In the Public Affairs/Community Development program, you will have the opportunity to explore and critique the literature and history of community development from diverse perspectives. Our classes delve into critically important issues such as community power and organizing, urban sustainability, economic and social justice, and international development strategies. Through in-depth studies of topics like Statistical Inquiry, Geospatial Analysis, Case Study Methods, and Ethnography, our programs equip you with advanced research and analytical skills.

Rutgers–Camden offers students the opportunity to apply theory and practice to real-world governance challenges. Several research centers and institutes, such as the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs, the Community Leadership Center, the Center for Urban Research and Education, and the Office of Civic Engagement, provide avenues for students to engage in community outreach and conduct research. These resources provide practical opportunities to apply your knowledge and make a tangible impact in real-world settings.

Charting Your Course: M.S., Ph.D., and 2+3 Options

The 2+3 model allows students to pursue their Master’s degree (M.S.) for two years and transition into the doctoral (Ph.D.) program. Students in the 2+3 track join the doctoral cohort, attend the same classes, and follow the same curriculum as their cohort peers. This integrated approach ensures that they graduate alongside their cohort peers within the designated timeline.

After completing two years of the Master’s program, students in the 2+3 track undergo a streamlined application process for the Ph.D. program. This process simplifies the transition and eliminates the need for a separate application. By smoothly transitioning from the Master’s to the Ph.D. program, students can continue their academic journey with minimal disruptions and build upon the knowledge and skills they acquired during their Master’s studies.

The M.S. program at Rutgers University not only prepares students for the Ph.D. program but also equips them with valuable skills for careers in community development, policy, and nonprofits. Graduates gain skills to create a meaningful impact in the economic, political, social, and global dimensions of their chosen field. In contrast, doctoral students actively engage in rigorous research and scholarly activities, showcasing their work at conferences worldwide. Their impressive record of publications in esteemed journals and books, along with a notable number of graduates securing tenure-track academic positions, demonstrates their significant contributions to advancing knowledge in community development.

Program Overview

DETAIL	M.S.	PH.D.
DEGREE	Master of Science (M.S.)	Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
CREDITS	30 credits	66 Credits
FORMAT	Full-time or part-time, on-campus	Full-time or part-time, on-campus
DURATION	3-4 semesters	10 semesters
FUNDING	University, Graduate School, and Departmental Funding Available (Partial Funding Only)	University, Graduate School, and Departmental Funding Available (Full funding available for select students)

Program in Action

Admissions Requirements

DETAIL	M.S.	PH.D.
TRANSCRIPTS	A transcript of all undergraduate and graduate coursework completed or in progress	A transcript of all undergraduate and graduate coursework completed or in progress (Master’s degree preferred)
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION	Three letters of recommendation that indicate the potential for success in the program, with at least two from persons familiar with your work in an academic setting	Three letters of recommendation that indicate the potential for success in the Ph.D. program, with at least two from persons familiar with your work in an academic setting
RESUME/CURRICULUM VITAE	Resumé (including relevant professional experience)	Resumé (including relevant professional experience)
PERSONAL STATEMENT	Personal statement indicating your motivation to earn the degree, assets you will bring to the class, a description of your background and experience, and how the degree will benefit your future	Personal statement indicating your motivation to earn a Ph.D., assets you will bring to the class, a description of your background and experience, and how a Ph.D. will benefit your future
QUANTITATIVE STATEMENT OF EVIDENCE	A statement of evidence of an ability to succeed in graduate-level quantitative methods courses, such as successfully completed coursework in statistics, research methods, or economics (may be included in the personal statement)	A statement of evidence of an ability to succeed in graduate-level quantitative methods courses, such as successfully completed coursework in statistics, research methods, or economics (may be included in the personal statement)
WRITING SAMPLE	Writing sample	Writing sample
STANDARDIZED TEST	Not required	Official graduate school admissions test scores (GRE preferred, LSAT and GMAT accepted)

Application Deadlines

Preference is given to those submitted before the deadline for both decisions and funding opportunities. Applications received after the deadlines will be considered based on available space and budgetary constraints.

Reach Out to Us

Let’s begin a conversation about your academic and professional goals. If you have questions regarding the curriculum, faculty, admission criteria, or committee, please feel free to contact the Graduate Program Director. For administrative inquiries concerning the application process, campus, tuition, and fees, reach out to the Graduate School. We are dedicated to assisting you from application to graduation day.