IDEA Community Development Program
If you want to build stronger, more connected communities and lead meaningful change—while pursuing a fulfilling career in the process—you belong here. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Master of Applied Science - Community Development is a flexible, 100% online graduate degree that prepares you to turn your passion for community into a lifelong professional path.
Whether you're focused on housing, health, economic opportunity, or community engagement, this program blends applied skills and interdisciplinary knowledge with the freedom to tailor your learning experience.
Note: The degree is from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (even though courses may be from IDEA).
What can you do with a Community Development master’s degree?
A master’s degree or graduate certificate in community development is ideal for current and aspiring professionals in areas such as:
- Community, regional and local planning departments
- Economic development organizations
- Community health and wellness
- Cooperative extension services
- Housing and infrastructure agencies
- Natural resource management
- Parks & Recreation Offices
- Tribal Programs
- Non-profit organizations focused on community enhancement
Why Choose the MAS - Community Development Program?
The program offers:
- A professional degree in agricultural science, community development and natural resources at the master’s level
- Flexibility that allows you to design an area of study that addresses your educational goals
- Online courses allowing you to earn the degree remotely
As a college-wide degree program, there is flexibility in the selection of course work to create a personalized program built around the specialization. You will work with an advisor and examining committee to customize a program of study best fitting your educational objective(s). The degree project is intended for you to gain immediate value to apply to your workplace or for career advancement
Degree requirements include 36 credit hours of course work. This can be accomplished through Option B (no minor).
In addition to the completion of 36 credit-hours, students are required to successfully complete a coursework-only written examination which focuses on the application of knowledge gained through community development issues and ideas, or a capstone project which allows students to take on an independent project focused on a specific area of professional interest.
Program Snapshot
Degree:
Master of Applied Science (MAS) Community Development Specialization
Length:
36 credit hours
Format:
Fully online, asynchronous
Tuition:
$610/credit hour (IDEA rate)
Capstone Options:
Choose between a degree project tailored to your professional goals or a comprehensive exam based on coursework
Start Dates:
Rolling admissions: Fall, Spring, or Summer
Community Development Online Curriculum and Requirements
Option A
Required (18 credits)
- CDEV 810 - Foundations of Community Development (3 credits)
- CDEV 811 - Community and Natural Resource Management (3 credits)
- CDEV 812 - Principles and Strategies of Community Change (3 credits)
- CDEV 813 - Organizing for Community Change (3 credits)
- CDEV 814- Community and Regional Economic Policy and Analysis (3 credits)
- CDEV 815 - Community Analysis: Introduction to Methods (3 credits)
Electives (18 credits)
- CDEV 830 – Grant Development and Management (3 credits)
- CDEV * - Land Development Planning (3 credits)
- CDEV * - International Development (3 credits)
- CDEV * - Introduction to GIS (3 credits)
- CDEV 855 - Dynamics of Effective Leadership in Groups and Teams
- CDEV 834 - Community Engagement (3 credits)
- CDEV 832 - Community Leadership and Capacity Building (3 credits)
- CDEV 820 - Economic Development, Strategies and Programs (3 credits)
- CDEV 833 - Evaluation of Organizations & Programs (3 credits)
- CDEV 835 - Government, Politics and Community Development (3 credits)
- CDEV 823 - Housing and Development Programs
- CDEV 850 - Immigrants in Communities (3 credits)
- CDEV 885 - Sustainable Communities (3 credits)
- CDEV 831 - Nonprofit Management (3 credits)
- CDEV 840 - Intro to Native Community Development (3 credits)
- CDEV 822 - Building Native Community Economic Capacity (3 credits)
- CDEV 894 - Creative Component/Project Development (3 credits)
* special topics
Option B
No thesis required
- Minimum 36 cr.
- No minor available.
- At least 18 of the 36 cr must be in graduate-only courses.
Courses
View the Community Development Program Course Planner.
Studying through IDEA
The Interactive Distance Education Alliance (IDEA) is a consortium of renowned public universities from across the United States, offering online, flexible, and affordable degree and certificate programs across a range of subjects in human services and agriculture.
IDEA provides educational freedom, creating rewarding pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and community growth in an ever-changing society.
This program is 100% online.
Service you expect from a leading University
- Access the same student services available to on-campus students
- An academic adviser will guide you along your journey
- Career services are available when you are ready to take your next step
Flexibility
- Combine a number of disciplines to create a unique degree
- Choose more than 50% of the courses you take as electives
- Complete coursework during the time of day that works best for you within a select timeframe
Quality learning experience
- The University of Nebraska has offered distance education courses for more than 100 years
- Interact with faculty and students through e-mail, discussion forums and chat groups
- Direct access to world-class faculty – researchers who are experts in their fields or practitioners with real-world experience
Admissions
Requirements
- A bachelor's degree
- 3.00 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
- Taken the TOEFL or IELTS
(Only required if English is not your native language) - A written personal statement
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Official/Unofficial transcripts from all previous schools
NOTE: This program is authorized, exempt, or not subject to state regulatory compliance and may enroll students from all 50 states
Application Deadlines
Rolling admissions. Application review will begin upon receipt of all required application materials.
Questions?
Matthew Douglass
Assistant Professor of Practice / Chair, Master of Applied Science Graduate Committee
Get Started Today!
This is more than a degree - It's the starting point for a meaningful and impactful career.
Contact Mel Sedlacek
Email: msedlacek5@unl.edu
Phone: 402-472-2957