Community Development Policy and Practice (M.A.)
https://www.unh.edu/program/master-arts/community-development-policy-practice
What the Program Covers
The online Master in Community Development (MCD) program prepares students to lead community development initiatives in the public and nonprofit sectors. The MCD program is taught by practitioners with expertise in development finance, economic and policy analysis, organizational development, and project management. Students apply what they learn through a community-based capstone project addressing real-world challenges.
The curriculum emphasizes applied, participatory approaches that build skills in program design, financial and project management, and sustainable development. Professionals with five or more years of relevant experience may qualify for the Executive MCD, a reduced-credit option that can be completed in one year. Note that the GRE is not required for admission to this program.
Program Highlights
- 12 courses fully online and flexible to the needs of working professionals
- Start in the fall, spring, or summer
- Gain effective community development skills and tools through an applied four-term capstone project in your community
- Connect with respected field experts across disciplines
- Focus on recreation administration by adding the optional Recreation Management and Policy track to your MCD degree
Program Delivery and Options
All courses are delivered online. Students may take optional electives in person on UNH campuses. An optional Washington, DC Colloquium brings students to Washington, DC for a week of meetings with policymakers and practitioners.
Students enrolled in the Carsey School's Master in Community Development Policy and Practice program (MCD) are required to complete a 36-credit program, consisting of 12 courses including a four-term capstone project:
- 5 CORE Curriculum Courses
- 4 EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING CAPSTONE Courses
- 3 DEGREE SPECIALIZATION TRACK Courses (Elective Track or Recreation Management and Policy Track)
These provide the applied foundational community and economic development skills in strategy, practice, and analysis for a successful career in community development. In this program, students will examine each of the core interdisciplinary areas within the cross-cutting lenses of public policy, data collection, and analysis as students directly apply what they learn in the classroom through a capstone project centered on community engagement for sustainable development. Further opportunities for depth and specialization are provided through a variety of Elective courses or by choosing the optional Recreation Management and Policy Track for those focusing on recreation administration.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CORE Curriculum Courses (5 Courses) | ||
| DPP 801 | Integrative Approaches to Development Policy and Practice | 3 |
| DPP 802 | Economic Analysis for Development | 3 |
| DPP 805 | Fiscal Management for Development Organizations | 3 |
| DPP 806 | Organizational Management and Leadership | 3 |
| DPP 808 | Policy Seminar | 3 |
| EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING CAPSTONE Courses (4 Courses) 1 | ||
| DPP 980 | Introduction to Community Development Projects | 3 |
| DPP 981 | Project Design and Planning | 3 |
| DPP 982 | Project Implementation and Monitoring | 3 |
| DPP 983 | Project Evaluation | 3 |
| DEGREE SPECIALIZATION TRACK (3 Courses) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 9 | |
Elective Track | ||
Select three Elective courses from the list of MCD-Approved Electives 2 | ||
Recreation Management and Policy Track | ||
Select three courses from the following: 3 | ||
| Recreation Resource Management | ||
| Adaptive Sport Facilitation for Recreation Therapy and Related Professions | ||
| Research, Evaluation, and Data-Driven Decisions | ||
| Therapeutic Recreation Service Delivery in Community Settings | ||
| Theories and Philosophies of Youth Development | ||
| Law and Public Policy in Leisure Services | ||
| Human Dimensions of Natural Environments | ||
| Non-Profit Administration and Leadership | ||
| Fund Development and Grantwriting | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |
- 1
With full faculty support, students carry out a four-term capstone project in their communities by completing actionable assignments throughout the series of four applied project courses.
- 2
A variety of MCD-Approved Elective courses are offered each term and vary each year. This includes the MCD Independent Study course (DPP 990) taken under the guidance of an MCD faculty member. Students wishing to pursue elective courses outside of the MCD program should consult with their Graduate Academic Advisor for guidance and approval.
