Community Development

    Bachelor of Community Development at Temple University

    Bachelor of Community Development at Temple University

    The Community Development at Temple University is a Full Time Bachelor program offered at the university's main campus in Philadelphia, United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 4 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on August 28, 2026.

    About Bachelor of Community Development

    Help build successful and sustainable cities and communities with a Bachelor of Science in Community Development from Temple University's Tyler School of Art and Architecture. In this 122-credit undergraduate degree program, students learn how to become innovative and collaborative leaders who empower residents to take charge of the future of their communities.

    The degree program's coursework provides the necessary knowledge, values and job-ready skills to engage stakeholders to assess a community's assets, needs and opportunities. Students learn to work collaboratively to develop strategies, programs and policies to improve housing, local economy, food access, social cohesion and resilience.

    The Community Development BS curriculum extends into Philadelphia, where students employ best practices, engage in field research and partner with professionals and organizations to tackle complex challenges facing cities. This holistic approach launches graduates who are bold problem-solvers into successful careers in community development corporations, housing agencies, nonprofits, foundations and other community-based organizations.

    Graduate Pathways

    Through Tyler's 4+1 accelerated track, students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Community Development and a Master of Science in City and Regional Planning in just five years by taking up to 12 specified graduate credits to fulfill the undergraduate degree requirements. Upon graduation from their undergraduate program, students move seamlessly into their graduate program, which they complete in one additional year.

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Community Development at Temple University

    Entry Requirements

    1. Official high school and/or university transcripts with English translations (required)

    Your application must include all official and original academic records from any school: secondary high school, college, or university you have ever attended.

    If you are attending a high school curriculum that is four years, Temple University reviews grades 9-11 as well as your current progress in 12th grade (term/quarter/semester/predicted) or your final transcript if you completed high school.

    If you are attending a high school curriculum that is only three years, we strongly recommend you submit the final year of your middle school as well.

    2. Test options

    First-year Applicants 

    Option 1: Apply without standardized testing

    At Temple University we are pleased to offer applicants a test-optional solution for submitting their application. Test-optional means that you are not required to submit ACT or SAT for admission consideration and is typically chosen by students who feel their test scores do not accurately reflect their academic abilities or who were not able to take SAT or ACT tests due to circumstances outside of their control. 
     
    Applicants who choose this option are equally eligible to receive merit scholarships.

    Option 2: Apply with standardized testing. Submit official SAT or ACT results. These must be sent officially from the testing agency. 

    Unsure about whether or not to submit testing? Contact [email protected]

    All applicants, regardless of which option they choose, should review the English language proficiency test scores section to determine whether they are required to submit English language proficiency scores to support their application.

    Transfer Applicants 

    If you have at least 15 college-level credits, SAT/ACT scores (or other standardized tests) are usually not required for transfer admission unless our Admissions Office specifically requests them.

    Please note that proof of high school graduation may be required and English language proficiency test scores may be required.

    The average GPA for incoming fall 2022 transfer students was 3.21.​ All applicants are reviewed for admission but we prefer that students have a 2.50 or higher GPA.

    3. Letters of Recommendation (optional)

    If you submit letters of recommendation, please request letters from individuals, such as a high school teacher or advisor, who can speak to your academic abilities and accomplishments. Please send no more than two letters to [email protected] or through the Common Application.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 53
    • IELTSMin 7
    • TOEFLMin 79

    Career Opportunities after Completing Bachelor of Community Development

    Tyler career coaches specialize in the types of jobs available in the arts, design and built environment, mentoring students on everything from cover letters and résumés to career advice and interviews.  

    Temple's Career Center"¯is another resource that empowers students to find pathways to future success. The Career Center offers comprehensive career development services, from résumés and interviews to finding internships and jobs. 

    A robust network of alumni in leading firms, agencies and organizations and faculty members who work in the field connect students with opportunities for mentorship and internships.

    By integrating theory, interdisciplinary practice and experiential learning, Tyler's architecture and environmental design programs prepare students to be job-ready on day one, with the capacity to grow as leaders and innovators in a range of careers. 

    Tyler's curriculum extends from the classroom into the real world of Philadelphia, where students engage in field research and partner with professionals and organizations. This approach launches graduates who are bold problem-solvers into successful careers as architects, facility managers, landscape architects, educators, historic preservationists, sustainability experts, urban planners and more.  

    ARCHITECTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN CAREER FAIR  

    Each spring, Tyler hosts an Architecture and Environmental Design Career Fair for all majors and class levels interested in internships and full-time opportunities in the built environment professions. Prior to the fair, Tyler's professional programs administrator helps prepare students to conduct research and become standout candidates. 

    THE PHILADELPHIA ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN COLLEGE FAIR 

    Each fall, Tyler hosts the Philadelphia Architecture and Design College Fair, where students can meet with representatives from nationally recognized programs in architecture and environmental design disciplines.

    Fee Information

    Application Fee 55

    How to Apply

    1. Make an application plan.

    If you’re a first-year applicant, you’ll first want to pick a deadline goal and decide if you’d like to apply Early Action (due Nov. 1) or Regular Decision (due Feb. 1).

    2. Apply using the Common Application.

    Temple exclusively uses the Common Application. When completing your application for Temple, be sure to indicate whether you’re applying Early Action or Regular Decision if you’re a first-year applicant. Even if you apply before or by the Early Action deadline, you still must indicate Early Action on your application to ensure you will receive an admissions decision early. Transfer applicants do not need to select a deadline preference.

    There’s an application fee of $55, which you will submit at the same time as the Common Application unless you qualify for a waiver.

    Bachelor of Community Development at Temple University
    Temple University
    Temple University
    United States of America

    United States of America, Philadelphia

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