Geography
Master of Science in Community and Economic Development
The Department of Geography is the new home of the Masters of Science in Community and Economic Development (MSCED) degree program. The department is anxious to serve all students in this program. Please contact us for more information or with questions, concerns, etc.
Program Overview
The purpose of the Master of Science in Community and Economic Development (MSCED) is to provide both experienced practitioners and new students with a comprehensive understanding of the theory and applications of state-of-the-art community and economic development tools and methods. Graduates will be prepared to act as catalysts for growth and change through a community development process.
Admission Requirements- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- GRE (minimum scores are under review)
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 2.7
- TOEFL score of at least 550 on the paper version or 213 on the computer version (international students only)
Program Features
- Thirty-six credit hour program including a twenty-four credit hour core, nine credit hours of electives, and a three-credit hour internship.
- Concentrations available in Community Development, Geographic Information Systems, Planning, Land Use, and others upon approval.
- If properly planned, the degree can be completed in three semesters.
- All courses are facilitated online through UCA Blackboard.
- Training in Leadership and Management.
CED 6305 - Introduction to Community and Economic Development
CED 6310 - Community and Economic Development Seminar
CED 6311 - Leadership and Decision Making
CED 6315 - Applied Research Methods and Data Analysis
CED 6330 - Community Development Policy Analysis
CED 6340 - Economic and Industrial Development
CED 6350 - Financing Community and Economic Development
CED 6360 - Cultural Differentiation and Outreach
CED 6370 - Community and Economic Development Internship
Electives (9 credit hours)
(To be taken in one of two areas of emphasis)
Community DevelopmentCED 6101 - Community and Economic Development Institute I
CED 6102 - Community and Economic Development Institute II
CED 6103 - Community and Economic Development Institute III
CED 6301 - Project Management
CED 6302 - Leadership and Community Organizations
CED 6313 - Transportaton and Infrastructure
CED 6318 - Budgeting
CED 6320 - Holistic Planning and the Community
CED 6335 - Grant Writing
Planning, Land Use, and GIS
GEOG 5310 - Geographic Information Systems
GEGO 5315 - Mapping Fundamentals for GIS
GEOG 5320 - Technical Issues in GIS
GEOG 5333 - GIS for Planning and Public Administration
GEOG 5345 - Digital Image Processing for GIS
GEOG 6328 - Spatial Analysis and Modeling
Criminal Justice
CJIN 5300 - Criminal Justice Management I
CJIN 5301 - Criminal Justice Management II
SOC 5310 - Criminology/Victimology
(Other electives may be subsituted by request and with approval from the MSCED Director: Contact Dr. Michael Yoder for more information (myoder@uca.edu).
Click here for a list of future courses
Click here for course descriptions
Community Development Institute
Each year, UCA offers the Community Development Institute (CDE). This week-long institute provides training in professional development related to community and economic development for elected officials, board members, full-time professionals, and citizens from all walks of life. CDI participants receive a certificate after each year of completion. Graduation from CDI occurs upon completion of year three. An advanced year of CDI is also offered for those who have completed the three-year program. CDI prepares participants to sit for the national Professional Community and Economic Development (PCED) certification. The curricula of the CDI and MSCED programs are tied together and offer a unique educational experience. Click on the link below for information on the Community Development Institute offered by UCA's Academic Outreach.Community and Development Institute
LinksThe Graduate school website offers more information about being a graduate student at UCA, taking the GRE, and applying to the graduate school. Click on the link below to be redirected to the Graduate Studies website. The graduate bulletin for Community and Economic Development, which provides descriptions for all courses, can be found on this website.
The endorsing organization for CDI and our PCED certification is the Community Development Council (CDC).
MSCED Interim Director
Dr. Michael Yoder
Associate Professor of Geography
301 C Irby Hall
University of Central Arkansas
201 Donaghey Avenue
Conway, AR 72035
Voice: 501-450-5638
FAX: 501-852-2926