Community Resources and Development, MS
Global, Management, Recreation, Sustainability, Tourism, nonprofit, social, sociology
Want to lead the development of vibrant, resilient communities? Strengthen your research and leadership skills to address complex societal challenges, engage stakeholders and guide responsible growth.
Students in the Master of Science program in community resources and development are prepared to address complex issues that affect communities and organizations. Students study topics such as tourism, parks and recreation management, nonprofit organizations, and sustainable communities while developing research, leadership and analytical skills.
Coursework emphasizes applied learning that connects theory with hands-on experience. Students tailor their studies through a thesis or applied project option, depending on their professional and academic goals. Faculty mentor students in community-based research and practical experiences that strengthen their ability to design, evaluate and manage programs that improve quality of life and promote community resilience.
- College/school:
Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
- Location: Downtown Phoenix
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
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) Electives (9 or 15 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students in the applied project option take CRD 530 as part of their core coursework, and 15 credit hours of electives. Students in the thesis option take an advanced inquiry course as part of their core coursework, and nine credit hours of electives. The thesis must be defended in an oral examination before a supervisory committee of at least three faculty members, one of whom resides in another department.
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)
CRD 593 Applied Project (6) or
CRD 599 Thesis (6)
Students may select a thesis or applied project. The thesis option is a research-oriented program recommended for students who are planning to continue graduate studies beyond the master's degree. The applied project option is intended for students seeking additional knowledge and expertise relevant to professional career development. All students are assigned a faculty member who provides advising and direction.
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 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.
International applicants are required to submit TOEFL iBT® or IELTS scores and a financial guarantee statement.
Only complete application files are reviewed. Applicants who have not completed undergraduate work in related disciplines must take six credit hours of coursework in addition to the master's degree requirements; this additional coursework may be taken in conjunction with master's degree courses.
| 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’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Conduct research in tourism while analyzing critical topics and issues pertinent to tourism development and management.
- Relate their individual strengths to demonstrate knowledge of research methods and data analysis within the context of tourism sectors.
- Apply the principles and practices of community development to address the social, economic, environmental and cultural challenges of diverse communities.
Graduates are prepared for professional and leadership roles in community, nonprofit, recreation and tourism organizations. Career paths include these positions:
- community services officer
- nonprofit or nongovernmental organization officer
- parks and recreation officer
- tourism officer
School of Community Resources and Development
|
UCENT 550
scrd@asu.edu
602-496-0182
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. 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.
