Overview

The Community Development bachelor programme at Portland State University provides students with the essential skills to empower individuals and effect meaningful change within diverse communities. This multi-disciplinary social science degree focuses on promoting participative democracy, sustainable development, and economic equality. Students benefit from a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with significant field research in a dynamic urban setting.

Why Community Development at Portland State University?

As the first programme of its kind in the nation, this course utilises the city of Portland as a living laboratory for urban planning and community engagement. The university is situated in a city renowned for its strong networks of community organisations and history of innovation in sustainability. Students learn from a dedicated faculty who integrate their professional experience and deep community partnerships directly into the classroom environment.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 34599 per year
National fee: USD 34599 per year
Local fee: USD 12999 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum allows students to customise their focus by drawing from various academic disciplines within the College of Urban and Public Affairs. Modules may include:

Urban Studies
Planning
Social Justice
Sustainable Development
Economic Opportunity
Participative Democracy
Field Research

Careers with Community Development

Graduates are prepared for roles as change agents and leaders in government agencies, non-profit organisations, and social services. The programme equips students to support environmental sustainability and advance social justice across various sectors. Former students have secured positions at prestigious organisations, including:

City of Portland Bureau of Developmental Services
Mercy Corps
Home Forward
Oregon Food Bank
League of Oregon Cities
Immigrant & Refugee Community Organisation
YWCA
Columbia Sportswear

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Healthy Communities

Theory and Philosophy of Community Development

Urban Environmental Issues

Community and the Built Environment

Participatory Research Methods for Community Development

Measuring People and Communities in the Urban Context

GIS for Community Development

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-30 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-05 00:00:00
Starting 2027-03-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-05 00:00:00
Starting 2027-07-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-07-05 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-30 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-08-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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IELTS

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Credits

180 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Portland, United States

Disciplines

Community Development View 161 other Bachelors in Community Development in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

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Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must have a cumulative (overall) grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 when converted to the U.S. 4.0 grading scale.
Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement. You may be admitted to Portland State University and an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) pathway if you do not meet PSU's English Language Proficiency Requirement. Learn more about PSU’s English language programs.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Out-of-State

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12999 USD / year

≈ 12999 USD / year

Living costs

Portland

United States

1271 - 2262 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Community Development.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Portland

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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