Community and Economic Development

The Master of Professional Studies in Community and Economic Development (MPS CEDEV) is a 30-credit terminal master's degree program that emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to community and economic development. The program balances theory and practice. Courses are taught in MPS CEDEV use a blend of web technology, print, and other media to provide an effective balance of flexibility and interaction. Individuals who currently work with, or are interested in working with communities, community organizations and stakeholders, or on a range of community and economic development issues at the state or national levels would benefit from this program. The MPS CEDEV program requires the completion of seven core courses (21 credits) in which students learn and apply sociological and economic concepts to issues in community and economic development. the courses offer examples and opportunities to apply theses concepts to real issues facing communities and rural regions. Two of the core courses (6 credits) emphasize statistical methods and tools and techniques useful to practitioners in community and economic development, or to work toward additional certifications. All students are required to complete a Master's paper (at least 3 credits) that integrates theory and practice.

Instruction in the MPS CEDEV program emphasizes key themes that include economic planning and development; municipal finance, land use ad population change; community structure, organization and process; leadership; tools and techniques in community development; community decision-making and capacity building.

Students in Community and Economic Development gain a broad understanding of the dynamics of communities and their social, economic, and political systems. The program emphasizes teaching the theory, skills, and tools that allow practitioners to address the important issues in development practice.

Graduates of the Community and Economic Development program have a wide range of career opportunities, including: local and state government, planning commissions, major corporations, non-governmental organizations, and consulting firms.

The required curriculum includes coursework in principles of economic development, community structure and processes, land use, methods for effective community development, and statistics.  Plus, students may take elective courses in other disciplines based on their interests.

The graduation requirements for the MPS degree include the completion of 30 graduate credits, including required CEDEV courses, elective course(s), statistics course, and the capstone integrative paper.  A 3.0 GPA is also required for completion of the MPS degree. All courses are offered through the World Campus; a broadband Internet connection is required.

Students may begin their coursework during any academic semester after admission to the program.  Most students working full-time take one to two courses per semester; students should plan to commit 10 to 12 hours per week per graduate course to be successful in the program. 

Courses

Applications for the MPS in Community and Economic Development (CEDEV) are accepted for each academic semester.  Students should apply for the semester that they wish to begin study in the graduate program.  The application submission/completion deadlines are as follows:

• Fall semester:  June 15
• Spring semester:  September 30
• Summer semester:  March 15

A 3.00 grade point average (on a 4.00 scale) for the most recent two years of college/university education, or with an advanced degree from an accredited institution, is preferred for admission to the MPS program in Community and Economic Development.  Applicants are expected to have completed 6 credits in social sciences, preferably 3 in economics and 3 in sociology, and 3 credits in statistics in undergraduate work.  

Other admission requirements include the following:

• Statement of purpose describing professional experiences and education, career goals, and how the Master's degree in CEDEV will enable applicant to meet their objectives
• Current resume or vitae
• Letters of recommendation from three references

  • References may be of academic, professional, or character assessment.

  • The online application system allows applicants to identify the references. Please provide a valid email address for each reference listed.  Each reference will receive an email with instructions detailing how to submit the recommendation letter. Please note:  References will be contacted via the online system only after the application has been submitted by the applicant.

  • If references prefer to mail or email letters of recommendation directly to us, they may do so via email at CEDEVinfo@psu.edu or mail at the address provided below.  References must be identified within the online application system even if they will not utilize the system to provide the recommendation letter.
• Submission of copies of official transcripts/documents (for institutions outside the U.S. documents may include marksheets, record of courses, degree/study certificate, original diploma, etc)  from all post-secondary institutions attended and official English translation if the language of instruction is not English). 
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, if applicable. TOEFL scores must be submitted by all international applicants unless otherwise specified. Please see the Language Proficiency section of the International Students page of the Penn State Graduate School website for graduate program requirements. Visit the TOEFL Web site or call 609-771-7100 for more information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
• $65 nonrefundable application fee

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course