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Program Overview
Join students from around the world committed to learning how to create positive, community-level change in a collaborative and participatory way.
The master's degree in Community Development and Action (CDA) combines theory, research, and practice to equip you to become a change agent in organizations and communities that support positive human development.
You can earn a dual degree, combining your studies to earn a Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) or Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree in the Vanderbilt Divinity School.
Recent CDA graduates work in diverse organizational settings, including:
- Advocacy and Outreach Lead, Clean Virginia
- Coordinator of Government and External Affairs, Tennessee Disability Coalition
- Founder and CIO, Fathom PBC
- Senior Manager of Business Development, Project Return
- Strategy Analyst, ByteDance
Program Facts
Program Director: David Carlone
Admissions Coordinator: Tonya Brown
Admission Term: Fall
Credit Hours: 30
Application Dates
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Application Deadline 1
January 3
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Application Deadline 2
February 3
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Rolling Admissions
After February 3*
*Applications received after the Feb 3 second deadline are reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted as space and funds allow.
Program Curriculum
The graduate degree in Community Action and Development includes a minimum of 30 credit hours of required and elective classes in content areas of your interest.
As a student, we expect you to make a strong commitment to your education by recognizing the intention behind program goals and making an effort to learn and grow beyond the minimum degree requirements.
Coursework
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Students and faculty in CDA work in partnership with communities and organizations to counter the interlocking oppressions that threaten individual and collective human potential. We are continually learning how to bring these commitments and values to bear on our teaching, scholarship, and service.