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.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Options</b></td><td>Bachelor's, master's, doctorate degrees</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Economics, resource management, theory and development planning, communication, intercultural histories of communities</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td>Social services worker, public health specialist, program director, agency administrator</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Median Salary (2020)</b> </td><td> $51,760 (<i>for all social workers</i>) </td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 13% growth (<i>for all social workers</i>) </td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake"> What Courses Will I Take?</h3><p>Classes focus on topics central to building up communities and the basics of social services. Topics may include:
</p><ul><li>Community planning and change
</li><li>Intercultural histories of communities
</li><li>Politics and government
</li><li>Economic growth and change within communities
</li><li>Interpersonal, political, and urban communication
</li></ul><p>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:
</p><ul><li>Regional economic analysis
</li><li>Resource management
</li><li>Economic, political and social leadership
</li><li>Theory and development planning
</li><li>Community development research methods and projects
</li></ul><p>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.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithACommunityDevelopmentDegree"> What Can I Do With a Community Development Degree?</h3><p>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.</p>
