Community Resources and Development (Nonprofits and NGOs), MS
Business, Community, Management, Philanthropy, Social Entrepreneurship, Social Sector, Volunteerism, government, nonprofit, sociology
Harness your passion for building capacity within vital community organizations that are tackling today's most pressing societal issues. In one of the nation's highest ranked graduate nonprofit management programs, you'll learn to become an effective, professional change agent in a growing, global industry.
The Master of Science program in community resources and development with a concentration in nonprofits and nongovernmental organizations is a two-year program that prepares students to become a catalyst for change, empowering communities and enhancing lives through their expertise. Students in this program enhance their ability to think critically and creatively about challenges affecting communities and the organizations that serve them. They delve into essential topics in tourism, parks and recreation management, and sustainable community practices.
- College/school:
Watts College of Public Service & Community Solut
- Location: Downtown Phoenix
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
36 credit hours including the required applied project course (CRD 593)
Required Core (15 credit hours)
CRD 500 Research Methods (3)
CRD 502 Statistical and Data Analysis (3)
CRD 530 Community Services Management (3) or advanced inquiry course (3)
CRD 552 Critical Issues (3)
CRD 555 Theoretical Perspectives in Community Development (3)
Required Concentration (6 credit hours)
NLM 510 The Nonprofit Sector (3)
NLM 562 Social Entrepreneurship (3)
Elective or Research (3 or 9 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
CRD 593 Applied Project (6) or
CRD 599 Thesis (6)
Additional Curriculum Information
Students may select a thesis or applied project. Advising and direction for both options are under the direct supervision of an assigned faculty member.
The thesis option is a research-oriented program and is recommended for students planning to continue graduate studies beyond the master's degree. Students in the thesis option take an advanced inquiry course, and they take three credit hours of elective coursework. The thesis option must be defended in an oral examination before a supervisory committee of at least three faculty members, one of whom will reside in another department.
The applied project is intended for students seeking additional knowledge and expertise relevant to professional career development. Students in the applied project option take CRD 530 as part of their core coursework and take nine credit hours of electives.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or they must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- statement of professional and academic goals
- three letters of recommendation
- current resume
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Only complete application files are reviewed or considered for admission. Students without undergraduate academic work in related disciplines are required to take six credit hours of coursework in addition to the master's degree requirements. The additional assigned coursework may be taken in conjunction with master's degree-level classes.
Applicants interested in financial aid need to submit their applications by February 1 for fall semester admission and October 1 for spring semester admission. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | Rolling |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | Rolling |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- Analyze critical topics and issues pertinent to nonprofit leadership and management, such as creative problem-solving, strategic planning and volunteer management.
- Relate their individual strengths to demonstrate knowledge of research methods and data analysis within the context of nonprofit organizations.
- Apply the principles and practices of community development to address the social, economic, environmental and cultural challenges of diverse communities.
This degree program builds expertise in nonprofit leadership and management and prepares graduates for careers in:
- charitable associations
- foundations
- governmental agencies
- nonprofit organizations
- private-sector businesses
School of Community Resources and Development
|
UCENT 550
scrd@asu.edu
602-496-0550
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
