Community Development: Community Services

Major

Why study community development and community services at CMU?

Dedicate your career to making sure government agencies and funds serve the community. You’ll start by learning how communities work through courses in sociology, social work and public policy. Then, you’ll choose one of three concentrations:

• Public Administration: If you’re into government, human resources, economics and policy-making, this area will help you lead organizations that provide public services and manage community laws. 
• Community Services: Interested in helping individuals and families, the core of every community? Learn how to develop, create and run essential family services.
• Health Services: Help people live healthier lives through community programming. Learn how to reduce substance use, protect the elderly and educate a community on healthy lifestyles

You’ll also have your choice of online or on-campus format. No matter which path you choose, you’ll get the leadership and communication skills needed to be an effective leader.

You may even be able to apply up to 12 credits to our Master of Science in Administration program. Be sure to check out our accelerated MSA program in your junior year. Talk with your advisor, and you may be able to graduate with your master’s degree in five years, saving both time and money.

Community services concentration - a closer look

Community services are essential for improving public health and creating opportunity. This concentration prepares you to lead health centers, temporary shelters, food banks and more. Learn how to lead organizations committed to positive change. This community services concentration will give you the skills you’ll need. 

In your courses, you'll study community health, family issues, crime and inequality. You'll also gain real-world experience through hands-on social work in your area. Along the way, you'll build skills in budgeting, cultural awareness, leadership and environmental challenges.

Highlights of the community development degree and community services program

As a community development student, you’ll benefit from:

• Flexible learning formats: Take classes online or on campus. Earn your degree on your terms, while working or taking care of a family.
• Easy transfer process: Have credits from a previous college or university? Transfer them to CMU to save time and money.
• Accredited programs: You’ll earn your degree from a program regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission – which sets national standards for academic quality.
• Credit for prior learning: You could earn academic credit for what you already know with prior learning credit or certification-to-credit pathways. You could earn up to 60 credits toward your degree! 
• An accelerated master’s pathway: You may be able to apply up to 12 credits from this bachelor’s degree toward a Master of Science in Administration degree, saving you time and money. Be sure to talk to your advisor in your junior year.