Community Development

Who should consider this program?
For the professional as well as the practitioner who desires to contribute to positive change in their communities and regions, this masters program can equip you with the tools and educational experience to be more effective. Online delivery and modular scheduling allows you to fit it into your own schedule around your professional career and personal responsibilities. Yet, you will still capture the richness of interacting and networking with other students in this electronic learning community.

What are the benefits of this online degree program?
• You will receive a graduate degree from a top tier university with the opportunity to have studied under nationally recognized experts in the field of community development.
• You will explore a wide range of community development perspectives and cutting edge concepts from several disciplines as you interact with faculty from across the partnering institutions.
• You will have networking opportunities with your fellow students from across the country and around the globe.
• You will be able to maximize the value of your time and resources invested in furthering your education.

Why is Community Development training essential?
• It initiates social action processes and helps to maintain balance to improve social, economic, cultural and environmental situations and opportunities.
• It encourages people to see the whole picture from a systems perspective.
• It engages citizens in democratic decision-making and action.
• It teaches critical and creative thinking, ethical consideration, and careful planning and involvement of all stakeholders.

  Master's Degree Requirements

The 36 Credit master's degree program consists of:

• Community Development Orientation. 1 cr.
• Five required 3-credit courses
• Five 3-credit courses from at least two of the specialization tracks
• Depending on the institution where students are admitted a Practicum or Creative Component or Thesis for up to six credits. 

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
  

Bruce Johnson
(402) 472-1794
bjohnson2@unl.edu

Diane Wasser, Program Coordinator
(402) 472-6251
dwasser1@unl.edu