The International Community Development Master’s degree is designed to prepare men and women for context-sensitive, strategic leadership for advocacy and social change, both in the US and overseas. The degree highlights core issues of global-cultural awareness and social justice and places special emphasis on the needs of the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed. Students will be equipped to identify, analyze, and understand cultural differences in contexts of need, and to develop holistic responses that are sensitive to the particular constraints and opportunities presented in those settings. Students will, in the course of study, explore career options in relief and development contexts, including leadership, sustainable funding, and social entrepreneurship, as well as project design and program evaluation.
Program Outcomes
In addition to achieving the general goals of the university and of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, completing the MA in International Community Development results in the following learning outcomes:
- Students will become scholars with sensitivity and expertise at observing and interpreting culture;
- Students will become innovators who can create culturally responsive programs that address social issues;
- Students will become critical thinkers able to evaluate existing approaches to meeting the needs of the poor and oppressed;
- Students will become leaders and managers who inspire with life-changing compassion and world-changing vision;
- Students will become collaborative practitioners who build authentic and supportive communities.
Program Delivery Models and Curriculum
Applicants to the MA in International Community Development choose between On Campus and Online Global Hybrid program delivery models.
The Online Global Hybrid MAICD begins with a week in Oxford, England, and ends with another trip to Europe to defend thesis projects. The On Campus MAICD meets one or two evenings per week and also includes a mid-program retreat. While most courses are taken in-step with the student’s cohort, students in both programs may choose to take one of the following to fulfill their specialization requirements: a) GLST 6573 - Children, Poverty, And Development , b) GLST 6593 - Disaster Relief and Development or c) GLST 6383 - Peacemaking and Reconciliation . Each year, two of these classes are offered online; thus, the On Campus MAICD features one fully online course, as well as occasional hybrid courses to better allow for student fieldwork opportunities.
Both versions of the MAICD are identical in terms of their programmatic requirements, learning outcomes, and course sequence. Students take 40 credits over a period of 20-21 months. Students in the online program are enrolled in one two-credit practicum course each semester for 16 weeks, as well as two three-credit classes, which are typically consecutive and last for eight weeks each. Students in the on campus program are also enrolled in one two-credit practicum course over 16 weeks; three-credit classes, however, may be offered either concurrently or consecutively during each semester. Theoretical grounding, the development of practical skills, and experiential learning are critical values for the program. Leadership modules occur throughout the curriculum to facilitate the development of personal leadership as well as foster organizational leadership skills. Fieldwork is designed by each student with input from the program director or chair, and consists of 80 hours of service which will provide a relevant context for research. Students are expected to complete their fieldwork by the end of summer semester. Prior to graduation, students complete either a thesis project or traditional thesis, which they present at the end of the program.
Transfer Credits
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Master’s students may transfer up to 6 credit hours of eligible graduate level coursework (subject to Program Director’s approval) from an accredited institution towards their degree requirements. This must done prior to beginning the program and students interested in transferring graduate credits should contact the MA Director of Student Services.
Certificate
Students who complete at least 32 hours of the 40 hour MAICD degree program with satisfactory grades yet choose not to continue, may request and be awarded a Graduate Certificate in International Community Development. The student will not graduate with their MA degree.
Courses may be taught in a different semester sequence.
