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The Community Development and Social Development Concentration

If you are passionate about social change, consider a graduate degree in Community and Social Development from the Mandel School. The CSD concentration at MSASS emphasizes the importance of community in local neighborhoods and internationally. The program is for graduate students who want to improve individual and community well-being and focus on promoting social change and social justice. CSD students and graduates develop an understanding of the context of social challenges and difficult human problems while making a visible impact on people and their communities.

Community and social development education will prepare MSASS students to lead comprehensive, social change on a broad scale. It addresses a wide range of issues, including

• globalization
• poverty
• inequality and oppression
• cultural diversity
• women's issues
• human rights

The Community and Social Development concentration is committed to building knowledge, real-world skills and social work values. CSD students master skills for roles and careers that address emerging social issues, including:

• community organizers
• leaders of community-based / human service organizations
• program developers
• social planners
• evaluators
• researchers
• policy makers

The CSD concentration is offered in both the full time and intensive weekend program.

What is CSD?

" Community" - Often designated by geographic boundaries; also extends to shared interests, backgrounds or affiliations

" Development" - The process of increasing physical, economic, social, cultural and spiritual assets of a community

" Social Development" - A primary focus on the social processes that enable individuals and families to achieve and sustain a higher standard of living

" Community Building" - A strategic focus on building networks and capacity among individuals and organizations

CSD Field Placement Opportunities

Field Education is an integral part of the degree program at MSASS. Students complete their advanced field placements in approved field settings that provide opportunities to practice roles in leadership, management, program development, community building and community organizing. Graduate students collaborate with non-profit, community-based and government organizations while working on their degree coursework. For more on field placements, check out our  list of affiliated agencies for CSD.

Patterns of Enrollment

The following patterns of enrollment are for incoming students in the current academic year. For prior academic years, visit the MSASS registrar's page.

• Two-Year Students
• 12-Month Advanced Standing Students
• 18-Month Advanced Standing Students
• Intensive Weekend Students
• Intensive Weekend Advanced Standing Students

Below, is a model Pattern of Enrollment for students enrolled in the full time, two-year program. This is only an example, to give you an idea of what your schedule at MSASS may look like. Please consult with your faculty advisor to develop your own schedule.

* Foundation Curriculum. BSW students may waive foundation courses if undergraduate coursework grades are B or better.
**These courses are taught in the Intensive Weekend format only. Students in the Full-time, Advanced Standing, and Weekend formats may enroll.

Louis Stokes Fellowship

The Louis Stokes Fellowship in Community and Social Development provides tuition scholarships to students already working in community development. The fellowship is designed for those enrolled in the intensive weekend program to accommodate work schedules and foster leadership among African-Americans and Hispanics in the field of community development.

CSD Faculty