Pennsylvania State University Park Campus

The Master of Professional Studies in Community and Economic Development (M.P.S. CEDEV) is a 30-credit terminal master's degree program that emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to community and economic development. The program balances theory and practice. Courses are taught in M.P.S. CEDEV use a blend of web technology, print, and other media to provide an effective balance of flexibility and interaction. Individuals who currently work with, or are interested in working with communities, community organizations and stakeholders, or on a range of community and economic development issues at the state or national levels would benefit from this program.

Instruction in the MPS CEDEV program emphasizes key themes that include:

• economic planning and development,
• municipal finance, land use and population change,
• community structure, organization and process,
• leadership,
• tools and techniques in community development, and
• community decision-making and capacity building

Students in Community and Economic Development gain a broad understanding of the dynamics of communities and their social, economic, and political systems. The program emphasizes teaching the theory, skills, and tools that allow practitioners to address the important issues in development practice.

Graduates of the Community and Economic Development program have a wide range of career opportunities, including:

• local and state government,
• planning commissions,
• major corporations,
• non-governmental organizations, and
• consulting firms.