QS Rank:
130
University of California, Davis
California
,United States
Program Name
Master of Science in Community Development
Overview
The Master of Science in Community Development program at the University of California, Davis is an esteemed academic pathway that aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for addressing complex social challenges within communities. This program is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of community dynamics, social justice, and sustainable development practices. Students engage deeply with both theoretical frameworks and practical applications through a robust curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, innovative problem-solving, and hands-on experience in community engagement projects.
With a duration of just 24 months, the program is structured to balance rigorous coursework with extensive research opportunities. Core courses cover essential topics such as community planning, social policy, and economic development, while electives allow students to tailor their education to specific interests, such as environmental sustainability and global development. This flexibility ensures that graduates are well-prepared to tackle the diverse challenges that communities face today, whether they are working in local government, non-profit organizations, or international development agencies.
The faculty expertise at UC Davis is one of the program's most significant assets. Faculty members are recognized leaders in their fields and bring decades of combined experience in community development. They employ innovative teaching methodologies that engage students in active learning, fostering an environment where students are encouraged to collaborate, think critically, and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. The supportive faculty-student relationship allows students to work closely with mentors, enhancing their academic journey and career prospects.
Research is a cornerstone of the MS in Community Development program, and UC Davis provides state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support students' scholarly endeavors. Students have the opportunity to participate in groundbreaking research projects that address pressing community issues. Additionally, they can access various funding opportunities for their research, ensuring that they can pursue their interests without financial constraints. The program encourages students to present their findings at conferences, paving the way for professional recognition and development in their chosen fields.
Building connections with industry leaders is critical for students' career success, and UC Davis excels in providing such opportunities. The program includes dedicated internship placements, allowing students to gain valuable hands-on experience while networking with professionals in the community development sector. Organizations affiliated with UC Davis often seek out students for roles that lead to rewarding career pathways, positioning graduates for roles in public policy, urban planning, and social entrepreneurship.
Graduates of the program have gone on to achieve remarkable career outcomes, often securing positions in well-renowned organizations, governmental agencies, and NGOs. Alumni testimonials highlight how the skills and knowledge gained at UC Davis have significantly influenced their career trajectories. Many alumni have reported high job placement rates and have utilized their degree to create lasting impacts in their communities, showcasing the effectiveness of the program in fostering successful careers.
Why Study Community Development at UC Davis?
Studying Community Development at UC Davis offers an unparalleled educational experience characterized by the following:
- A highly ranked program that consistently places among the top in the world.
- An internationally diverse community enriched by a mix of students from various backgrounds, promoting a global perspective.
- Access to cutting-edge facilities and technologies that support advanced research and learning.
- Collaborative learning with esteemed faculty who are experts in their fields and dedicated to student success.
- Extensive networking opportunities through internships and partnerships with community organizations.
- A strong focus on career development ensuring that students are well-prepared to enter the job market.
- Alumni success stories that demonstrate the program’s impact on professional growth and community change.
To gain admission to the Master of Science in Community Development program, applicants must meet specific prerequisites. Although the GRE requirement is currently unknown, prospective students should demonstrate a strong academic background and relevant experience in social sciences or related fields. Additionally, non-native English speakers are required to submit scores from either the IELTS or TOEFL. A minimum score of 7.0 on the IELTS or 80 on the TOEFL is typically expected for admission.
Overall, the Master of Science in Community Development at UC Davis stands out as a premier choice for students eager to make a meaningful difference in the world. With a rich curriculum, expert faculty, and robust career opportunities, this program empowers students to become effective leaders and advocates for community advancement.
Duration
24 Months
Ranking
#38
US World and News Report
#63
The World University Rankings
#130
QS World University Rankings
Class Profile
Diversity
United States:
35%Others:
25%California:
40%Eligibility Criteria
English Proficiency Tests
IELTS
7
TOEFL
80
Application Requirements
Here's everything you need to know to ensure a complete and competitive application—covering the key documents and criteria for a successful submission.
Application Fee: 140
Application Deadlines
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
$26,544 / year
FAQs
To gain admission to the Master of Science in Community Development program at UC Davis, applicants must meet the following prerequisites:
- A strong academic background in social sciences or related fields.
- Relevant experience in social sciences or related areas.
- If applicable, non-native English speakers must submit scores from either the IELTS or TOEFL, with a typical minimum score of 7.0 on the IELTS or 80 on the TOEFL.
Note: The GRE requirement is currently unknown.
The Master of Science in Community Development program is structured to be completed in just 24 months. The curriculum balances rigorous coursework with extensive research opportunities, allowing students to engage deeply with both theoretical frameworks and practical applications.
The program includes:
- Core courses covering essential topics such as community planning, social policy, and economic development.
- Electives that enable students to tailor their education to specific interests, including environmental sustainability and global development.
This structure ensures graduates are well-prepared to address diverse community challenges.
The faculty at UC Davis employs innovative teaching methodologies that foster active learning. Students are encouraged to collaborate, think critically, and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. This approach not only enhances the learning experience but also promotes a supportive faculty-student relationship, allowing students to work closely with mentors throughout their academic journey.
Research is a cornerstone of the MS in Community Development program at UC Davis. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support their scholarly endeavors. They have the opportunity to:
- Participate in groundbreaking research projects that address pressing community issues.
- Access various funding opportunities for their research pursuits.
- Present their findings at conferences, contributing to their professional recognition and development.
This focus on research equips students with invaluable skills and experiences relevant to their future careers.
Graduates of the Master of Science in Community Development program at UC Davis have achieved remarkable career outcomes. They often secure positions in well-renowned organizations, governmental agencies, and NGOs. Many alumni report high job placement rates and successfully utilize their degree to create lasting impacts in their communities.
Common career pathways include:
- Public policy
- Urban planning
- Social entrepreneurship
The program's focus on practical experience and networking opportunities enhances students' employability in the community development sector.
Studying Community Development at UC Davis offers several key highlights:
- A highly ranked program that consistently places among the top in the world.
- An internationally diverse community promoting a global perspective.
- Access to cutting-edge facilities and technologies for advanced research and learning.
- Collaborative learning with esteemed faculty who are dedicated to student success.
- Extensive networking opportunities through internships and partnerships with community organizations.
- A strong focus on career development to prepare students for the job market.
- Alumni success stories that demonstrate the program’s impact.
Yes, the program includes dedicated internship placements that provide students with valuable hands-on experience. This not only enhances their practical skills but also allows them to network with professionals in the community development sector, significantly aiding in their career success.
The Master of Science in Community Development program at UC Davis emphasizes career development through:
- Dedicated internship placements to gain real-world experience.
- Access to networking opportunities with industry leaders and organizations.
- A supportive faculty-student relationship that enhances mentorship and guidance.
This comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-prepared to enter the job market and pursue fulfilling careers in community development.
The Master of Science in Community Development program at UC Davis stands out due to several unique aspects:
- A highly ranked program known for its excellence in education.
- An internationally diverse student body that enriches the learning environment.
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities for research and learning.
- Opportunities for collaborative learning with expert faculty.
- Extensive networking opportunities through internships and community partnerships.
- A strong focus on career development to equip students for the job market.
- Alumni success stories that reflect the program's effectiveness in fostering impactful careers.
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