Community Resources and Development (Sustainable Communities), MS

Program Overview

The Community Resources and Development (Sustainable Communities) MS program is a research-oriented master's program that prepares students for careers in sustainable community development. The program requires 30-36 credit hours and includes core courses, a concentration, electives, and a culminating experience (thesis or applied project). Graduates are prepared for careers in governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector businesses.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program is a research-oriented master's program focusing on sustainable community development. It aims to prepare students for their future careers by providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills to analyze and address critical issues in areas such as tourism, parks and recreation management, nonprofits, NGOs, and sustainable communities.

Outline:

This program requires 30 credit hours and a thesis, or 36 credit hours and an applied project.

Required Core Courses (15 credit hours):

• CRD 500 Research Methods (3)
• CRD 502 Statistical and Data Analysis (3)
• CRD 530 Community Services Management (3) or advanced inquiry course (3)
• CRD 552 Critical Issues (3)
• CRD 555 Theoretical Perspectives in Community Development (3)

Concentration (6 credit hours):

• CRD 610 Sustainable Communities (3)
• NLM 562 Social Entrepreneurship (3) or NLM 572 Community and Social Innovations (3)

Electives (3 or 9 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (6 credit hours):

• CRD 593 Applied Project (6) or CRD 599 Thesis (6)

Assessment:

The program utilizes various assessments including exams, coursework, projects, and a thesis or applied project.

Teaching:

The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, discussions, presentations, guest speaker sessions, and field experiences. The faculty members are experienced professionals and researchers with expertise in sustainable communities.

Careers:

This program prepares graduates for careers in various sectors including governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector businesses. Potential career paths include:

• Community services officer
• Nonprofit and NGO officer
• Parks and recreation officer
• Tourism officer

Other:

• This program is offered in conjunction with the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
• Students can complete the program in two years of full-time study.
• The program offers an accelerated option for eligible students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.