Community Development programs?

Hi all,

A friend is considering getting a Masters degree in Community Economic Development. Quick Google search reveals quite a few programs. Can you help picking the best option? Some of the programs:

MS in Community Economic Development, Southern New Hampshire
University MS Community Economic Development | SNHU
36 credits, $609 per credit, 2 years

Community and Economic Development (Master of Professional Studies),
Pennsylvania State University
Credits Required 30. Tuition per Credit $716

Master of Science in Commerce and Economic Development, Northeastern University
Estimated total tuition for this program is $21,400.00. 40 quarter
hours ($535/hr).

MS Community Development, various state universities (Iowa State
University, Kansas State University, North Dakota State University,
South Dakota State University, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln)
Great Plains IDEA On-Line Human Science Degrees (Interactive Distance Education Alliance)
36-37 credits, $465 per credit hour

MS Applied Economics, Georgia Southern University
Master of Science in Applied Economics - GSU
can specialize in Regional Economic Development
30 credits, $400/cr.

Thank you!

 

Tip: sometimes this is also known as Sustainable Development and sometimes simply Development.

Sustainable Development - University of London - School of Oriental and African Studies - External Programme - Key points

 

Thanks, Kizmet! This is easily the most interesting program, academically.
I don't think it's such a hot fit for my friend, though. Her goal is to find a job with local government in US, and she looks for more management than environtalism (a program that prompted her interest was MSM with emphasis on Development from TESC).

 

Your friend might want to consider a Masters degree in Public Administration. I think that MPA programs are generally more plentiful and so it's likely she could find one that's a good fit for her budget, etc. Here's one to look at:

MPA Online

 

+1 to Kizmet. Also:

Fort Hays State University
Certificate in Community Development. Mix of graduate- and undergraduate-numbered courses.
Master of Liberal Studies with several relevant concentration options including Political Leadership and Public Service.

Goddard College
M.A. in Socially Responsible Business and Sustainable Communities. Short residency.

Peru State College
M.S. in Organizational Management with an emphasis in Entrepreneurial and Economic Development. The program offers an interesting mix of tools for public and private, for-profit and not-for-profit, organizational and community contexts.

University of Missouri-Columbia
Community Development Academy Course Series. Three course sequence variously about building and empowering communities and building capacity, for graduate or undergraduate credit.

University of North Dakota
M.S. in Applied Economics.

Bakke Graduate University
Nationally accredited by TRACS; not regionally accredited. M.A. in Social and Civic Entrepreneurship. Low-residency, organized for cohorts of approximately 20 to 30 students, with additional opportunities to travel as part of the program. A collaboration between the schools of business and theology. The MASCE combines courses in Christian theology and context, courses in social and civic entrepreneurship, and an immersion element such as a capstone project or field experience. Graduates "could be involved in for-profit (business), non-profit (NPOs or NGOs) or governmental organizations." "The MASCE is designed for applicants who have had a minimum of two years of prior part-time or full-time involvement in ministry or organizational leadership/administrative roles. Students without such prior experience will be placed in probationary admissions status until they demonstrate involvement in such roles during their tenure as MASCE students."

 

adding to the list for future reference:
MA in Social Responsibility & Sustainable Communities from Western Kentucky University
Cohort Programs ? MA in Social Responsibility & Sustainable Communities
This 2 year program can be done online but requires one week long stay at the end of the program.

This master of arts degree is an interdisciplinary program of study that provides students with the tools to lead communities toward social justice and sustainability. It is designed especially for students inclined toward the humanities, social sciences, and related fields.

Students take a core set of courses that provide interdisciplinary grounding in social justice and sustainability, economic and policy issues, leadership issues, community-building, and community-based research.
Students may focus their elective courses on environmental sustainability, women’s & gender studies, inter-generational studies, or other issues—depending on their interests, on availability of courses, and in consultation with their adviser.
Students in the MA in Social Responsibility & Sustainable Communities will cultivate the skills and knowledge necessary to be economic, political, and social change agents for more just and sustainable communities.

The Master of Arts in Social Responsibility & Sustainable Communities is learning in action. As a student in this program you’ll have the opportunity to conduct an action research project to understand issues relevant to social justice and sustainability and identify possible solutions. You’ll also participate in a unique experiential learning program where you’ll meet community members engaged in work relevant to these core principals. Your master’s program will culminate in a conference style symposium where you’ll share your research and learn from that of your peers and faculty.

 

I agree - an MPA may be the best choice as it is applicable to a wide variety govt job not to mention NFP and even commercial companies that contract with govt agencies.

If your friend finds an MPA with a thesis/project then she could research Community Economic Development for that course.

 

Good evening!

How about the University of Central Arkansas? Their Master of Science in Community and Economic Development program looks very interesting.

 

I am in the DTL program at Bakke. I am in some classes with those in the MA in Global Urban Development program. I have really enjoyed my classes, and I know they have gotten a lot out of the classes they have taken. It has been a great experience for me.
I took a course this semester, Asset-Based Community Development and Appreciative Inquiry. Outstanding hands on class, great for anyone in ministry/social work/business