Economic and Community Development Graduate Certificate
Explore how public policy, economics, and community planning work together to support growth, strengthen communities, and improve quality of life.
Program overview
Build the knowledge and analytical skills to support economic growth, strengthen communities, and shape effective public policy through data-driven decision-making.
Why study Economic and Community Development?
A partnership with the Department of Economics, the Economic and Community Development Certificate provides students with the tools to evaluate decisions by local, state, and federal governments in managing economic growth and in providing public goods and services. Students are well-equipped to work at the intersection of public policy and economic development, helping make public policy more effective and communities more successful.
What can you do with a certificate in Economic and Community Development after graduation?
The Economic and Community Development certificate prepares graduate students to evaluate public policies and economic strategies that promote growth, strengthen communities, and improve public services. Graduates may pursue positions with local, state, and federal government agencies, economic development organizations, nonprofit organizations, and policy research institutions. Common entry-level roles include economic development specialist, policy analyst, community development coordinator, program analyst, and research associate.
Featured Courses
HBS 523 Regional Economics (with UTIA/AREC)
Sources of regional economic growth and development and the spatial distribution of people (including migration) and business. Effects of policy on regional economic activity, urban/rural land use and the role of public infrastructure. Regional spillovers and policy coordination. Prerequisite HBS 521 or equivalent.
HBS 544 Planning and Land Use
Regional planning within a legal, regulatory, social and political context. Environmental and sustainable development. Role for public, private and nonprofit entities in affecting regional performance. Project evaluation, economic impact analysis, economic development incentives, including tax-increment financing and development impact fees and taxes. Community engagement. Land use regulation and zoning.
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