- 3
Students pursuing the Recreation Management and Policy Track should consult with their departmental Graduate Academic Advisors at the Carsey School and Recreation Management & Policy for guidance on which RMP courses are relevant based upon their interests. Note that some RMP courses are offered online, while other courses are currently offered on campus only. Check course details for course location specifics.
MCD Sample Degree Plan (36 Credits): Fall Start
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| Term 1 | ||
| DPP 801 | Integrative Approaches to Development Policy and Practice | 3 |
| DPP 980 | Introduction to Community Development Projects 1 | 3 |
| Term 2 | ||
| DPP 806 | Organizational Management and Leadership | 3 |
| DPP 981 | Project Design and Planning 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| Term 3 | ||
| DPP 802 | Economic Analysis for Development | 3 |
| DPP 982 | Project Implementation and Monitoring 1 | 3 |
| Term 4 | ||
| DPP 805 | Fiscal Management for Development Organizations | 3 |
| DPP 983 | Project Evaluation 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Summer | ||
| Term 5 | ||
| DPP 808 | Policy Seminar | 3 |
| MCD-Approved Elective Course OR RMP Track Course 2,3 | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| MCD-Approved Elective Course OR RMP Track Course 2,3 | 3 | |
| MCD-Approved Elective Course OR RMP Track Course 2,3 | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
MCD Sample Degree Plan (36 Credits): Spring Start
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credits | |
| Term 3 | ||
| DPP 802 | Economic Analysis for Development | 3 |
| MCD-Approved Elective Course OR RMP Track Course 2,3 | 3 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| DPP 805 | Fiscal Management for Development Organizations | 3 |
| MCD-Approved Elective Course OR RMP Track Course 2,3 | 3 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Fall | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| DPP 801 | Integrative Approaches to Development Policy and Practice | 3 |
| DPP 980 | Introduction to Community Development Projects 1 | 3 |
| Term 2 | ||
| DPP 806 | Organizational Management and Leadership | 3 |
| DPP 981 | Project Design and Planning 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Spring | ||
| Term 3 | ||
| DPP 982 | Project Implementation and Monitoring 1 | 3 |
| Term 4 | ||
| DPP 983 | Project Evaluation 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| Term 5 | ||
| DPP 808 | Policy Seminar | 3 |
| MCD-Approved Elective Course OR RMP Track Course 2,3 | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
- 1
With full faculty support, students carry out a four-term capstone project in their communities by completing actionable assignments throughout the series of four (4) applied project courses.
- 2
A variety of MCD-Approved Elective courses are offered each term and vary each year. This includes the MCD Independent Study course (DPP 990) taken under the guidance of an MCD faculty member. Students wishing to pursue elective courses outside of the MCD program should consult with their Graduate Academic Advisor for guidance and approval.
- 3
Students pursuing the Recreation Management and Policy Track should consult with their departmental Graduate Academic Advisors at the Carsey School and Recreation Management & Policy for guidance on which RMP courses are relevant based upon their interests. Note that some RMP courses are offered online, while other courses are currently offered on campus only. Check course details for course location specifics.
Accelerated Master's Overview
Accelerated Master’s programs offer qualified University of New Hampshire undergraduate students the opportunity to begin graduate coursework in select graduate programs while completing a bachelor’s degree. Accelerated master's programs are designed to provide students with an efficient and cost-effective pathway to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree or graduate certificate, enhancing career opportunities and long-term earning potential.
Accelerated Master's Highlights
- Begin studying advanced topics while an undergraduate student with the opportunity to complete a master’s degree or graduate certificate early.
- Master’s degree program students: Earn up to 12* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
- Graduate certificate program students: Earn up to 8* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s degree and the graduate certificate.
- Students complete the bachelor’s degree, and then officially matriculate into the master’s or graduate certificate program to complete the remaining required graduate-level coursework.
*Some exceptions apply.
Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements
- A minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA is required.*
- A minimum of 90 undergraduate credits must be completed prior to enrolling in graduate (800-level) courses.
- Streamlined Graduate School Application (two letters of recommendation; most standardized tests and application fee are waived).*
*Some exceptions apply.
Accelerated Master's Requirements
- Students must attend a mandatory orientation session.
