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Stevenson Center

Degree Options

One of the real strengths of Stevenson Center programs is that students with a range of experiences share the classroom each semester. While each student pursues a unique degree pathway, exposure to all five perspectives is a significant part of the experience that we offer.

Master's Degrees

The Stevenson Center facilitates training in the promotion of community and economic development in the U.S. and abroad. Fellows choose from master's degree programs in the department/school of:

The programs are designed for completion of at least two-thirds of academic credits while students are on campus during their first year. After the on-campus coursework, each Fellow completes an 11-month paid professional practice internship.

Depending on the academic department/school, a thesis or capstone project may be required. Preparation for the thesis or capstone project should begin as early as possible, and completion of this requirement can be simultaneous with a student’s internship.

Fellows can take advantage of Illinois State University's many resources while receiving the individual attention and support of the Stevenson Center.

Plans of Study

Students in every program share an interdisciplinary sequence of core courses in applied community and economic development. These classes equip them with the tools and with the theoretical background to be effective community and economic development professionals.

ACED Sequence Courses

The Stevenson Center's Applied Community and Economic Development (ACED) sequence core consists of four courses in the first year, followed by an 11-month professional internship in the second year. This coursework is in addition to classes that Fellows take for their degree programs (see Plans of Study above).

In first-year ACED sequence courses, Fellows from all five degree programs share the classroom for a truly interdisciplinary experience: