s of Community Development degree program, you have the opportunity to study with leading educators and researchers from several different universities representing a diversity of fields and scholarship, including Community and Regional Planning, Architecture, Sociology, Native American studies, Economics, and Natural Resources. We have designed this program for people doing community development work in non-profit organizations, colleges, communities, community organizations and governments.

Who should consider the program?
We welcome those working in all areas to help communities and regions build their capacity for an inclusive, sustainable future. We welcome those who volunteer their time and resources to support community. Most of all we welcome those with a passion for working toward a brighter future and a willingness to share their experience and wisdom with others via our Internet community. 

Benefits of this online degree program:

• You will receive a graduate degree from a top tier university, taught by nationally recognized experts in the field of community development.

• A variety of perspectives and cutting edge material in community development will be explored, through your interaction with a diverse faculty from several different institutions.

• Networking opportunities will emerge from your electronic learning community.

Why is Community Development training essential?
Community Development training is essential because it:

• Initiates social action processes and helps to maintain balance to improve social, economic, cultural and environmental situations.

• Encourages people to see the whole picture.

• Engages citizens in democratic decision making and action.

• Teaches critical thought, ethical consideration, careful planning and involvement of all stakeholders.

This degree is for community leaders, practitioners, and for those committed to people and places. It provides the skills, information, and networks needed to facilitate sustainable and prosperous community change. Finally, this degree program equips practitioners with the tools necessary to build communities for the 21st century.

Courses
The course work in this degree program ranges from economics to ecology. You will take all of the core courses and choose elective courses from the tracks.  See the course matrix for this program.  View the curriculum matrix.

Core Courses

• Community Development I: Principles and Strategies of Community Change

• Community Development II: Organizing for Community Change

• Community Analysis

• Community Natural Resource Management

• Community and Economic Policy and Analysis

Core Curriculum and Team Members (.pdf)

Tracks

• Working with Native Communities

• Building Economic Capacity

• Natural Resource Management

Specialization Tracks, Team Members, and Courses Developed (.pdf)

Tuition
Tuition is $415 per credit hour (2008-2009 school year) for all students at all institutions.

Students will take five core courses (15 credit hours) and another 15 hours from at least two of the Tracks offered. The last six credits will be Thesis credits.

Frequently Asked Questions