Ph.D., Community Resources and Development

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Program Requirements

The degree program is organized around a set of integrative experiences for student cohorts that provide knowledge and analytical skills to understand and address contemporary challenges related to building sustainable and healthy communities. These experiences encompass interdisciplinary course work, mentoring by faculty, and community involvement. Students are mentored individually and in cohorts by close associations with faculty in teaching and research. Community based research projects overseen by faculty and professionals are primary experiences for all students throughout their program of study. Consistent with our underlying principle and themes, students demonstrate relevance through linkages made between science and community challenges. Students are expected to work with faculty mentors to devise unique programs of study that focus on important community challenges.

The Ph.D. consists of a minimum of 54 credit hours beyond the Master degree. All students are advised initially by the Ph.D. Graduate Program Director as a cohort. Students are required to take 18 credits of core coursework, 15 of which are with the cohort, during their first year. Students are assigned an individual advisor/mentor at the end of the first year of study. A supervisory committee is also formed at the end of the first year and reflects the interests of the student and faculty. Each student develops her/his program of study in consultation with the Ph.D. Graduate Program Coordinator, advisor and supervisory committee.

Students complete at least 12 credits of elective coursework, including courses from contributing disciplines, selected in consultation with their advisors to foster the interdisciplinary nature of the degree. Students also will complete at least 12 credits of CRD 792 (Research) and 12 credits of CRD 799 (Dissertation).

Core Courses (18 Credits)
Five of the required first year core classes bring the students in the degree program together as a cohort in an integrated learning environment. A sixth class in advanced statistics is selected from current University offerings. 

  • CRD 610 Sustainable Communities (Fall)
  • CRD 620 Community Research Methodology (Fall)
  • REC 502 Statistical and Data Analysis (Fall)
  • REC 555 Social Scientific Perspectives (Spring)
  • CRD 683 Field Work (Spring)
  • Advanced Statistics class to be chosen in consultation with advisor (Spring)

Elective Courses (minimum 12 credits) and Research (minimum 12 credits)
Students choose from a range of electives relating to the thematic areas and problem foci they have chosen for their degree program. Courses are selected in consultation with a faculty mentor and supervisory committee. These may include, but are not limited to, CRD, REC, and RTM classes. CRD 792, Research, includes workshops that serve to maintain the collaborative, interdisciplinary character of the program after students complete the first year courses. It may include work with a specific faculty member on a research project designed to enhance students’ research skills. Projects may also be conducted within units such as the Center for Nonprofit Leadership and Management, the Partnership for Community Development, and the Megapolitan Tourism Research Center.

Dissertation (12 Credits)
CRD 799 Dissertation (12 hours) is required of all students. Nontraditional dissertation formats are an option.

Comprehensive Exams
When the majority of course work has been completed and before dissertation research, students must complete a written exam followed by an oral exam. Exams must be completed within five years of admission.