R1 Ranked

NDSU is among the nation’s top research institutions

Top 2%

NDSU researchers are among the top two percent of scientists in the world

96%

Recent graduates employed full-time

Top 100

Public research university in the country with $190 million in research expenditures

Elevate your career and transform communities with NDSU's graduate-level community development degree program. Offered by the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, the community development degree is available as a 36-credit-hour Master of Science or Master of Arts, or a 12-credit-hour graduate certificate program equipped for community economic development officials, community leaders, practitioners and specialists already in the field. Graduates emerge as catalysts for impactful social, economic, cultural and environmental improvements — ready to excel in government service, public policy, youth development, advocacy, education and beyond.

Explore the Curriculum

Shape Your Future

NDSU students are encouraged to collaborate with an advisor and develop a unique program of study that meets their specific interests.

Flexible Curriculum

The fully online degree creates flexibility for balancing your studies with your professional life.

Partnership with IDEA

Designed for professionals nationwide, the online, multi-institutional program is offered through a partnership with the Innovative Digital Education Alliance that allows you to take classes with any of the 19 other partner universities across the country to gain practical skills, vital knowledge and build robust networks.

Tuition and Funding

NDSU offers a high-quality, academically rigorous education at an affordable cost. To help you cover tuition and expenses, various departments offer graduate assistantships designed to support your academic and professional goals.

Admission Info

At NDSU, we welcome students from all backgrounds who are seeking to further their education within a supportive, welcoming community.

No matter your academic path, we're committed to making your application process straightforward and stress-free. Find the specific requirements and steps for your graduate application.

Graduate students are huddled around a laptop at a table.

Elevate your expertise and achieve your goals with graduate studies at NDSU.

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Connect with Graduate Admission

Meet with a graduate admission representative to learn more about graduate programs, costs and application requirements.

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Request Information

Receive personalized information about your program of interest and see how NDSU supports your academic and career goals.

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Additional Resources

Explore funding options, academic support, professional development and more.

NDSU Graduate School