Building a Better Tomorrow
A degree in Policy and Community Development prepares smart leaders to empower and support healthy communities and smart policies
In the past few years, we've learned to live with a global pandemic and a divisive political environment. We've seen income disparities grow wider and have witnessed social uprisings. All have a profound effect on the financial, physical, and social wellbeing of our communities. How do we leverage this moment to recommit to racial, economic, and environmental justice? How do we make communities work better and be healthier places to live, work, and play? What policies help us get there?
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"It's a really nice feeling to know that whatever you do you're making an impact that lasts a long time....I'm going to do something important."
Why Study Policy and Community Development at Michigan Tech?
- Applied learning experience: All students have applied learning experiences by working directly on civic projects in collaboration with community groups, governments, or policy organizations,
- Internships: Work with groups like We the People Michigan and The Nature Conservancy contributing to teams in policy and research, community organizing, or environmental justice,
- Optional concentrations in law, environment, or health allow majors to specialize in a particular area of emphasis that will support your career trajectory.
- Personalized education: Benefit from 1:1 advising and guidance, small classes taught by professors (not TAs) who get to know you, and a flexible curriculum where you can study what interests you,
- Student enrichment: Expand yourself beyond the classroom with study away and abroad programs, foreign languages, sustainability demonstration house, and undergraduate research,
- Interdisciplinary study.
"I fell in love with the campus environment and how the students interacted. The faculty made me feel like this is some place that actually cares about its students."
Customize Your Policy and Community Development Degree With a Concentration
A Masters Degree in Your Plans?
Earn an Accelerated MS degree in Environmental and Energy Policy or Industrial Heritage and Archaeology. You can do it in just one additional year at Michigan Tech with your BS in Policy and Community Development.
What Kind of Jobs Will I Get?
Be prepared to work in a wide range of job fields, including positions in community development, policy development and analysis, public service, corporate social responsibility offices, law, planning, all levels of government and city management, think tanks, nonprofit organizations, advocacy organizations, public health, criminal justice, regulatory agencies, consulting, social justice, diversity/equity/inclusion offices, community outreach, and more.
Students choosing a Law concentration would be well-prepared for Law School and a career in law. Students choosing a Health concentration would be well-prepared for Masters in Public Health programs. The private sector is also expanding employment opportunities in these areas. Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Relations are increasingly central to companies’ missions and a strategic growth area.
There is a growing demand for professionals who understand public policy making and can effectively work with local communities to facilitate effective policy design and implementation.
Table: Annual Salary and Job Growth for Policy and Community Development Degree Holders
| Occupation |
Median Annual Salary (2021) |
Estimated Job Growth (2020 to 2030) |
Estimated New Jobs Created (2020 to 2030) |
| Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021 | |||
| Health Education Specialists/ Community Health Workers | $48,860 | 17% | 21,100 |
| Fundraiser | $60,660 | 16% | 16,100 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 | 15% | 26,400 |
| Urban and Regional Planner | $78,500 | 7% | 2,700 |
| Budget Analyst | $79,940 | 5% | 2,500 |