- Students must submit a special registration form each semester for dual-credit courses and note any DegreeWorks exceptions.
- Students may defer graduate matriculation for up to one year after earning their bachelor’s degree in most programs.
- See the Accelerated Master’s Catalog Policy and Accelerated Master’s Website for additional information and a list of programs. Note that some programs have additional requirements (e.g. higher-grade expectations) compared to the general policy.
Community Development Policy and Practice (M.A.) Accelerated Option
Accelerated Master's Progam Eligible: Yes-MCD Only (not applicable for the Executive MCD program)
The 36-credit Community Development Policy and Practice (M.A.) program (MCD) allows eligible undergraduate seniors to enroll in graduate level courses which can fulfill requirements for both their undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Students can apply to the Accelerated Master's MCD program during their junior or senior year. Please review details on eligibility requirements for admission.
Eligible students who are admitted to the Accelerated Master's MCD program may complete up to 12 credits (four 3-credit courses) at the 800-level during their undergraduate senior year (unless otherwise indicated below), Credit earned counts toward both the undergraduate program and graduate degree.
The 36-credit Community Development Policy and Practice (M.A.) program (MCD) is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with the below undergraduate programs.
The graduate 800-level courses listed below have been approved to be completed in the undergraduate senior year and earn credit toward both the undergraduate programs listed below and the Community Development Policy and Practice (M.A.) degree program.
Accelerated Master's students should always consult with their Graduate Academic Advisor for course selection guidance.
College of Health and Human Services
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Management & Policy: Outdoor Leadership and Management Option (B.S.) | ||
| Recreation Management & Policy: Program and Event Management Option (B.S.) | ||
| Recreation Management & Policy: Therapeutic Recreation Option (B.S.) | ||
| Students may select up to four (4) 800-level courses (12 credits total) from the following: | ||
Community Development Policy and Practice (M.A.) courses: | ||
| Integrative Approaches to Development Policy and Practice | ||
| Economic Analysis for Development | ||
| Fiscal Management for Development Organizations | ||
| Organizational Management and Leadership | ||
Global Conflict & Human Security (M.S.) courses: | ||
| Conflict & Human Security | ||
| Global Governance | ||
| International Development & Human Security | ||
| Sustainable Development: Gender-Environment Nexus | ||
| Peace and Human Security in the Post-Atrocity State | ||
Public Administration (M.P.A.) courses: | ||
| Foundations and Theories of Public Administration | ||
| Grant-writing for Public and Non-profit Sectors | ||
| Organization and Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors | ||
| Leadership Theory and Practice | ||
| Non-Profit Management | ||
| Managing Conflict and Change in Nonprofit and Public Organizations | ||
| Strategic Communications for Public and Non-profit Sectors | ||
| Effective Change Management in Nonprofit and Public Organizations | ||
Public Policy (M.P.P.) courses: | ||
| Fundamentals of Policy Analysis | ||
| Policy Across Borders | ||
| Strategies for Policy Impact | ||
| Media Strategy and Skills | ||
| Advanced Special Topics | ||
Recreation Management and Policy (M.S.) courses: | ||
| Recreation Resource Management | ||
| Adaptive Sport Facilitation for Recreation Therapy and Related Professions | ||
| Research, Evaluation, and Data-Driven Decisions | ||
| Therapeutic Recreation Service Delivery in Community Settings | ||
| Theories and Philosophies of Youth Development | ||
| Law and Public Policy in Leisure Services | ||
| Human Dimensions of Natural Environments | ||
College of life sciences and agriculture
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Community and Environmental Planning (B.S.) | ||
| Students may select up to four (4) 800-level courses (12 credits total) from the following: | ||
Community Development Policy and Practice (M.A.) courses: | ||
| Integrative Approaches to Development Policy and Practice | ||
| Economic Analysis for Development | ||
