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

2016-2017 Graduate Catalog

Apr 04, 2025

Program Coordinator/Contact
Mary Emery, Department Head
Meredith Redlin, Professor/Graduate Coordinator
Department of Sociology and Rural Studies
Scobey Hall 226, Box 504
605-688-4132
E-mail: jamie.jacobsen@sdstate.edu
http://www.sdstate.edu/soc/

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: http://www.sdstate.edu/soc/grad/index.cfm.

Course Delivery Format
The online program has been developed by faculty from the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (GP-IDEA). Courses will be entirely Internet based and will be taught by faculty within the Alliance (Iowa State University, Kansas State University, North Dakota State University, South Dakota State University, and University of Nebraska). Courses are offered fall, spring and summer semesters.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science	Option A - Thesis	36 Credit Hours
	Option B - Research/Design Paper	36 Credit Hours
	Option C - Coursework Only	40 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

CD 600 - Orientation to Community Development Study Credits: 2
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

Select one of the following options

Electives will be determined in consultation with the advisor.

Option A - Thesis

SOC 798 - Thesis Credits: 1-7 (5 credits required)
Electives: 14

Option B - Research/Design Paper

SOC 791 - Independent Study Credits: 1-3 (2 credits required)
SOC 794 - Internship Credits: 1-6 and Written Report (3 credits required)
Electives: 14

Option C - Coursework Only

Electives: 23

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

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: Required score of 525 paper-based, 71 Internet-based
IELTS: 5.5

Each applicant should have two signed letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the student’s academic record as part of the graduate school application process. In addition, we highly recommend that interested applicants submit a writing sample (past term paper for example) and a personal statement. The personal statement should outline the applicant’s academic goals and describe how those goals connect with SDSU faculty expertise and interests.

General Requirements

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

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .