Community Development Major

Bachelor of Science in Community Development

Help build successful and sustainable cities and communities with a Bachelor of Science in Community Development from 51�Թ��’s . In this 122-credit undergraduate degree program, students learn how to become innovative and collaborative leaders who empower residents to take charge of the future of their communities.

The degree program’s coursework provides the necessary knowledge, values and job-ready skills to engage stakeholders to assess a community’s assets, needs and opportunities. Students learn to work collaboratively to develop strategies, programs and policies to improve housing, local economy, food access, social cohesion and resilience.

The Community Development BS curriculum extends into Philadelphia, where students employ best practices, engage in field research and partner with professionals and organizations to tackle complex challenges facing cities. This holistic approach launches graduates who are bold problem-solvers into successful careers in community development corporations, housing agencies, nonprofits, foundations and other community-based organizations.

Graduate Pathways

Through �ղ��’s 4+1 accelerated track, students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Community Development and a Master of Science in City and Regional Planning in just five years by taking up to 12 specified graduate credits to fulfill the undergraduate degree requirements. Upon graduation from their undergraduate program, students move seamlessly into their graduate program, which they complete in one additional year.

Classes & Curriculum

As a BS in Community Development student, you’ll develop a critical awareness of the social, political, economic��and cultural dynamics shaping various types of communities, with particular emphasis on empowering disadvantaged communities. A few courses you can anticipate taking include the following.

City Planning Principles and Practice
Community Engagement and Empowerment
Community Redevelopment and Revitalization
Housing and Community Development

Learn more about courses in this program.

Minor in Ecological Planning & Design

Deepen your understanding of the impact of community development on natural resources and processes while gaining an appreciation of ecologically sensitive design and development. In this minor, you will develop leadership and decision-making skills relevant to ensuring that design and development takes into consideration ecological, social, political, economic and governance factors.

Related Graduate Degrees

City and Regional Planning

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51�Թ��’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Science offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $19,608.00 per year
Out-of-state: $35,232.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

�ղ��’s offers every Tyler student one-on-one, personal and academic guidance, beginning at Orientation right through to graduation. The academic advisors help you chart your course through your degree program and major, and ensure you are on a clear educational path.��

Advisors are available to discuss registration, study abroad and staying on track to graduate, as well as policy and procedures and navigating other available resources across the university.��

Appointments with the advising team can be made by visiting the Student Tools tab in TUportal. General questions can be submitted to the team’s during regular business hours, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Academic Advising Office��
Tyler 212 ��
2001 N. 13th St.��
Philadelphia, PA 19122

Program Contact

For more information on the Community Development program, please contact��

Sasha W. Eisenman, chair, architecture and environmental design��
Phone: 267-468-8168��
Email:��[click-for-email]��

Jeffrey P. Doshna, program head, planning and community development��
Phone: 215-204-1213��
Email:��[click-for-email]

Student Clubs and Organizations

Joining a student organization can enrich your coursework, help you build meaningful networks with peers and gain leadership experience. Below are examples of student clubs and organizations that can help you grow academically, creatively and professionally.��

Study Away

Exposure to diverse cultures, environments and mindsets is essential for art, architecture and design students. At Tyler, you are encouraged to broaden your perspective and explore unique environments through study away programs.��

Programs to study in ,��and Venice are offered throughout the year.��

For a half-century, has been a center for hands-on, interdisciplinary learning, where the “Eternal City” is the classroom, the studio and the campus. It offers extensive experiences for art and architecture students, with courses in architecture, art history, drawing, liberal arts, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.��

51�Թ�� Japan offers a . Students may also take individual digital photography, art history and architecture courses on the Japan campus.��

The Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses office is available to answer questions.��
Email: [click-for-email]��
Phone: 215-204-0720

Accreditation

Tyler School of Art and Architecture’s degree programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies.��

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Tyler School of Art and Architecture’s architecture and environmental design programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies.��

��(Master of Architecture)
��(Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture)
��(Master of Science in City and Regional Planning)
��(Bachelor of Science in Facilities Management)

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