Master's in Community Development | Office | Website

The Master's in Community Development is a 36-credit-hour program. Full-time and part-time students are welcome to apply. The core curriculum will be taught in an evening, weekend or other intensive format geared toward working adults.

Part-time students can expect to graduate after two to three years. Concentration electives offered in UDM Schools and Colleges provide and opportunity for students to attend full time.

Why Choose UDM’s MCD Program?
The Master's in Community Development program is the only program to offer these distinctive features:

The MCD program is a one-of-a-kind program, not found anywhere else in the United States. Other degree programs concentrate on just one aspect or characteristic of community development, while UDM’s integrated program emphasizes a comprehensive approach.

The MCD program is an innovative educational model designed to support the career needs of a broad range of individuals working in the community development field.

The MCD program integrates the human, economic, physical and organizational aspects of community development for a holistic approach in developing viable communities.

The MCD program incorporates input from professionals in community development resulting in a program that combines theory with practical application.

The MCD program utilizes faculty expertise from across academic units to provide a broad, interdisciplinary foundation for creating livable communities.

The MCD program, located in the center of Detroit, focuses on the development of marginalized communities within an urban context. It provides local activists an easily accessible program to address Detroit’s social and physical condition.

The MCD program is designed for part-time students who work full time. However, the course curriculum also allows students to attend full time to complete the program quicker.

The MCD program prepares graduates for a variety of leadership roles in community development, including municipal government, non-profit organizations, social services agencies, and real estate development.

Admissions criteria and process
Applicants applying to the Master in Community Development program should have a minimum GPA of 3.0* in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program from an accredited institution. To be considered for admission, a candidate must complete the graduate application for evaluation by MCD faculty. The application consists of:

• Transcripts from an accredited institution in a bachelor's or master's program
• Letter of interest, which includes ranking order of interest in MCD concentrations
• Current resume, illustrating excellence and accomplishment in academic, extra curricular, service and/or professional endeavors
• Two letters of recommendation from employers and/or faculty
• Test scores (GRE, GMAT, TOFEL etc.) are not mandatory, but will be considered.

Additional requirements include:

• A group interview, facilitated by two MCD faculty/administration members, to determine the applicant’s contribution to a unique learning environment
• An essay exam will determine English language and writing skills

*Professional accomplishments in a related field will be considered in addition to GPA.

For more information
Contact Steve Coddington 313-993-1592 in Admissions for more information.

Curriculum
The MCD curriculum has four elements: an intensive introduction program, a core curriculum, a program of concentrations and a capstone course. "Introduction to Community Development" provides an overview of the four concentrations, while the remaining core curriculum explores more complex issues in contemporary community development, including diversity, social justice, regional and global issues and trends. The total credit hour requirement is 36 credit hours.

Concentrations, 12 credit hours

Human Development
This area of study emphasizes the relationship between people and their social and physical environment. Students study human interactions, by people of all ages that take place in community settings such as the home, the school and the neighborhood. Community needs assessment and social service requirements are part of this concentration. Courses include:

Economic Development
This area of study emphasizes the complex role of economics in community development. Students study an array of issues including job creation, business development and entrepreneurship and their impact on communities. Courses include:

Physical Development
This area of study emphasizes the man-made environment and its importance to the creation of community. Students study planning and design issues, ecological criteria of design, real estate development and the physical elements that help create a sense of place and identity in the community. Courses include:

Organizational Development
This area of study emphasizes how communities can organize to address their human, economic and physical conditions. Students study organizational funding and financing, transformational leadership, organizing volunteer services and working with governmental agencies to create community change. Courses include:

Capstone Project, 4 credit hours

Graduate stipends are also available for students in the MCD program. Students who are research or teaching assistants can expect to receive additional stipend funding.

Students are also encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The UDM federal school code is 002323. It is highly recommended that students apply for financial aid at the beginning of the admissions process.

For more information on applying for financial aid, visit the UDM financial aid web site.