Community Development

Program Information:

Program Statement:

Create and contribute to community betterment with Iowa State’s 30-credit online Master of Community Development (MCD) program. Global conditions, socioeconomic inequities and environmental changes are creating challenges for rural and urban communities. The practice of community development has become integral to the livability, resilience and sustainability of communities as our lives have become more complex and unpredictable. Designed for the nontraditional student, the professional Master of Community Development can be completed at your own pace or as quickly as one year. Unlike many online programs, the MCD promotes student engagement, collaboration and ties to a brick-and-mortar university. The 30-credit program consists of 15 required course credits and 15 credits of elective courses. This is a non-thesis degree with a capstone practicum experience.

Degrees Offered:

Master of Community Development (M.C.D.)
Online Master of Community Development (M.C.D.)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

Median time to earn the master’s: 0.3 year (Methods)

Program Contact:

Contact: Melissa Stenstrom
Phone: 515-294-3366
E-mail Address:

Mailing Address:

Student Recruiter
Iowa State University
159 College of Design
Ames, IA 50011-3094

Admission Requirements:

Graduate College Requirements:

4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
Academic Records/Transcripts
Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

Three letters of recommendation
Program Requires GRE: No
Program Requires GMAT: No
Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

Financial Statement: Application

English Proficiency Minimum:

TOEFL Paper (PBT)	550
TOEFL Internet (iBT)	79
IELTS	6.5
PTE	53
Duolingo (approved through spring 2025)	105

Application Information:

Application Deadlines:

Rolling admission. Allow at least six weeks for review.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

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