Community, Environment, and Development (CED)
Program Coordinator
Jill Findeis
814-863-8246
ced.aers.psu.edu
The Community, Environment, and Development major at Penn State is a multidisciplinary program designed to teach students to assist people, their communities, and institutions to effectively understand, respond to and ultimately shape economic and social changes, including those posing risks to the environment. Students will learn ways in which communities can develop to improve the well-being of its residents and maintain (and enhance) their natural environment. The major focuses on the fields of community and economic development, environment and natural resources, and the interactions between the two in a local and global setting. Students may choose one of the following areas in which to specialize: Community and Economic Development; Environmental Economics and Policy; and International Development.
Why Choose This Major?
Students should choose the Community, Environment, and Development major if they are interested in the way people and communities interact with the natural world, and are interested in working with communities to create positive change. While the major is new as of May 2007, it is predicted that students will learn methods to assist in solving real-world issues, and non-profit organizations, domestic and international companies, and government organizations will be excited to welcome a Penn State alumni to their team. Students with an interest in the environment, international relations, economics, and policy are encouraged to apply to this major as an alternative to majoring in the Eberly College of Science, the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, and the College of Liberal Arts.
Successful Students
Successful students in the Community, Environment, and Development major are typically concerned with an issue in the world today, and feel they need more training to help solve that problem. Also, our students tend to be very ambitious; highly attentive to detail; are motivated to be successful academically, professionally, and personally; are active and engaged in both departmental and University organizations and activities; and have excellent communication skills.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
Graduates of the Community, Environment, and Development major are prepared for a wide variety of jobs in both public and private organizations that address issues of community, environment, and development. After students choose an area of specialization, they are better equipped to find a career that they are professionally and personally prepared for. Students may also choose graduate school or law school upon completion of this major.
Course Scheduling Tips
Community, Environment, and Development students will be assigned an academic faculty adviser within their first semester at Penn State. It is the student’s responsibility to speak with their adviser during each semester, and it is highly encouraged that students seek out their adviser often. It is also the student’s responsibility to develop and implement their own academic plan in conjunction with their academic adviser. The student is encouraged to take an active role in his/her education. They can do so by obtaining and keeping a copy of the Community, Environment, and Development Student Handbook and by tracking their academic process using the Handbook and eLion.
Required Courses Only Taught in the Fall Semester at University Park:
Community and Economic Development Option:
CED/CEDEV 430; CED/R SOC 417; ERM 411; R SOC 011
Environmental Economics and Policy Option:
CED/E RRE 431W; CED R SOC 417; ERM 411; R SOC 011
International Development Option:
CED 425; CED 450; CED/R SOC 417; CED/E RRE 404; CED/R SOC 420
Required Courses Only Taught in the Spring Semester at University Park:
Community and Economic Development Option:
CED/CEDEV 430; CED/R SOC 417; ERM 411; R SOC 011
Environmental Economics and Policy Option:
CED 152; CED 230; CED 309; CED 475; CED/E RRE 404; CED/E RRE 429; CED/R SOC 327
International Development Option:
CED 152; CED 230; CED 309; CED 410; CED 475; CED/E RRE 404; CED/R SOC 420
Recommended Academic Plan
Community and Economic Development Option: Penn State Campuses (PDF), University Park (PDF)
Environmental Economics and Policy Option: Penn State Campuses (PDF), University Park (PDF)
International Development Option: Penn State Campuses (PDF), University Park (PDF)