Application deadline
Credits and costs
Turn Your Ideas into Actionable Solutions
Life is more than just the standard 40-hour workweek. Where some see problems, you see solutions. When some avoid connection, you strive for fulfillment. Your skills are impressive, and you have the track record to show for it. A master’s degree in community and economic development can help you build upon your skills and experience to make a lasting impact.
Sound in Your Knowledge, Confident in Your Experience
Penn State’s online Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Community and Economic Development degree program is designed to harness the unique backgrounds of students to create tangible outcomes in the communities they serve. By leveraging their skills and experience in their course work, graduates of this program can expect to:
- understand the causes and effects of economic, social, and population changes
- be knowledgeable of the organizations, groups, and institutions governing community health, and how to get themselves, and others, involved
- identify pressing needs or discrepancies in communities through various methods of engagement and measurement
- evaluate and measure community program and intervention efficacy
- develop cooperative strategies and initiatives that improve community health
- use research and data to understand and shape economic and social change
- understand the social dynamics at play in community issues
A Diverse Approach to Community Development
Through a balanced curriculum of theory and practice, students will learn by taking advantage of opportunities to apply their knowledge and experiences to real issues facing real communities. Courses will explore the numerous intersections of community interest groups and the impacts these interactions have on the public. Course topics include:
- perspectives on development, democracy, and decision-making
- economic development planning
- structures and processes of communities and community organizations
- land use, population change, and municipal finance
- research conceptualization and data analysis
- assessing and evaluating impacts
- leadership and communication
Be a Trusted Leader in Your Community
Because of the program’s focus on students’ own unique experiences within their communities, graduates of the MPS in Community and Economic Development can be equipped to address the challenges and hurdles impacting their communities right now. In addition to applying their degree to their current or future careers, graduates can use their knowledge and skills to become advocates, organizers, volunteers, and publicly appointed servants on issues including:
- housing
- community leadership development
- advocating for under-represented voices within the community
- community resiliency
- public safety and police
- neighborhood development
- refugee support
- economic development
- arts-based community development
- community engagement
- environmental planning
Why a Master's Degree Online at Penn State?
Unique Perspectives — This 30-credit interdisciplinary master of professional studies program draws on the community and economic development expertise of faculty in Penn State's Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education. It was developed in response to a request from community development professionals for advanced training in theory, practice, and techniques in a community setting.
Set Your Own Pace — Take one, two, or three classes per semester, based on what your life will allow. Need a semester off? No problem. Looking to fit your degree around a busy life? You can take your time and complete courses at your own pace. Many students take just one or two courses per semester. Looking to earn your degree as quickly as possible? If you take three courses per semester, it's possible to complete this degree in just two to three years.
A Trusted Leader in Online Education — Penn State has more than 100 years of experience in distance education and more than two decades of experience in online education. Our online learning environment offers you the same quality education that students experience on campus.
Information for Military and Veterans
Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, or application instructions.
Courses
Penn State's 30-credit online Master of Professional Studies in Community and Economic Development emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to economic and community development. The program balances theory and practice and offers examples and opportunities for you to consider in application of these concepts to real issues facing communities and regions.
The course topics include:
- perspectives on development, democracy, and decision-making
- economic development planning
- structures and processes of communities and community organizations
- land use, population change, and municipal finance
- leadership in communities and nonprofit organizations
- methods and techniques of community and economic development
Collaborative Experience, Practical Applications
The community and economic development curriculum uses a blend of web technology, print, and other media to provide an effective balance of flexibility and interaction.
Students communicate with faculty and each other through discussion forums, chat rooms, and email. The learning environment is collaborative and designed so that students can share their knowledge and experiences and learn from each other. The curriculum and course format offer theoretical understanding of sociological and economic development concepts and application of those concepts to effective community and economic development practice. Students have noted that they can immediately apply what they have learned in the courses to their jobs or elected positions.
In addition, please contact [email protected] for information about optional webinars we are designing that focus on applications and practices for community and economic development, giving students an opportunity to interact with faculty members, fellow students, alumni of the program, and other practicing community development professionals in a virtual environment outside of the "classroom" setting.
Credit Requirements
The program requires:
- completion of 8 core courses (24 credits)
- 3 credits of elective course work
- 3 credits to complete a culminating experience (may be based on a project or internship) that integrates theory and practice on an issue or topic of your choice
Required Courses (24 credits)
Culminating Experience (3 credits)
Elective Courses (3 credits)
Electives (3 credits) are not limited to these courses and may include resident courses and graduate courses from other accredited institutions. Other possible elective courses require approval from the CEDEV graduate program coordinator or your MPS program faculty adviser.
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.
Costs and Financial Aid
Graduate Tuition
Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $1,007 per credit |
| 12 or more | $12,082 per semester |
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
How to Apply
Deadlines and Important Dates
Your degree application, including receipt of all transcripts, should be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.
This program accepts applications throughout the year. If you wish to begin taking courses in a particular semester, please submit a completed application by the semester application deadlines noted below. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing the application. MPS application submission guidelines are:
Admissions Help
If you have questions about the admissions process, contact our admissions counselors.
