Community Development, M.S.

community development students sitting at tables on the rooftop of a building

Commit to community flourishing with the Master of Science in Community Development from Palm Beach Atlantic University. Blend the complex political, economic, and social dimensions of development with hands-on fieldwork experience and a network of servant leaders.

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

West Palm Beach

Request
Information

Loading...

Why Study Community Development at PBA?

Invest in communities through multidisciplinary approaches to social and economic progress. In courses taught by future-oriented faculty and in hands-on fieldwork opportunities, you’ll learn to evaluate how local contexts are influenced by broader social systems, to engage managerial expertise in the holistic development of communities, and to embody the transformative power of Christ in partnerships with people, organizations, and institutions.

  • Christian Principles: Explore service and growth through the lens of Christ’s compassionate love.
  • Evening Courses: Maintain your personal and professional commitments while advancing your capacity to contribute to local development. Learn more about PBA’s evening programs.
  • Experiential Fieldwork: Apply your learning with an NGO or non-profit under the guidance of industry-experienced faculty mentors.

What You’ll Learn

The Master’s in Community Development at PBA equips you to integrate Christian principles through:

  • Understanding foundational terms and concepts in community development
  • Identifying management science ideas and theories
  • Examining development projects
  • Analyzing challenges and opportunities in community development
  • Discerning problems and analyzing solutions in development and management contexts

female students smiling and taking notes at Palm Beach Atlantic University

Apply Now

Chart Your Path. Launch Your Future.

Apply Now

Community Development Program Details

Create lasting transformation in your community with a broad understanding of how development projects thrive. In pairing managerial competence with development studies, PBA’s Master’s in Community Development program equips you to ignite long-term, intentional, holistic progress that is founded on the love and work of Christ.

Review all courses for the M.S. in Community Development

Accelerated Format

Expand your potential in evening classes that suit your schedule. This two-year, full-time Master’s in Community Development program can be paired with an accelerated MBA degree from the Rinker School of Business, meaning you’ll have the option to earn both an M.S. in Community Development and an MBA in just one extra semester.

Build an intentional foundation in high-level management skills that will contribute to the strength and longevity of your development work. Choose among courses in marketing management, international business, legal environments, corporate finance, quantitative methods, and more.

Prepare to lead and serve in your community with practical skills in development policy and economics, global development contexts, and implementing and evaluating programs. You’ll apply your learning in hands-on fieldwork experience with an NGO or non-profit.

Community Development Careers

Draw upon your values in all that you do with a meaningful, person-centered career in local development. Practice Christ’s love through your time, talents, and efforts, bringing dignity and compassion to everyone you encounter. Occupations like social and community service managers are in growing demand, earning a median pay of $74,000 per year, and dedicated servants like you can bring the image of God to these roles. Work in fields like:

  • Government service
  • Public policy
  • Youth development
  • Community organizations and advocacy

West Palm Beach Admissions

Office of Admissions

Send Email
Phone: (561) 803-2100

Related Programs

PBA students attend a classroom lecture.

Intercultural Studies, M.A.

With the ever-increasing cultural and religious diversity of societies across the globe, Christian leaders today need formation in intercultural approaches to communication, worship, theology, and ministry.

study abroad students standing in a group smiling

International Development, M.S.

Recognize the growth potential of communities, organizations, and individuals with Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Master of Science (MS) in International Development program. Improve global social, economic, political, and environmental conditions through practical field experience and meaningful development projects that elucidate the guiding love of Christ.

pre-law student engages in classroom discussion.

Master of Business Administration, M.B.A.

What brought you here was a belief that you can serve the world at a higher level with a Master of Business Administration (MBA). We believe that, too.