Community Development

    Bachelor of Community Development at Portland State University

    Bachelor of Community Development at Portland State University

    Portland State University offers the Bachelor of Community Development as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Aberdeen, United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for community development and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on September 26, 2026.

    About Bachelor of Community Development

    The first of its kind in the nation, our undergraduate program in Community Development prepares students for careers as leaders and change agents in addressing a myriad of social challenges.

    The Community Development program empowers individuals and groups of people by giving them the skills they need to effect change within their communities. Our curriculum promotes participative democracy, sustainable development, rights, economic opportunity, equality and social justice. We want to see the changes that you make!

    As a multi-disciplinary, social science program, students can customize their focus of study, drawing from the multitude of academic disciplines and departments within PSU's College of Urban and Public Affairs. In addition to coursework, the Community Development program takes a hands-on approach, incorporating significant field research in which students work with agencies and organizations throughout the Portland metropolitan area.

    Community Development Bachelor's Degree or Minor: Why

    Disciplines

    College of Urban & Public Affairs

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Community Development at Portland State University

    Entry Requirements

    General Secondary Education Certificate/Exam (Tawjihi), Overall average greater than 80%

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 53
    • IELTSMin 6
    • TOEFLMin 71

    Career Opportunities after Completing Bachelor of Community Development

    Our graduates find meaningful opportunities to work for positive social change, advance social justice, and environmental sustainability, and support the development of diverse communities. Graduates often are employed by government, nonprofits, social services, educational institutions, and businesses, depending on their skills and experience. Our graduates have found work in organizations like:

    • City of Portland Bureau of Developmental Services
    • Home Forward
    • Columbia Sportswear
    • Mercy Corps
    • League of Oregon Cities
    • Oregon Food Bank
    • YWCA
    • Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization

    Fee Information

    Application Fee 60

    How to Apply

    Submit Your Application and $60 Application Fee

    Go to Portland State University's online application system and select Create Account. If you have already started an application, or created one for a past term, select Log In.

    Submit Academic Records

    You are required to submit complete academic records. We accept high school transcripts, grades and other relevant academic records along with your graduation certificate, diploma or exam results or certificates. If you have taken any college or university classes, submit transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. You can submit unofficial transcripts from non-U.S. institutions for review of your application and to receive an admission decision. Official transcripts are required for enrollment, see our official records policy for details.

    Electronic Submission: Transcripts may be submitted via Parchment or sent directly from a school official to [email protected].

    In Person Submission: You can bring these directly to our office upon arrival to Portland State.

    Mail Submission: Submit official transcripts in their original sealed envelopes from all schools attended and mail them to PSU at the address below.

    Portland State University
    Office of Undergraduate Admissions
    PO Box 751
    Portland OR 97207-0751

    Submit Evidence of English Language Proficiency

    Request official test results to be sent directly to Portland State University by ETS (TOEFL), PTE, or IELTS. Students who meet the academic requirements for admission to PSU, but have not yet met English proficiency requirements, will be admitted to PSU and placed into one of our ESL programs. Review PSU’s English Language Proficiency Requirements for more details.

    • TOEFL Code: 4610, department code 00
    • SAT Code: 4610

    Check Your Application Status

    If you have submitted an application to Portland State University, you can log in to PSU's application portal to review the status of your application. You will be notified via email for each document you submit and your admission decision.

    If you are not receiving email communications from Portland State University, be sure to check your @pdx.edu email account. Once you set up your student account all communications will be sent to that email address. If you are not receiving information from us in any email inboxes, please contact us at [email protected].

    Bachelor of Community Development at Portland State University
    Portland State University
    Portland State University
    United States of America

    United States of America, Aberdeen

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