Admission Requirements
For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.
All applicants are expected to have earned a junior/senior grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.
In addition, applicants are expected to have completed 6 credits in social sciences, preferably 3 credits in economics and 3 credits in sociology, and 3 credits in statistics in undergraduate work.
Transfer Credit
You may transfer up to 10 graduate credits from another accredited program into the degree program, with approval.
What You Need
Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:
Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. — Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
References (3) — You will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of three references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.
When all materials have been received, we will notify you about your status and provide guidance about the next steps in becoming a Penn State student.
Program-Specific Questions/Materials
Résumé — Upload your résumé or vita or to the online application.
Personal Statement OR Statement of Purpose
Start Your Application
You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.
Begin the graduate school application
- Choose Enrollment Type: "Degree Admission"
- Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
Applying as a Nondegree Graduate Student
Apply as a "nondegree" graduate student to begin taking courses right away. If you are taking courses as a nondegree graduate student, you must apply to the master's degree to be considered for admission into the Master of Professional Studies in Community and Economic Development. In the graduate school application:
- Select "Nondegree Admission"
- Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.
Technical Requirements
Review the general technical requirements for this program.
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Start or Advance Your Career
Start or Advance Your Career
You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.
Earn a Valuable Credential along the Way
Earn a Valuable Credential along the Way
Show mastery of specific subjects before your degree is complete. Thanks to shared courses across programs, students can often earn a certificate along with their degree in less time than if they earned them separately.
Contact Us
To learn more about the Master of Professional Studies in Community and Economic Development, offered in partnership with the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, please contact:
Administrative Coordinator
Community and Economic Development Graduate Program
305 Armsby Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-5884
Email: [email protected]
Community and Economic Development Graduate Programs website
Faculty
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Jeffrey Bridger
DegreePh.D., Rural Sociology, Penn StateDr. Jeffrey Bridger's research and teaching interests include community theory, community and economic development, sociological research methods, human dimensions of natural resources, and university-community engagement.
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Judy Chambers
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DegreeM.S., Community and Economic Development, Penn State
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DegreeB.S., Education, Northwestern University
Judy Chambers is an economic and community development educator for Penn State Extension and has worked in the areas of organizational and leadership development, strategic planning, and local government training. In 2009–10, she served as Penn State Extension Fellow with the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. She has more than 11 years of experience as municipal manager for two small communities in Boonsboro, Maryland, and Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. She also worked on military base reuse for Letterkenny Industrial Development Authority in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.
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Michael W-P Fortunato
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DegreePh.D., Rural Sociology, Penn State
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DegreeM.S., Community and Economic Development, Penn State
Dr. Michael W-P Fortunato's interests lie in entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, nontraditional and community-based ventures, community and economic development, rural development, community-based planning/strategy, institutional innovation, arts-based community development, agriculture/food-based community development, community theory, research design, and mixed methods.
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Amanda Hope
DegreePh.D., Geography, West Virginia UniversityDr. Amanda Hope works for USDA Rural Development in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, as the state energy coordinator and business program specialist. She began working for USDA Rural Development in 2011 as an intern while completing her doctorate in geography with an emphasis in rural economic development from West Virginia University. Her research interests include community economic development, economic development in Appalachia, and rural development. She teaches Community Economic Development 430.
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Terence Milstead
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DegreePh.D., Urban and Regional Planning, Florida State University
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DegreeM.S.P., Urban and Regional Planning, Florida State University
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DegreeB.A., English, University of West Florida
Dr. Terence Milstead's primary teaching and research interest is the role of public participation, communication, and applied social science research in the creation or re-creation of public spaces. He is a vice president in the social change unit at Ogilvy Public Relations.
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Frans J.G. Padt
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DegreePh.D., Political Sciences of the Environment, Radboud University Nijmegen
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DegreeM.S., Environmental Hydrology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam
Dr. Frans J.G. Padt is an associate teaching professor and has more than 25 years of experience in community and regional environmental planning as a researcher, educator, policymaker, and consultant. He teaches in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education and the Department of Landscape Architecture at the undergraduate and graduate levels. His research and teaching include natural resource and landscape governance; community science; planning; design; science, technology, and society studies; and public policy.
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John Shingler
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DegreePh.D., Community Studies and Planning, Penn State
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DegreeM.S., Public Administration, Penn State
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DegreeM.S., Urban and Regional Planning, Florida State
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DegreeB.S., Man-Environment Relations, Penn State
Dr. John Shingler is a research associate whose research focuses on low-income assistance and energy conservation programs. His other interests lie in community studies and gentrification.
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Bradley Woods
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DegreePh.D., Rural Sociology and Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Penn State
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DegreeM.A., Sociology, Marshall University
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DegreeB.A., Sociology, Marshall University
Dr. Bradley Woods' experience includes teaching courses including Community Leadership, Sociology of Rural Life, Introduction to Sociology, Ethical Issues in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Ethical Issues in Big Data Research, and Ethical Conduct of Research. His research interests are leadership and management in the context of community, limitations on free speech and its impact on research and scholarly integrity, ethical issues in the conduct of scientific research and scholarship, and regulatory compliance and big data research.
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