In community development programs, students learn about the economic, cultural, governmental and environmental elements of building and maintaining social communities. Community development is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates politics, economics and cultural diversity. Students of this degree program learn about human services principles, community building and sustainment, economic structures and governmental policies. They also gain leadership and communication skills to work within groups and multicultural settings.
Graduate studies are more advanced, research-intensive and flexible, as pupils have specialization selections and the opportunity to design their course path based on personal interests and career goals. Curriculum covers housing/economic development plans and issues, education, law, business and communications. Concentrations options include environment, health, land use and social justice. Direct experience is gained through internships, fieldwork and a dissertation project.
