Bachelor of Arts in Community Development
September 26, 2026 2026-09-26 9:33Bachelor of Arts in Community Development
An interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students to promote sustainable social, economic, and community development through effective leadership, public engagement, strategic planning, and evidence-based practice. Integrating perspectives from sociology, public administration, economics, political science, nonprofit management, public health, environmental studies, organizational leadership, and public policy, the program equips students with the knowledge and professional competencies necessary to strengthen communities and improve quality of life at the local, national, and international levels.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Community Development
US$ 7,360
3–4 Years — Traditional Learning Track
9–12 Months — Fast-Track Learning Program
3–4 Years
9–12 Months
3 Credit Hours
US$ 7,360
Strengthen Communities Through Sustainable, Evidence-Based Development
An interdisciplinary program integrating perspectives from sociology, public administration, economics, political science, nonprofit management, public health, environmental studies, organizational leadership, and public policy.
The Bachelor of Arts in Community Development is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students to promote sustainable social, economic, and community development through effective leadership, public engagement, strategic planning, and evidence-based practice. Integrating perspectives from sociology, public administration, economics, political science, nonprofit management, public health, environmental studies, organizational leadership, and public policy, the program equips students with the knowledge and professional competencies necessary to strengthen communities and improve quality of life at the local, national, and international levels.
Students examine the social, economic, political, environmental, and cultural factors that influence community well-being while developing practical skills in community assessment, strategic planning, program management, advocacy, grant writing, leadership, conflict resolution, research, and participatory decision-making. The curriculum emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, civic responsibility, ethical leadership, sustainable development, and community empowerment, preparing graduates to work effectively with governments, nonprofit organizations, international development agencies, humanitarian organizations, and private-sector partners.
The program prepares graduates for careers in community development, public administration, nonprofit leadership, economic development, housing, social services, international development, public policy, and community planning. It also provides excellent preparation for graduate study in Community Development, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Social Work, International Development, Sociology, Organizational Leadership, and related disciplines.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Community Development
3–4 Years — Traditional Learning Track
9–12 Months — Fast-Track Learning Program
3 Credit Hours per Course
US$ 7,360
Exclusive of applicable University administrative fees
Required Major Courses
The major consists of interdisciplinary coursework in community development, public policy, sociology, economics, leadership, nonprofit management, research, and sustainable development. Students also complete the University's General Education requirements together with approved elective coursework.
| Course No. | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CMD 3000 | Introduction to Community Development | 3 |
| SOC 3010 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| CMD 3020 | Community Leadership and Civic Engagement | 3 |
| POL 3030 | Public Policy and Community Governance | 3 |
| ECO 3040 | Community and Economic Development | 3 |
| CMD 3050 | Community Needs Assessment | 3 |
| CMD 3060 | Nonprofit Organization Management | 3 |
| CMD 3070 | Grant Writing and Resource Development | 3 |
| CMD 3080 | Program Planning and Evaluation | 3 |
| CMD 3090 | Sustainable Community Development | 3 |
| CMD 3100 | Community Health and Social Services | 3 |
| CMD 3110 | Conflict Resolution and Community Mediation | 3 |
| RES 3120 | Research Methods in Community Development | 4 |
| CMD 3130 | International Community Development | 3 |
| CMD 4000 | Senior Seminar in Community Development | 3 |
| CMD 4100 | Capstone Research Project | 6 |
| Total Credits | 52 | |
Course Descriptions
Select a course to view its description.
CMD 3000 – Introduction to Community Development
Introduces the principles, theories, and practices of community development while examining the social, economic, political, environmental, and cultural factors influencing community well-being and sustainable growth.
SOC 3010 – Introduction to Sociology
Provides an overview of sociological theories, social institutions, culture, inequality, community organization, social change, and human interaction as they relate to community development.
CMD 3020 – Community Leadership and Civic Engagement
Examines leadership theories, civic participation, volunteerism, advocacy, coalition building, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative approaches to strengthening communities.
POL 3030 – Public Policy and Community Governance
Introduces the development, implementation, and evaluation of public policy affecting communities, emphasizing local governance, public administration, civic participation, and public sector leadership.
ECO 3040 – Community and Economic Development
Explores strategies for economic growth, entrepreneurship, workforce development, poverty reduction, local investment, and sustainable economic development within communities.
CMD 3050 – Community Needs Assessment
Introduces methods for identifying community assets, assessing needs, collecting and interpreting data, and engaging stakeholders in planning and decision-making.
CMD 3060 – Nonprofit Organization Management
Examines the governance, strategic planning, financial management, fundraising, volunteer administration, and organizational effectiveness of nonprofit organizations.
CMD 3070 – Grant Writing and Resource Development
Develops professional skills in identifying funding opportunities, preparing competitive grant proposals, donor relations, fundraising strategies, and resource mobilization.
CMD 3080 – Program Planning and Evaluation
Examines methods for designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating community development programs using evidence-based practices and performance measurement.
CMD 3090 – Sustainable Community Development
Explores principles of sustainability, environmental stewardship, resilience, social equity, climate adaptation, and long-term community planning.
CMD 3100 – Community Health and Social Services
Examines the relationship between public health, education, housing, social services, and community well-being while exploring integrated approaches to improving quality of life.
CMD 3110 – Conflict Resolution and Community Mediation
Introduces conflict management, mediation, negotiation, restorative practices, consensus building, and collaborative problem-solving techniques used in community organizations.
RES 3120 – Research Methods in Community Development
Introduces qualitative and quantitative research methods, community-based participatory research, survey design, program evaluation, data analysis, academic writing, and ethical research practices.
CMD 3130 – International Community Development
Examines community development within global contexts, emphasizing poverty reduction, humanitarian assistance, international development policy, capacity building, sustainable development, and global partnerships.
CMD 4000 – Senior Seminar in Community Development
Provides advanced interdisciplinary study of contemporary issues, policies, and best practices in community development through scholarly discussion, case studies, independent research, and professional presentations.
CMD 4100 – Capstone Research Project
Serves as the culminating academic experience requiring students to complete an original community-based research project that integrates theory, research methodology, strategic planning, and professional practice to address a contemporary community development issue.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for careers in community development, public administration, nonprofit leadership, economic development, housing, social services, international development, public policy, and community planning.
Employment Sectors
Graduates are employed across local, state, and federal government agencies, community development corporations, nonprofit organizations, international development agencies, multilateral organizations, public health organizations, housing agencies, educational institutions, philanthropic foundations, environmental organizations, humanitarian organizations, policy institutes, corporate social responsibility departments, and international consulting firms.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Community Development, graduates will be able to:
Ready to Strengthen Communities?
Build the leadership, planning, and research skills needed to promote sustainable, inclusive, and resilient communities. Take the next step toward a career in community development, public administration, nonprofit leadership, or graduate study.
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