Change happens at the local level.
Fundamental change often happens at the local level. SDSU's online M.S. in Sociology degree with a specialization in Community Development equips you with skills to make meaningful change within your community. Communities thrive when local decision-makers and activists can creatively implement solutions for the social, economic, cultural and environmental challenges the community faces. The online Master’s in Community Development program opens up the opportunity to study with leading educators and researchers representing diverse fields including community and regional planning, architecture, sociology, Native American studies, economics and natural resources. See the whole picture and sharpen your ability to make democratic and socially conscious decisions.
For the professional as well as the activist who desires to contribute to positive change in their communities and regions, our program can equip you with the tools and educational experience to be more effective. Online delivery and modular scheduling allows you to fit classes into your own schedule around your professional career and personal responsibilities. Yet, you will still capture the richness of interacting and networking with other students in this electronic learning community.
Focusing on your goals.
Select your specialty. You will have the opportunity to select a specialized emphasis of study in one of four areas. Each of these study areas has three separate capstone options—a thesis, practicum or additional elective courses.
- Working with Native Communities
- Building Economic Capacity
- Natural Resource Management
- Non-Profit Management
Career Opportunities in Sociology- Community Development
- Cooperative extension
- Youth development
- Housing
- Community planning
- Natural resource management
- Community health and wellness programs
- Parks and recreation
- Food systems and community gardening projects
- Poverty and homelessness programs
- Military family services
Application Requirements
- Graduate School application form and fee
- All previous transcripts
- A writing sample (e.g., an undergraduate research paper or professional report)
- A statement of purpose indicating your goals at successful completion of the program
- Two letters of recommendation attesting to your promise for graduate-level work
Providing access to the best opportunities.
Great Plains IDEA Partnership
This online program is offered through SDSU's partnership with the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (GPIDEA). Collaborative, multi-institutional online programs expand and diversify your educational opportunities. Courses led by instructors from partner universities and interactions with geographically-dispersed students will broaden your perceptions and knowledge. To apply to program, perspective students will submit application through SDSU.
Admission Requirements
Ready to join the Jackrabbit family? We could not be more excited to help you achieve your academic goals!
Apply today!
Contact us for more information about the Online M.S. in Community Development
Program Contact
Paul Markel
School of Psychology, Sociology & Rural Studies
Hansen Hall 029
605-688-4322
SDSU Continuing and Distance Education
Phone: 605-688-4154
Email: sdsu.distance@sdstate.edu
Website: sdstate.edu/online
SDSU Graduate Admissions
Phone: 605-688-4181
Email: gradschl@sdstate.edu
Website: sdstate.edu/graduate