The Portland area is an exciting place to enroll in our undergraduate major in community development. We understand community development as a process in which people act together to promote the social, economic, political, and physical well being of their community. Students graduating with a degree in community development will be citizen activists, empowered to take leadership roles in public affairs.

Community-based participation in all aspects of government planning and administration is an established part of the political culture of our region. Neighborhood associations are actively involved in land use, housing, and transportation issues. The City of Portland has been practicing community-oriented policing for several years. Public schools are establishing community-based management councils and involving local business firms in curricular design. Community development corporations are growing rapidly in the range and sophistication of their activities. New community-oriented financial institutions and public-private partnerships are emerging to build and maintain affordable housing and to create jobs. Portland has been designated an Enterprise Community by the federal government. We anticipate continued growth in these kinds of activities in the years ahead. See the PSU Career Center's profile of the CD degree.

Community Development majors often find careers in not-for-profit organizations, private consulting firms, advocacy groups, and state, regional and local governments. Locally, a graduate may find a career with the City of Portland, Portland Bureau of Housing and Community Development, METRO, or any of Portland's Community Development Corporations. Community development practitioners work on a range of issues including housing, community organizing, transportation, the environment, and economic development.

Admission Requirements

Students may take courses in the major before formal admission.  However, required core curriculum courses USP 302 and 303 are restricted to students who have been formally admitted to the community development program and who have declared their major with the University Admissions Office. 

Forms:
To declare your major with University Admissions, use the Student Information Change Form available from the Admissions Office in Neuberger Hall or online at http://www.pdx.edu/media/s/t/student_info_change.pdf.  This form should be returned to Admissions Office in Neuberger Hall. 

 The School of Urban Studies and Planning application form is available at the SUSP office or online at /sites/www.pdx.edu.usp/files/media_assets/cd

Submitting your SUSP application:

You should submit (a) the completed SUSP application form, (b) an unofficial transcript, (c) a two page essay that addresses the question of why you wish to be admitted and discusses your relevant life experiences, community activity, and academic choices.  The application packet should be submitted to the SUSP Office Coordinator, Rm 350, Urban Building.

When to apply:

Before applying, you must have completed a minimum of 45 university credits and have completed or be enrolled in all prerequisites. Applications for the yearly cohort will be accepted at any time until October 17^th.  Applications received after October 17^th will be considered for the following year’s cohort.

Students who are applying to be part of the current year's cohort are expected to be enrolled in USP 301 or have taken it previously. 

What happens after you apply?

Students who have submitted their application form, essay and transcripts, and have GPA of 3.0 or higher will be administratively reviewed for automatic admission. Students who are not automatically admitted will be reviewed by the Undergraduate Executive Committee.  The committee will consider factors such as: evidence of increasing academic maturity, GPA in prerequisites, the strength of the essay in making a case for their involvement and interest in community development.

 Admitted students will receive an acceptance letter and the appointment of an advisor.  Non-admitted students will receive a letter explaining the reasons for non-admission and what factors could improve their prospects for admission in the next enrollment cycle. 

There is no formal admission to the CD minor.