Online Community Development Degree
Academic title: Community Development Option, B.S.
120 Credits
to Graduate
January 11
Next start date
*Recommended apply date is minimum 6 weeks prior to next start date.
Study community development online
Communities need people who know how to solve problems and create systems that support others. Community development professionals bring people, organizations and resources together to improve services and quality of life. Through CMU’s online bachelor's degree program, you’ll build skills in communication, program planning, leadership and organizational decision-making.
You'll choose between three community development concentrations:
- Community Service
- Health Science
- Public Administration
By earning your community development degree online, you'll build skills in:
- Assessing community and organizational needs
- Planning and coordinating programs
- Communicating with community partners
- Leading teams and collaborative initiatives
- Understanding public policies and organizational systems
Your experience may already count toward your degree in community development. Through our Prior Learning Credit program, you may be able to earn college credits for relevant work experience, military service, professional training or certifications. That could mean saving time and money as you work towards your degree.
Earn an accelerated master's
You may even be able to apply up to 12 credits to the Master of Science in Administration program — that's one-third of the credits needed to graduate! Speak to your advisor in your junior year to apply for this accelerated program.
Community development degree overview
| Core credits | 24 |
|---|---|
| Concentration credits | 12-15 |
| General Education credits | 81-84 |
| Total credits to graduate | 120 |
How much does an online community development degree cost?
The cost shown below is based on the current tuition and fee estimate. Your actual cost of attendance for financial aid purposes may vary based on your assigned tuition rate, the number of credits you're enrolled in and the length of your enrollment period. If you're enrolled in a single module instead of a full semester, your housing and food, transportation and personal expenses will be adjusted based on the number of weeks you're enrolled (for example, 12-week or 8-week modules). If you're enrolled less than half-time, your cost of attendance will not include housing and food, personal expenses or loan fees.
- Military tuition benefits: Active duty, veterans and military-affiliated students may qualify for reduced tuition, waived fees and need-based awards.
What can you do with an online community development degree?
With a community development degree you will be prepared for a career that strengthens organizations, supports individuals and improves the quality of life in local communities. After graduation, you can pursue careers in public service, health-related fields, nonprofit work and community-based organizations, or continue your education through graduate study.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Community Planner | $83,720 |
| Community Relations Director | $78,240 |
| Social and Community Service Manager | $78,240 |
All data and statistics in this section are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Online community development concentrations
Community Service
Prepare for a career in community support: Interested in helping individuals and families, the core of every community? Learn how to develop, create and run essential family services.
Possible careers and outcomes: Community planner, community organizer, town administrator, family support specialist and more.
Earn credit for prior learning: Eligible students may apply prior learning, work experience and certifications toward degree requirements.
Health Sciences
Prepare for a career in health and human services: Help people live healthier lives through community programming. Learn how to reduce substance use, protect the elderly and educate a community on healthy lifestyles.
Possible careers and outcomes: Community health worker, health services coordinator, public health specialist, human services professional and more.
Earn credit for prior learning: Eligible students may apply prior learning, work experience and certifications toward degree requirements.
Public Administration
Prepare for a career in public service: If you’re into government, human resources, economics and policy-making, this concentration will help you lead organizations that provide public services and manage community laws.
Possible careers and outcomes: Policy analyst, public affairs specialist, nonprofit administrator, advocacy coordinator and more.
Earn credit for prior learning: Eligible students may apply prior learning, work experience and certifications toward degree requirements.
Admission requirements
Transfer Admission Requirements
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Submit the application fee
- Submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities
Applicants with a cumulative college GPA of 2.0 or higher are eligible for admission following a standard application and background review. Applicants with a GPA below 2.0 may be asked to submit additional materials demonstrating their academic and professional experience, such as a résumé or personal statement.
Freshman Admission Requirements
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Submit the application fee
- Submit official high school transcripts
Applicants with a cumulative high school GPA of 2.8 or higher are eligible for automatic admission following a standard application and background review. Applicants with a GPA below 2.8 will be considered for admission and may be asked to submit additional materials demonstrating their academic and professional experience, such as a résumé or personal statement.