Housing and Community Development

Community development is concerned with the creation, preservation and revitalization of neighborhoods and other localized areas, including commercial and public areas that serve resident populations. The housing component covers the general issue of providing decent, safe, and affordable housing for all residents, in locations that promote the well-being of households and the community.

Housing and community development planners are employed in both the public and private sectors. They often deal with the formulation and implementation of housing and development initiatives for special population groups (e.g., low-income, elderly, minorities), as well as for mainstream populations. Community developers are increasingly being called upon to assist public officials in their pursuit of economic development. The courses in the specialization cover the variety of subjects necessary for practice within the field, including the actors found within the field of community development and the study and critical evaluation of past and current policies. Students are also taught the basic methods for community development and community mobilization.

Students interested in concentrating on specific aspects of community development may utilize their specialization electives and other courses to pursue a specific concentration. A variety of concentrations are possible, including community economic development, housing and real estate development, community organization and participation. Coursework in other departments is available. Students should consult with a specialty advisor in formulating a concentration.

Coursework

The specialization consists of three required and one elective course. The required courses are:

URP 5742: Introduction to Housing and Community Development (Fall Semesters)
URP 5743: Neighborhood Planning (Spring Semesters)

Choose at least one of the following courses*:
(* If you complete both courses, one will fulfill this requirement and one can count as a specialization elective.)

URP 5540: Economic Development
URP 5749: U.S. Housing Policy

One elective course should be chosen from among the following:

URP 5272: Urban and Regional Information Systems (GIS)
URP 5316: Land-Use Planning
URP 5424: Sustainable Development
URP 5526: Healthy Cities, Healthy Communities
URP 5615: Infrastructure and Housing in Less Developed Countries
URP 5881: Urban Design
REE 5205: Topics in Real Estate Finance OR REE 5305: Real Estate Investment OR REE 5105: Real Estate Valuation
PAD 5227: Managing Public Financial Resources
SOW 5248: Homelessness in America
SOW 5334: Organizational and Community System Change
HIS 5083: Historic Preservation