ICED M.S. Frequently Asked Questions

Weekend Delivery Format
The 20 - month program is divided into 4 terms.  This totals 17 “in-class” weekends over a total of 20 months Students have summers free from courses while still maintaining work on their projects.

• Term 1 (Sept - Dec)
• Term 2 (Jan - Apr)
• Term 3 (Sept - Apr)
• Term 4 (Jan - Apr)

Summer Intensive Program
The 13-month program is divided into 4 terms.  Students spend Terms 1 and 4 on-campus at SNHU. Terms 3 and 4 are completed in their home community through online course work and a community economic development project.

• Term 1 (May - July)
• Term 2 (Sept - Dec)
• Term 3 (Jan - Apr)
• Term 4 (May - July)

Is this program offered online?
While this program is not offered completely online, it is offered as a hybrid model which is designed for the working practitioner.

Weekend Delivery Format
ICED participants travel to SNHU's Main Campus (Manchester, NH) 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.

Summer Intensive Program
ICED participants travel to SNHU's Main Campus (Manchester, NH) and take courses for 7 weeks during Term 1. Student then return to their home communities for Terms 2 & 3 to complete online course work and a field-based project. During Term 4 students return to the Manchester Center to complete 7 final weeks of courses.

When are the application deadlines?

• Weekend Delivery Format – June 30
• Summer Intensive Program – April 1 

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 ( waived if International Student)
• Waiver Exam (if applicable)

International Students

• Completed Application
• Personal Statement
• Two Letters of Recommendation ( three if “waiver”)
• Undergraduate Transcript (N/A for “waiver”)
• Professional Resume
• Waiver Exam (if applicable)
• TOEFL score of 550 or better

Where do I send my admissions related materials?

Domestic Students
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

International Students
All materials should be emailed to:
Connie Harvey, Associate Director International Admissions
Email: c.harvey@snhu.edu

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 complete a waiver exam. For more information on the waiver exam, contact Kathleen Kennedy.

How much is tuition?

Tuition for the 2008 - 2009 academic year is $3,700 per term. Students can take 7-15 credits per term at this tuition charge. Taking courses for less than 7 academic credits or more than 15 academic credits per term will result in a "per credit" charge.

What is the financial aid process?

Domestic Students

• Students must first apply to the MS Program and be accepted to be considered.
• Contact the Financial Aid Office.

International Students

• Students must first apply to the MS Program and be accepted to be considered.
• A form entitled “International Student Financial Aid” is emailed to accepted students. This form must be completed and returned by April 1st. 
• Limited Financial Aid is then allotted on an as-needed basis.

What am I eligible to receive in terms of a Financial Aid award?

Generally, domestic CED Graduate Students are eligible to receive $20,000 per academic year in federal guaranteed student loans.

Does the School of CED award scholarships?

“Need Based’ scholarships are awarded by the School and awards vary by student needs. 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)

• Cost Break Down

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

Yes.

How/where do I pay my tuition bill?

Manchester Location – Webster Hall via our Student Services Office (Ms. Rose Palis) – Cash, Check or Credit Card are acceptable forms of payment.

If I cannot start in September (Weekend Format) or in May (Summer Intensive Format) can I start at the beginning of another month or term?

No.

Where do classes take place?

Manchester, New Hampshire – Southern New Hampshire University's Webster Hall (2500 N. River Road)

If I don’t live within a commutable distance from SNHU's Main Campus (Manchester, NH), where do I stay on class weekends?

Weekend Delivery Format

Holiday Inn, Manchester Airport  - 2280 Brown Avenue, Manchester, NH.  SCED has a contract with this hotel that offers discounted rates and free transportation for our students.

Summer Intensive Program

Participants live on campus during Term 1 and 4. Students are lodged in on campus apartments, which costs on average $300.00 USD per week.

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 courses and 7 elective courses. Course offerings are available for download.

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 specialization 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.