M.S. in Biology
The M.S. in Biology at Western Illinois University is a graduate program leading to a M...
M.A. in Community and Economics Development
Quad Cities (Moline)
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Community and Economic Development requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework. The program is specifically designed to provide a strong background for individuals working or aspiring to work with community-based organizations, city, state, and federal agencies, foundations, banks, utilities, or universities in community and economic development roles. Students can typically begin the program in the Fall or Spring semesters. The hybrid delivery model offers the benefits of both online learning and in-person interaction, making it accessible to a diverse student body. The curriculum is focused on providing practical, applied knowledge and skills that can be immediately implemented to address real-world community challenges.
Curriculum: The 30-semester-hour curriculum for the M.A. in Community and Economic Development is structured around core principles and practical applications. It includes 12 semester hours of core courses such as "Principles of Community Development" (IIRA 501), "Leadership, Community Organizing, and Decision-Making" (IIRA 510), "Advanced Economic Development Practice" (IIRA 511), and "Advanced Community Development Theory and Practice" (IIRA 514). Students then select 12 to 18 semester hours of directed and general electives, allowing for specialization in areas like sustainability, rural development, or data analysis. The program culminates in a capstone experience of 0-6 semester hours, where students can choose between an internship, an applied project, or a thesis, providing a flexible pathway for degree completion.
Research Focus: The M.A. in Community and Economic Development at Western Illinois University, particularly through the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA), has a strong applied research focus. The IIRA itself is dedicated to providing "applied research, policy evaluation, and training across the state." While specific dedicated "research methods" courses are core to many graduate programs, the CED curriculum integrates data analysis and strategic planning heavily. Courses like "Advanced Economic Development Practice" teach students how to deploy strategies, including "cluster analysis," which involves data-driven approaches. The program's capstone options, especially the thesis, provide opportunities for students to conduct in-depth scholarly research on community and economic development issues. Even the applied project and internship options likely involve significant data gathering, analysis, and evaluation of existing programs or strategies, preparing graduates to use evidence-based approaches in their professional roles.
Industry Engagement: Western Illinois University's M.A. in Community and Economic Development is deeply embedded in practical industry engagement, primarily through the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA). The IIRA has over three decades of experience working directly with communities through outreach programs, ensuring that the curriculum is current and relevant to real-world needs. Courses are taught by faculty and staff with "extensive on-the-ground experience working with local communities on development issues," and the program draws on "practitioners and thought leaders in the development field as adjunct and guest faculty." The program explicitly aims to provide skills that can be "readily applied in your community." The capstone internship option provides direct professional experience, and initiatives like the Peace Corps Fellows program offer unique opportunities for hands-on community development projects, demonstrating a strong commitment to practical application and professional networking.
Global Perspective: While the M.A. in Community and Economic Development at Western Illinois University primarily focuses on community and economic issues within the United States, particularly in rural contexts, the principles of development, sustainability, and community engagement often have global parallels. The program's core courses explore diverse definitions of community and various philosophical frameworks for studying community change, which can be applied broadly. Topics like "Sustainability and Community Economic Development" inherently address issues that have global relevance. Furthermore, the presence of international students within the program and at WIU generally contributes to a diverse learning environment, exposing students to varied perspectives on development challenges and solutions from around the world. The fundamental skills in data analysis, strategic planning, and leadership gained are highly transferable to international development contexts, allowing graduates to apply their expertise globally if desired.
Location
Quad Cities (Moline)
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 14000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $50
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 73 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 49 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Western Illinois University – Quad Cities offers a range of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in pursuing their academic goals affordably. These scholarships recognize academic merit, leadership potential, and community involvement, helping ease the financial burden for students coming from abroad.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students at WIU-QC can qualify for merit scholarships based on their high school or previous college academic performance. These scholarships reward outstanding grades, test scores, and other achievements, encouraging students to maintain excellence throughout their studies.
Western Illinois University International Student Scholarships: WIU provides dedicated scholarships for international students enrolled at the Quad Cities campus. These scholarships often cover a portion of tuition fees and are competitive, requiring students to submit applications demonstrating academic promise and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at WIU-QC offer specialized scholarships for students pursuing specific majors. These awards target disciplines such as business, education, engineering, and health sciences, supporting students who demonstrate and leadership within their field.
Graduates of Western Illinois University's M.A. in Community and Economic Development program are equipped with a unique blend of skills, including strategic planning, data analysis, community engagement, and project management. Their ability to bridge theory and practice, coupled with a deep understanding of local and regional development challenges, makes them highly sought after in a variety of sectors dedicated to growth and well-being.
Community Development Director/Specialist: Graduates can work for local governments, non-profits, or community-based organizations to plan, implement, and manage programs that improve the social, economic, and environmental well-being of a community.
Economic Development Specialist/Manager: These professionals attract and retain businesses, create jobs, and foster economic growth within a city, county, or region. This often involves site selection, business incentives, and supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems.
City/Regional Planner: Graduates can contribute to urban and regional planning, focusing on sustainable development, land use, transportation, and infrastructure to create vibrant and functional communities.
Grant Writer/Program Manager (Non-Profit): With skills in needs assessment and program design, graduates are well-suited to secure funding for community initiatives and manage the implementation of various social and economic development programs for non-profit organizations.
Housing and Redevelopment Specialist: These roles focus on improving housing conditions, revitalizing distressed neighborhoods, and managing urban renewal projects for housing authorities, non-profits, or municipal departments.
Sustainability Coordinator: Graduates can lead initiatives focused on environmental sustainability within communities or organizations, developing programs for renewable energy, waste reduction, conservation, and green infrastructure, often linking environmental goals with economic benefits.
Rural Development Specialist: Specifically relevant to the IIRA's expertise, graduates can work with rural communities to address unique challenges such as population decline, access to services, and agricultural diversification, implementing strategies for revitalization.
Main Street Program Manager: For historic downtown districts, graduates can lead revitalization efforts focused on economic restructuring, design improvements, promotion, and organization, aiming to create vibrant commercial and cultural centers.
Research Analyst/Consultant (Community/Economic Development): Graduates can work for consulting firms, think tanks, or government agencies, conducting research, analyzing data, and providing strategic recommendations on various community and economic development issues.
Financial Development Officer (Community Banks/CDFI's): With an understanding of economic development finance, graduates can work for community development financial institutions (CDFIs) or local banks to provide capital and support to businesses and projects that foster community growth.
