Master of Community and Economic Development at Pennsylvania State University

The Master of Professional Studies in Community and Economic Development (M.P.S. 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 M.P.S. 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.

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.

1. KNOW: Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of basic economic and sociological theory, data collection and analytical techniques, and research methodologies at a level sufficient to work to solve problems and issues in their region or local community.  They will also demonstrate an understanding of the systems and processes that define a region and community.
2. APPLY/CREATE: Graduates will be able to develop a research methodology and study in detail a problem or issue experienced by their region or local community.  They will be able to make recommendations for specific programs and policies to address both economic and social issues and in an effort to improve the quality of life in their region or community.
3. COMMUNICATE: Graduates will be able to effectively convey to others the basic theories and research in community and economic development and related fields through oral and written communications.
4. THINK: Graduates will be able to review and critically analyze studies and work from multiple disciplines and apply this work to problems and issues in their region or local community.  They will be able to differentiate between economic and social systems within their regions and communities.
5. PROF. PRACTICE: Nearly all of our students already have jobs in a profession directly related to community and economic development.  Our graduates will demonstrate that they have developed sufficient skills to continue to contribute to their profession.  They will be able to interact productively in an ethical manner with other professionals and community leaders and demonstrate a commitment to active citizenship within their community.