Community Economic Development (M.S.) Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Master’s of Science in Community Economic Development?
The 20–month program is divided into 4 terms. Term 1 (Sept – Dec) Term 2 (Jan- Apr) Term (Sept – Apr) Term 4 (Jan –Apr). Students have summers free from courses while still maintaining work within their project requirement. This totals 16 actual “in-class” weekends for a total of 20 months.

Is this program offered online?
While this program is not offered completely online, it is offered in a hybridized model which is designed for the working practitioner. NCED participants travel to SCED’s Main Campus (Manchester, NH) or West Coast Location (Los Angeles, CA) and take courses one long weekend per month (Friday - Sunday), and work online the rest of the month. This allows students to continue working while going to school.

Will I be required to be on campus more than one long weekend per month?
There are two times when a student in required to be on campus in addition to the weekend schedule. This is for the mandatory orientation and for the Diversity in Organizations course which take place during a can take advantage of additional elective classes which are offered occasionally throughout the term on weekdays.

Can I split my “in- class” weekends or terms between the West Coast Location and Main Campus?
While the degree at both locations is the same, each location runs as a separate cohort that run on separate schedules, therefore, you must conttinue at the location in which you were accepted.

When are the application deadlines?

National Weekend Program (Main Campus & West Coast Location) – June 30, 2008
International Weekend Program (Main Campus) – June 30, 2008

What do you need to submit for review?

Completed Application
Personal Statement
Two Letters of Recommendation ( Three if “waiver”)
Undergraduate Transcript (N/A for “waiver”)
Professional Resume
$25.00 Application Fee
Waiver Exam (if applicable)

How much is tuition?
See Costs: School of CED

Where do I send my admissions related materials?

School of Community Economic Development
Southern NH University
C/O Kathleen Kennedy
2500 North River Road
Manchester NH 03106
E-mail: k.kennedy@snhu.edu
Fax: 603.644.3130

Who are my points of contact at each “Center?”

SCED Main Campus (Manchester, NH) – Anthony Poore 603.644.3123 or a.poore@snhu.edu
West Coast Location (Los Angeles) – Reginald "Reggie" Chapple 213.748.5848 or r.chapple@snhu.edu

What is the financial aid process?

Students must first apply to the MS Program and be accepted to be considered.
After a student is accepted into the Program they must then complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
Once the FAFSA has been reviewed by the Feds, all Financial Aid information is made available to SNHU and an award letter is then sent to the student assuming no issues arise (i.e. defaulted on previous GSL, have not applied for the Selective Service, etc.)
Additional information can be found on the Financial Aid webpage or by calling the office at 603.645.9645

Generally what am I eligible to receive in terms of a Financial Aid award?
Generally CED Graduate Students are eligible to receive $20,000.00 per academic year in loans. “Need Based’ scholarships are awarded by the School and dollars vary by student. Awards range from $500 to $2,000 per term.

What “other” costs do I need to consider?

Travel (if applicable)
Lodging (if applicable)
Miscellaneous (related academic materials)

Can I use my financial aid award to pay for “other” costs?
Yes

How/where do I pay my tuition bill?

Main Campus – Webster Hall via our Student Services Office (Ms. Rose Palis) – Cash, Check or Credit Card are acceptable forms of payment.
West Coast Location – Student Services Office (Mr. Reginald Chapple) – Cash, Check or Credit Card are acceptable forms of payment.

When is the 1st day of classes?

Main Campus – September 2008
West Coast Location – September 2008
Class Weekend Schedules

If I can not start in September can I start at the beginning of the term in January?
Courses are offered in a sequential manner therefore one cannot begin in January.

Where do classes take place?

Main Campus – Webster Hall (Manchester, NH)
West Coast Location - Los Angeles Neighbhorhood Housing Services (3926 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90010)

If I don’t live in commutable distance from the West Coast Location or SCED's Main Campus, where do I stay on class weekends?

Manchester, NH- Holiday Inn, Manchester Airport (2280 Brown Ave. Manchester Airport) http://www.manchesterhi.com/ SCED has a contract with this hotel that offers discounted rates and free transportation for our students.
West Coast – Ramada Hotel 3900 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, 213-736-5222. The hotel is within walking distance to LA NHS. The negotiated rate is $85.00 (single occupancy) or $95.00 (double occupancy) per night.

If I do not have a bachelor’s can I still apply to the program?
Each year the School of CED accepts a limited amount of waiver candidates. In these cases the bachelor degree requirement is waived in exchange for at least five years experience in the field of CED. Waiver candidates will need three letters of recommendation and will submit an essay. For more information on the waiver exam contact Kathleen Kennedy at k.kennedy@snhu.edu

What are the graduation requirements?
Students must complete required courses and 39 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.0 to graduate.

What courses will I take?
Students are required to take 32 "required" course credits and 7 "elective" course credits to successfully complete the Program. Course offerings can be found at www.snhu.edu/ced

Will I have to complete a thesis?
A community project is required in place of a thesis. Participants are required to plan and implement a CED project in their communities as part of the program. Typically, the project is linked to their area of specializations and employment. The sequence of project courses (CED 791 through CED 794) takes place throughout the duration of the program and is designed for students to learn and apply directly all the skills and tools CED practitioners need to enhance their community-based work. It is not a requirement of the Program to have a project defined before entering the Program.