Community Development Degree Programs
Learn what classes are offered in undergraduate and graduate level community development degree programs. Discover what career options are available to graduates with degrees in this field.
What Is a Community Development Degree?
As a student of community development, you look to the social, political and economic factors that lead to growth and sustainability in communities. Skills for working with groups and a diverse array of people should also be developed within this major. Programs at the bachelor's degree level provide an understanding of the essentials of social services. A master's degree program in community development expands on these themes through classes, research and often through fieldwork. Some schools offer a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Community Development program.
| Degree Options | Bachelor's, master's, doctorate degrees |
| Common Courses | Economics, resource management, theory and development planning, communication, intercultural histories of communities |
| Career Options | Social services worker, public health specialist, program director, agency administrator |
| Median Salary (2020) | $51,760 (for all social workers) |
| Job Outlook (2019-2029) | 13% growth (for all social workers) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Courses Will I Take?
Classes focus on topics central to building up communities and the basics of social services. Topics may include:
- Community planning and change
- Intercultural histories of communities
- Politics and government
- Economic growth and change within communities
- Interpersonal, political, and urban communication
At the master's degree level, you will usually focus on interning and conducting research. Community development related courses will be more specialized and in-depth. You may see classes on subjects such as these included in a master's degree program:
- Regional economic analysis
- Resource management
- Economic, political and social leadership
- Theory and development planning
- Community development research methods and projects
Ph.D. programs further hone your analytical and research skills. You may also study introductory law and business classes in conjunction with community development theory and method courses.
What Can I Do With a Community Development Degree?
A bachelor's degree program in community development lays the groundwork for various fields within the social services sector. You might work for the government or a non-profit, working on issues such as transportation, community organizing and environmental development. If you complete a master's or Ph.D. degree program in community development, you can expect to take on leadership positions working in the government or at a non-profit. You could work as a program director, public health specialist or agency administrator.