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Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Community Development specialization
Global economic restructuring and the devolution of government services (granting of central government powers to regional or local level) have created significant challenges for communities, particularly those in rural areas. Rural population is declining. Immigration brings new populations with different cultures. Community developers need to think and act in innovative ways.

The master's provides the skills, information, and networks needed to facilitate sustainable and prosperous community change. The program is designed for those seeking a career in community development and practitioners who wish to augment their training. The latter includes professionals in local planning departments, community economic development organizations, cooperative extension services, housing agencies, parks and recreation agencies, tribal programs, and non-profit organizations focusing on community enhancements.

In 2005 Iowa State joined North Dakota State, South Dakota State, Kansas State, the University of Nebraska, and the University of Missouri to create an interinstitutional master's in community development. The program is offered through the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance. You apply and are admitted at one university, enroll in all your courses at that university, and graduate from that university. The online courses are taught by the preeminent faculty in the discipline from participating universities.

The 37-credit program has five three-credit core courses.
--Orientation Course
--C Dev 502X, Community and Natural Resource Management
--C Dev 503X, Community Development I: Principles and Strategies of Community Change
--Community Development II: Organizing for Community Change
--C Dev 506X, Community and Regional Economic Analysis
Community Analysis

You take another 15 credits from at least two tracks
--Natural Resource Management
--Working with Native Communities
--Building Economic Capacity
The final six credits are a creative component or thesis.

Admission Requirements for Iowa State
Only list one specialization for this program: Community Development

Graduate Application Form:
For US Students
For International Students

For more information contact
Susan Fey
107 Curtiss Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa 50011-1050
(515) 294-6250
e-mail: susanfey@iastate.edu
Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance

The Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (Great Plains IDEA) is a consortium of 11 universities.
www.gpidea.org/index.html