Overview

The Community Development - Public Administration programme at Central Michigan University provides students with the essential skills to lead government agencies and non-profit organisations. This degree focuses on building stronger neighbourhoods by teaching students how to manage public services and implement effective policies at local, state, and national levels.

Students explore how communities function through a curriculum that blends sociology, social work, and public policy. The course is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles where they can manage community laws and oversee essential public programmes. The curriculum emphasises the development of professional communication and administrative expertise.

Why Community Development - Public Administration at Central Michigan University?

Central Michigan University is recognised for its commitment to academic excellence and student engagement. The 2025 U.S. News & Report ranked the institution among the best providers of online bachelor's programmes in the nation, highlighting its high faculty credentials and student support services.

The programme is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring that the education meets rigorous national standards for quality. Students also benefit from a generous credit transfer process and the potential to earn academic credit for prior learning or professional certifications, which can significantly reduce the time required to graduate.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 22200 per year
National fee: USD 13248 per year
Local fee: USD 13248 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum covers a broad range of topics essential for public service leadership. Modules may include:

Sociology
Social Work
Public Policy
Economics
Geography
Politics
Legal Systems
Budgeting

Careers with Community Development - Public Administration

Graduates are well-equipped for diverse roles within the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The programme prepares individuals for careers focused on social services, government administration, and community relations. Students often pursue paths that involve managing public funds and ensuring government agencies serve their communities effectively.

Common career destinations for graduates of this programme include:

City Manager
Policy Analyst
Non-profit Leader
Community Relations Director
Public Affairs Manager
Town Administrator

The skills gained in budgeting, policy implementation, and organisational leadership allow graduates to make a significant impact in various administrative and governmental environments.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Community Health

Racism and Inequality

Criminology

The Family

Human Anatomy and Physiology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-15 00:00:00 , International

More details

National Fall start : Rolling admission

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Mount Pleasant, United States

Disciplines

Public Administration Community Development View 164 other Bachelors in Community Development in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.8

If your GPA is at least 2.8, we will accept your application using the GPA you provide when you apply.
If your GPA is below 2.8, a transcript is required.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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

We take several things into consideration when evaluating applications for admission, including GPA, test scores (optional) and academic improvement over time.

As part of the online application, you’ll need to pay a $40 application fee. If your family is experiencing financial hardship, speak to your high school guidance counselor to see whether you qualify for a fee waiver.

You may submit an unofficial transcript with your application, or ask your school counselor to submit your official transcript. We can provide an admission decision and merit scholarship with either one. Keep us updated with new transcripts at the end of each semester. It may mean an upgrade in your scholarship.

You don’t have to submit a test score in order to be admitted and earn a merit award.

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

22200 USD / year

≈ 22200 USD / year
Out-of-State

13248 USD / year

≈ 13248 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13248 USD / year

≈ 13248 USD / year

Additional Details

Lower level (less than 56 credit hours) tuition: For U.S. residents: $11,976 per year, for International students: $21,000 per year

Living costs

Mount Pleasant

United States

1000 - 1500 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 - Public Administration.

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

Additional Details

Living costs

Mount Pleasant

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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