The Community Development program prepares individuals to take on the challenge of empowering local communities to develop effective strategies for identifying community goals and maximizing their assets to achieve these goals. It builds both practical and analytical skills to address these challenges. Blending theory and practice, the program enables students to better understand complex linkages between local action and the processes of policy making at various levels. Students learn to critically examine the complex roles and effectiveness of local institutions in community development. The course of study allows students to employ and critique traditional and emerging community strategies and tools.