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Department of Politics and Government
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Political Science - Applied Community and Economic Development

Overview

The Applied Community and Economic Development (ACED) sequence is an interdisciplinary program that enables those who are passionate about social change through service to take their careers to the next level. The sequence is designed for returned Peace Corps Volunteers and students with other development experiences (e.g., AmeriCorps, nonprofit work).

The Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development coordinates these programs for Fellows, who spend an intense year on campus followed by an 11-month paid professional practice. ACED sequence students have a graduate assistantship in the fall and spring semesters on campus prior to field work.  Students pursuing this sequence receive a solid and relevant educational opportunity to pursue careers in community and economic development in the United States and around the world.

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Desired Learning Outcomes

  • Apply critical thinking to understand and evaluate political ideas, institutions and processes at the local, national, and global levels, and express that analysis both in writing and orally, using a diversity of research methodologies.
  • Articulate their views on a variety of political concerns in a context of respect for academic principles and tolerance for dissenting views.
  • Identify normative issues and make informed and well-reasoned judgments in complex environments.
  • Recognize and explain the dimensions of the significant events, ideas, individuals, social movements, and institutions that have shaped our world.
  • Formulate a critically informed position on participation and citizenship in local, national, and global communities.

Graduation Requirements

In addition to coursework requirements, graduate students in Political Science must also complete either a Master's Thesis or a series of Comprehensive Exams.

Students in the Applied Community and Economic Development Sequence must complete either a 39-hour option" (with Capstone) or a "35-hour option" (with Thesis) for graduation.