Community Development

Blansett_Bruno
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.
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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)

Melissa Stenstrom

msten@iastate.edu
515-294-3366
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 2026) 115

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Rolling admission. Allow at least six weeks for review.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions