Master of Arts in Community Development
August 25, 2026 2026-08-25 6:24Master of Arts in Community Development
An interdisciplinary graduate program designed to prepare professionals to lead sustainable community transformation through strategic planning, economic development, social innovation, public engagement, and collaborative leadership.
Master of Arts in Community Development
US$ 5,940
36 Credit Hours
18 Months
9–12 Months
3 Credit Hours
US$ 5,940
Lead Sustainable Community Transformation
Develop advanced knowledge and practical skills to address complex social, economic, environmental, and public policy challenges affecting communities.
The Master of Arts in Community Development is an interdisciplinary graduate program designed to prepare professionals to lead sustainable community transformation through strategic planning, economic development, social innovation, public engagement, and collaborative leadership. The program equips students with the knowledge and practical skills to address complex social, economic, environmental, and public policy challenges affecting communities at the local, regional, national, and global levels.
Students examine community development through the perspectives of sociology, public administration, economics, nonprofit leadership, urban and rural planning, public policy, and sustainable development. Emphasis is placed on participatory decision-making, community capacity building, leadership, grant development, program evaluation, and evidence-based solutions that promote inclusive and resilient communities.
Graduates develop advanced competencies in research, project management, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and organizational leadership, preparing them for leadership positions in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, international development agencies, community-based organizations, and private sector organizations focused on social impact.
Master of Arts in Community Development
18 Months — Traditional Learning Track
9–12 Months — Fast-Track Learning Program
3 Credit Hours per Course
US$ 5,940
Exclusive of applicable University administrative fees
Required Courses
The Master of Arts in Community Development requires 36 total credits.
| Course No. | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CMD 6000 | Foundations of Community Development | 3 |
| CMD 6010 | Community Leadership and Organizational Development | 3 |
| CMD 6020 | Community Planning and Sustainable Development | 3 |
| CMD 6030 | Social Policy and Community Advocacy | 3 |
| CMD 6040 | Economic and Workforce Development | 3 |
| CMD 6050 | Nonprofit Management and Grant Development | 3 |
| CMD 6060 | Community Research and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| CMD 6070 | Public Participation and Stakeholder Engagement | 3 |
| CMD 6080 | Global Community Development and Social Innovation | 3 |
| CMD 6090 | Strategic Project Management for Community Development | 3 |
| CMD 6100 | Master's Thesis | 6 |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Course Descriptions
Select a course to view its description.
CMD 6000 – Foundations of Community Development
Introduces the theories, principles, and practices of community development. Students examine historical perspectives, community systems, social capital, asset-based development, and strategies for creating equitable, resilient, and sustainable communities.
CMD 6010 – Community Leadership and Organizational Development
Explores leadership theories, organizational behavior, collaborative governance, and capacity building within community organizations. Students develop leadership skills for managing change, building partnerships, and strengthening community institutions.
CMD 6020 – Community Planning and Sustainable Development
Examines strategic planning, land use, environmental sustainability, infrastructure development, housing, and economic revitalization. Students learn planning frameworks that promote balanced social, economic, and environmental outcomes.
CMD 6030 – Social Policy and Community Advocacy
Analyzes public policy development, legislative processes, advocacy strategies, and social justice issues affecting communities. Students evaluate policy solutions that address inequality, health, education, housing, and community well-being.
CMD 6040 – Economic and Workforce Development
Focuses on local economic development, entrepreneurship, workforce planning, small business development, financial inclusion, and strategies that promote economic resilience and community prosperity.
CMD 6050 – Nonprofit Management and Grant Development
Examines nonprofit governance, strategic planning, fundraising, grant writing, financial sustainability, volunteer management, and organizational accountability within community-based organizations.
CMD 6060 – Community Research and Program Evaluation
Provides advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods used to assess community needs, evaluate programs, measure outcomes, analyze data, and support evidence-based decision-making.
CMD 6070 – Public Participation and Stakeholder Engagement
Develops skills in public consultation, facilitation, conflict resolution, partnership development, collaborative decision-making, and effective communication with diverse stakeholders and community groups.
CMD 6080 – Global Community Development and Social Innovation
Examines international community development models, global development challenges, social entrepreneurship, innovation, resilience, disaster recovery, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as frameworks for community advancement.
CMD 6090 – Strategic Project Management for Community Development
Applies project planning, budgeting, risk management, monitoring, evaluation, and performance measurement to community initiatives. Students learn to design and manage projects that produce measurable social impact.
CMD 6100 – Master's Thesis
Students complete an original research thesis addressing a significant issue in community development. Under faculty supervision, students conduct independent research, apply appropriate methodologies, analyze findings, and present recommendations that contribute to scholarship and professional practice.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for leadership and management positions that improve the quality of life in communities through strategic planning, policy development, nonprofit leadership, and sustainable development initiatives.
Employment Sectors
Graduates may pursue opportunities across government, nonprofit, international, and private-sector organizations focused on community development and social impact.
Ready to Transform Communities?
Explore the Master of Arts in Community Development and take the next step toward leading sustainable community transformation through strategic planning, economic development, and collaborative leadership.
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