The specialization in Community Development is available through the Master of Applied Science degree program. Community Developers work toward positive social, economic, cultural and environmental change by engaging citizens in the decision making process. The program explores a wide range of community development perspectives and equips you with the tools and educational experiences to contribute to positive changes in communities and regions.
As an interdisciplinary degree the Master of Applied Science program is not housed within an individual department and is administered by a faculty committee selected from many departments. Since this is a college-wide degree program, there is wide latitude in the selection of areas of study. An individual curriculum is designed for each student with the goal of best fitting the student's educational objective(s). The student, advisor, and supervisory committee jointly establish this curriculum.
The courses in the program are designed to teach critical and creative thinking, ethical consideration, and the value of careful planning and involvement of all stakeholders.
Who Should Consider This Program?
- Professionals with backgrounds in Community and Regional Planning, Sociology, Economics, Political science, and Geography
- Employees working in Local Planning Departments, Community Economic Development Organizations, Housing Agencies, Parks & Recreation Offices, Tribal Programs, and Non-Profit Organizations focusing on Community Enhancement
- Cooperative Extension Service Professionals
Great Plains IDEA Program
This program is part of the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (Great Plains IDEA), a consortium of eleven universities offering fully online graduate programs. Each university brings a unique strength to the multi-institution academic programs.
You apply, and are admitted at one university; enroll in all your courses at that university; and, graduate or receive a certificate from that university. However, your online courses are taught by the best faculty in the discipline from several universities.
Academic Year 2012-2013
Tuition rates are effective for the academic year listed. Tuition is subject to change in August of each year.
By agreement among the Great Plains IDEA institutions, a common price is charged for all courses.
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Tuition
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Distance Ed Fee
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Technology Fee
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Library Fee
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Total
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| Per Credit Hour |
$485.00
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$0.00
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$0.00
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$0.00
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$485.00
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| 3-Credit Hours |
$1,455.00
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$0.00
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$0.00
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$0.00
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$1,455.00
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The Master of Applied Science degree program requires a total of 36 credit hours of graduate course work (with 12 credit hours open exclusively to graduate credit):
- At least 18 credit hours in an area of concentration (may be interdisciplinary), including a Degree Project
- At least 9 credit hours must be completed in a secondary area of emphasis for breadth to maximize flexibility, there are no core courses required
- A 3 to 6 credit hour Degree Project is required
- A comprehensive examination, either written and/or oral; the successful completion of the Degree Project, including examination by the Examining and Advisory Committee, may serve in lieu of a written comprehensive examination
- The final examination over the Degree Project and program of study is oral
- Where appropriate, a professional competency or certification exam may be required as part of the final examination
- Not less than 50% of the course work, excluding Degree Project, of the minimum number of graduate credits required must be University of Nebraska–Lincoln credit
Specific Requirements in Community Development
- Community Development Orientation. 1 cr.
- Five required 3-credit courses
- Five 3-credit courses from at least two of the specialization tracks
Core Courses
- Community Development I: Principle and Strategies of Community Change
- Community Development II: Organizing for Community Change
- Community Analysis
- Community Natural Resource Management
- Community and Economic Policy Analysis
Tracks
- Working with Native Communities
- Building Economic Capacity
- Natural Resource Management
Application to a graduate program is a two step process. You will apply to both Graduate Studies and the academic department. For admission requirements and deadlines specific to this program, please check with the Office of Graduate Studies.
Applications will be reviewed monthly.
Financial aid: The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid provides information on loans and need-based funds.
