Overview

Global conditions, socioeconomic inequities and environmental changes are creating challenges for rural and urban communities. The practice of community development has become integral to the livability, resilience and sustainability of communities as our lives have become more complex and unpredictable.

Outcomes

Identify and address local issues and opportunities
Activate residents in community decision-making
Build economically and socially diverse communities
Advance and expand local leadership

Curriculum

Designed for the nontraditional student, the professional Master of Community Development at Iowa State University can be completed at your own pace or as quickly as one year. Unlike many online programs, the MCD promotes student engagement, collaboration and ties to a brick-and-mortar university.

The curriculum offers latitude in selection of electives to allow you to design your plan of study to fit your career goals. Students learn history, theory and methods of community development, but have access to electives to explore avenues of learning in fields such as economic development, sustainable development, housing and local leadership development. The capstone experience allows you put into practice what you learned and make contacts and references to further your career upon graduation.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Organizing for Community Change
Community and Regional Economic Analysis
Toward Ethical Engagement
Sustainable Communities
Geodesign

Key information

Duration

Part-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-01-20 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

Language

English

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105

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

Online

Campus Location

Ames, United States

Disciplines

Community Development View 45 other Masters in Community Development in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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Other requirements

General requirements

Official academic transcripts indicating a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any field, and a 3.0/4.0 minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA)
Three letters of recommendation from individuals from your educational or professional background who can most directly speak about your ability to complete graduate level course work and teaching duties
You will be asked within the application to provide the names and email addresses for your three references; when you submit the application, the three individuals will receive an email notification from ISU Admissions with a link to the recommendation form
English Proficiency Exam (international applicants only)
Financial statement (international applicants only)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

32497 USD / year

≈ 32497 USD / year
Out-of-State

30577 USD / year

≈ 30577 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12967 USD / year

≈ 12967 USD / year

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Community Development.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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