Normal,
IL,
United States
Type
Public
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
MSc in Political Science - Applied Community and Economic Development in Normal United States | Illinois State University
Illinois State University
|
Normal United States
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Masters Degree
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD
17,592
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
24 months
The Applied Community and Economic Development (ACED) track is a cross-disciplinary initiative that empowers individuals dedicated to driving social impact through service to advance their professional journey. This program caters specifically to returned Peace Corps volunteers and students with prior development experience, including AmeriCorps service or nonprofit sector work. Administered by the Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development, Fellows undergo a rigorous year of on-campus study before embarking on an 11-month compensated professional placement. ACED participants benefit from graduate assistantships during their fall and spring semesters on campus before transitioning to fieldwork. This sequence provides students with a comprehensive, practical education to prepare for meaningful careers in both domestic and international community and economic development.
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 6.5
Qualification Requirements
Political Science - Applied Community and Economic Development
The Applied Community and Economic Development (ACED) sequence is an interdisciplinary program that enables those who are passionate about social change through service to take their careers to the next level. The sequence is designed for returned Peace Corps Volunteers and students with other development experiences (e.g., AmeriCorps, nonprofit work).
The Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development coordinates these programs for Fellows, who spend an intense year on campus followed by an 11-month paid professional practice. ACED sequence students have a graduate assistantship in the fall and spring semesters on campus prior to field work. Students pursuing this sequence receive a solid and relevant educational opportunity to pursue careers in community and economic development in the United States and around the world.
University Admission Requirements
A student applying to a master's program must:
have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year
present official transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. You must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for either the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or 9+ hours of coursework in a master's program. The GRE is not required for the fall 2021 application cycle. Upload your current resume to the application system. Statement of Purpose Submit a sample of your academic writing (at least five pages). The paper should demonstrate your research skills. Recommendation Contact Information
Submit the names and email addresses of three references for letters of recommendation within the online application.
Service Document
Upload one of the following:
Letter of Service (Applied Community and Economic Development Fellows Program)
Official Description of Service (Peace Corps Fellows Program) In addition to the overall university requirements above, international students must also:
present a TOEFL score of no less that 79 on the internet-based test (iBT) or 550 on the paper-based test, or present an overall band score of no less than 6.5 on the IELTS exam. Some departments require higher English proficiency exam scores.
provide a copy of a current and valid passport
The Applied Community and Economic Development (ACED) sequence is an interdisciplinary program that enables those who are passionate about social change through service to take their careers to the next level. The sequence is designed for returned Peace Corps Volunteers and students with other development experiences (e.g., AmeriCorps, nonprofit work).
The Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development coordinates these programs for Fellows, who spend an intense year on campus followed by an 11-month paid professional practice. ACED sequence students have a graduate assistantship in the fall and spring semesters on campus prior to field work. Students pursuing this sequence receive a solid and relevant educational opportunity to pursue careers in community and economic development in the United States and around the world.
University Admission Requirements
A student applying to a master's program must:
have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year
present official transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. You must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for either the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or 9+ hours of coursework in a master's program. The GRE is not required for the fall 2021 application cycle. Upload your current resume to the application system. Statement of Purpose Submit a sample of your academic writing (at least five pages). The paper should demonstrate your research skills. Recommendation Contact Information
Submit the names and email addresses of three references for letters of recommendation within the online application.
Service Document
Upload one of the following:
Letter of Service (Applied Community and Economic Development Fellows Program)
Official Description of Service (Peace Corps Fellows Program) In addition to the overall university requirements above, international students must also:
present a TOEFL score of no less that 79 on the internet-based test (iBT) or 550 on the paper-based test, or present an overall band score of no less than 6.5 on the IELTS exam. Some departments require higher English proficiency exam scores.
provide a copy of a current and valid passport
Tuition
USD
17,592