| Fiscal Management for Development Organizations | ||
| Organizational Management and Leadership | ||
Global Conflict & Human Security (M.S.) courses: | ||
| Conflict & Human Security | ||
| Global Governance | ||
| International Development & Human Security | ||
| Sustainable Development: Gender-Environment Nexus | ||
| Peace and Human Security in the Post-Atrocity State | ||
Public Administration (M.P.A.) courses: | ||
| Foundations and Theories of Public Administration | ||
| Grant-writing for Public and Non-profit Sectors | ||
| Organization and Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors | ||
| Leadership Theory and Practice | ||
| Non-Profit Management | ||
| Managing Conflict and Change in Nonprofit and Public Organizations | ||
| Strategic Communications for Public and Non-profit Sectors | ||
| Effective Change Management in Nonprofit and Public Organizations | ||
Public Policy (M.P.P.) courses: | ||
| Fundamentals of Policy Analysis | ||
| Policy Across Borders | ||
| Strategies for Policy Impact | ||
| Media Strategy and Skills | ||
| Advanced Special Topics | ||
College of Professional Studies - Online
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Technology | ||
Accounting and Finance (B.S.) | ||
Applied Studies: Management (B.S.) | ||
Business Management: Accounting Option (B.S.) | ||
Business Management: Economic Science Option (B.S.) | ||
Business Management: Emergency Management Strategy and Planning Option (B.S.) | ||
Business Management: Finance Option (B.S.) | ||
Business Management: Leadership, Change, and Social Responsibility Option (B.S.) | ||
Business Management: Management Option (B.S.) | ||
Business Management: Nonprofit Management Option (B.S.) | ||
Business Management: Organization and Business Administration Option (B.S.) | ||
Business Management: Project Management Option (B.S.) | ||
Fire Service Administration (B.S.) | ||
Human Resource Management (B.S.) | ||
Operations, Supply Chain, and Logistics Management (B.S.) | ||
Public Administration (B.S.) | ||
Technology Management (B.S.) | ||
| Health Care, Human Services, and Behavioral Science | ||
Applied Psychology: Emergency Management Strategy and Planning Option (B.S.) | ||
Criminal Justice (B.S.) | ||
| Liberal Arts, Communications, and General Education | ||
Individualized Studies: Humanities (B.A.) | ||
Individualized Studies: Management (B.S.) | ||
Professional Communication: Business and Strategic Communication Option (B.S.) | ||
Professional Communication: Interpersonal and Organizational Communication Option (B.S.) | ||
Professional Communication: Visual Communication and Social Media Option (B.S.) | ||
| The approved 800-level courses below will count as electives in the undergraduate program. | ||
| Students may select up to four (4) 800-level courses (12 credits total) from the following: | ||
Community Development Policy and Practice (M.A.) courses: | ||
| Integrative Approaches to Development Policy and Practice | ||
| Economic Analysis for Development | ||
| Fiscal Management for Development Organizations | ||
| Organizational Management and Leadership | ||
Global Conflict & Human Security (M.S.) courses: | ||
| Conflict & Human Security | ||
| Global Governance | ||
| International Development & Human Security | ||
| Sustainable Development: Gender-Environment Nexus | ||
| Peace and Human Security in the Post-Atrocity State | ||
Public Administration (M.P.A.) courses: | ||
| Foundations and Theories of Public Administration | ||
| Grant-writing for Public and Non-profit Sectors | ||
| Organization and Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors | ||
| Leadership Theory and Practice | ||
| Non-Profit Management | ||
| Managing Conflict and Change in Nonprofit and Public Organizations | ||
| Strategic Communications for Public and Non-profit Sectors | ||
| Effective Change Management in Nonprofit and Public Organizations | ||
Public Policy (M.P.P.) courses: | ||
| Fundamentals of Policy Analysis | ||
| Policy Across Borders | ||
| Strategies for Policy Impact | ||
| Media Strategy and Skills | ||
| Advanced Special Topics | ||
- Develop interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to integrate theory, policy, data collection, and analysis.
- Acquire an understanding of complex development issues and problems.
- Apply learning to real-world situations.
- Effectively communicate findings to various audiences both verbally and in writing.