Program: Sociology (M.S.) - Community Development Specialization - South Dakota State University

2014-2015 Graduate Catalog

Apr 25, 2025

Program Information
The Community Development specialization provides students the opportunity to study with leading educators and researchers from several different universities representing a diversity of fields including Community and Regional Planning, Architecture, Sociology, Native American Studies, Economics and Natural Resources. This program is designed for people doing community development work in non-profit organizations, colleges, communities, community organizations and governments. The program welcomes those working in all areas to help communities and regions build their capacity for an inclusive, sustainable future; those who volunteer their time and resources to support community; and most of all those with a passion for working toward a brighter future and a willingness to share their experience and wisdom with others via the Internet community. A student guide to the program is located at: www.sdstate.edu/cee/degrees/upload/GPIDEA-Community-Development-Student-Guide.pdf

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science                          Option A
                                                            Option B
                                                            Option C

Core Requirements

Required:

CD 600 - Orientation to Community Development Study
Credits: 1
CD 601 - Organizing for Community Change
Credits: 3
CD 602 - Community and Regional Economic Policy and Analysis
Credits: 3
CD 603 - Community Natural Resource Management
Credits: 3
CD 604 - Community Analysis
Credits: 3
CD 605 - Principles and Strategies of Community Change
Credits: 3
Elective Credits: 3-6 credits of electives.

Select from the Following Tracks and Courses
Option A and B Credits: 9-12
Option C Credits: 18-24

Working with Native Communities

CD 613 - Introduction to Native Community Development
Credits: 3
CD 624 - Building Native Community in Economic Capacity
Credits: 3
CD 634 - Native American Natural Resource Management
Credits: 3
CD 617 - Tribal Colleges in Economic Development
Credits: 1

Building Economic Capacity

CD 626 - Economic Development Strategy
Credits: 3
CD 623 - Ecological Economics
Credits: 3
CD 631 - Evaluation of Organizations/Programs
Credits: 3

Natural Resource Management

CD 623 - Ecological Economics
Credits: 3
CD 631 - Evaluation of Organizations/Programs
Credits: 3
CD 633 - Introduction to Environmental Law
Credits: 3
CD 634 - Native American Natural Resource Management
Credits: 3
CD 635 - Sustainable Communities
Credits: 3
CD 636 - Policy/Politics Coastal Areas
Credits: 3

Non-Profit Management

CD 631 - Evaluation of Organizations/Programs
Credits: 3
CD 641 - Leadership for Change
Credits: 3
CD 642 - Grant Writing
Credits: 3
CD 643 - Nonprofit Management
Credits: 3

Electives:
Options A and B Credits: 3-6
Option C Credits: 0-6

CD 637 - Immigration and Communities
Credits: 3
CD 612 - Housing and Development
Credits: 3
CD 792 - Topics
Credits: 3

Research

Option A:
SOC 798 - Thesis
Credits: 5
Option B:
SOC 791 - Independent Study
  Credits: 2
               and
SOC 794 - Internship
  and Written Report Credits: 3

Total Credits: 36 (Options A & B), 40 (Option C)

Additional Admission Requirements

See Distance Education for further information.

General Requirements (Master’s Degree)

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate work.

See Master’s Degree Requirements .