Graduate Programs:
Master of Science: Specialization in Community Development
A specialization in community development as part of the Master of Science in Rural Sociology provides a basic understanding of sociological theory and research methods along with in-depth knowledge of the various problems communities (especially rural) confront and the analytical and applied tools for addressing them. Topical courses from Rural Sociology and from other departments across the University will be combined to provide substantive knowledge relevant to the student's interests and future or current career setting. This concentration is especially appropriate for persons who will work in applied settings.
This is a specialized program of study which emphasizes preparation in the methods and substantive knowledge that will provide students with in-depth knowledge of community development. The program is sufficiently flexible as to accommodate diverse career plans, workplace settings, and experiences. Students select from a broad range of courses that provide insight into domestic community development and international community development. The specialization requires that electives be taken in other departments whose courses complement Rural Sociology and provide more specialized training in aspects of Community Development. Students who complete this specialization will receive a letter certifying they have done so and a copy will be placed in their permanent file.
Students in the Community Development specialization also may choose a thesis option or an exam option (non-thesis); both require an oral examination. The thesis option requires a total of 50 credit hours plus thesis to graduate. The exam option requires a total of 55 credit hours and successful completion of an M.S. exam to graduate. Since this is a terminal degree that prepares students to work in applied settings immediately following graduation, we strongly encourage the exam option. Completing the exam option will not affect the possibility of acceptance to a Ph.D. program for those who choose to apply to one.
Students electing the concentration in Community Development can expect to complete the program in 2-2.5 years if they take 10 credits per quarter and 1.5-2 years if they take 15 credits per quarter.
Students choosing the exam option must select an additional 5-6 credits in methods from the relevant courses listed in the elective section of this document. Students selecting the thesis program are encouraged to take an additional research methods or community development tool course as one of their electives.
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