Master of Arts in Community and Economic Development
Advance Your Career. Empower Your Community.
Lincoln University of Missouri’s Master of Arts in Community and Economic Development (MACED) is a new, fully online graduate program designed for professionals ready to lead and uplift communities through strategic planning, civic action and sustainable development.
Whether you are already working in the public sector, non-profit leadership or community planning — or you’re looking to transition into these high-impact roles — this program will equip you with the skills to create lasting, meaningful change.
Why Choose Lincoln University’s MACED Program?
- Courses are delivered in 8-week sessions, allowing you to complete your degree in as little as 18 months while balancing your career and life.
- Tailor your studies to your interests and career goals with options in:
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Civic Engagement
- Government and Non-Profit Leadership
- Social Entrepreneurship
- Built on a problem-based learning model, our curriculum emphasizes practical skills, leadership development, and applied research to address local, regional and global challenges.
- Graduates are prepared for roles in:
- City and County Management
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Community Leadership
- Public and Non-Profit Administration
- Lincoln University offers competitive tuition and supports students through financial aid, grants and scholarships.
Graduates of the MACED program will:
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of community and economic development theories, practices, and strategies.
- Analyze and synthesize data, trends, and policies to create actionable solutions for development challenges.
- Lead and manage projects promoting sustainable community growth and equity.
Engage in civic, entrepreneurial, and governmental initiatives to foster social and economic transformation. - Apply leadership skills to mobilize resources, advocate for communities, and implement development strategies.
To be admitted into the MACED program, applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Submit a personal statement outlining academic and career goals related to community and economic development.
- Provide official transcripts of all college coursework.
- Submit two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
- (Conditional Admission) Applicants with a lower GPA may submit a GRE score of 143 (verbal) and 133 (quantitative) for consideration.
The MACED program requires 36 credit hours, including:
- 27 credit hours of core courses
- 9 credit hours in a chosen concentration
- Completion of a professional portfolio or project demonstrating mastery of community and economic development concepts.
Core Courses (27 Credit Hours):
- ECD 501: Fundamentals of Community and Economic Development
- ECD 502: Local and Regional Economic Policy and Development
- ECD 503: Applied Research Methods
- ECD 504: Community Leadership and Change
- ECD 505: Local Development, Planning, and Policy
- ECD 506: Community and Economic Development Law
- ECD 507: Grant Writing
- ECD 509: International Development
- ECD 512: Special Topics in Community Development
Concentration Areas (9 Credit Hours):
- Urban and Rural Development
- ECD 511: Introduction to Housing and Community Development
- ECD 516: Strategic Urban and Rural Development and Investment
- ECD 519: Urban and Rural Special Populations
- Social Entrepreneurship
- ECD 513: Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship
- ECD 514: Strategic Community Marketing and Communications
- ECD 515: Business Planning for Social Change
- Civic Engagement
- ECD 510: Community Organizing
- ECD 517: Corporate Social Responsibility
- ECD 518: Introduction to Civic Engagement
- Public Administration (Existing Courses)
- PAD 545: Public Policy Process and Analysis
- PAD 571: Public Administration in the Political Process
- PAD 573: Organizational Behavior and Administration
Graduates of the MACED program will be equipped for careers such as:
- Community Development Specialist
- Economic Development Coordinator
- Urban Planner
- Public Policy Analyst
- Nonprofit Program Director
- Social Entrepreneur
- Housing and Community Development Manager
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Specialist
- International Development Consultant
With their advanced skills in leadership, planning, and data analysis, graduates will be prepared to lead initiatives in local governments, nonprofit organizations, international agencies, and private sector roles.
Contact Us
Graduate Studies
Young Hall 820 Chestnut StJefferson City, MO 65101 E: GradSchool@LincolnU.edu P: (573) 681-5125
Take the next step in transforming communities and driving economic growth with Lincoln University’s MACED program!
