Department of Community Development
Department of
Community Development
The Department of Community Development (DCD) offers undergraduate, diploma and graduate programs that seek to educate, train, and nurture competent development professionals who are committed to people’s empowerment and participation, sustainable development, and gender equity. The goal is to help create and build a society that provides equal access for men and women to social, economic, political and cultural opportunities through people’s collective actions.
History
From its nascent beginning as a service delivery mechanism of the government in the 1950s, community development evolved as an academic discipline alongside the dynamic character of social development. The growing concern for popular participation and social equity brought to fore the need for an integrated strategy of organizational capability building among grassroots organizations, as well as concrete community-managed welfare and livelihood programs.
To this day, the Department of Community Development continues to enrich its programs to be responsive to emerging challenges in the lives of marginalized communities and the larger society in general, such as those arising from climate change and disasters, globalization, conflict and violence, and migration.
CD Education thru Praxis-Oriented and Committed Service
The Community Development (CD) curriculum is designed to provide students with a praxis-oriented education that allows complementation between theoretical knowledge and practice. The Field Instruction Program (FIP) serves as an effective program for both learning and service, through which our faculty and students mutually apply, validate and critique CD concepts, theories, approaches, strategies and methods to help communities address real-life issues and problems.
Undergraduate Courses
Bachelor of Science in Community Development (BSCD)
The Bachelor of Science in Community Development (BSCD) is a four-year undergraduate course that prepares students for community practice, social action, and extension services. Its curriculum is divided into three clusters namely:
- Perspective in Development
- Development Policies and Programs
- Methods and Skills in Organizing
- Fieldwork/Practicum
Graduate Courses
Diploma in Community Development
The Diploma in Community Development (DIP CD) is a one year post baccalaureate course specially designed as an intermediate program to reinforce professional training and experience in community development.
Master of Community Development
The Master of Community Development (MCD) program is designed as advanced training in Community Development with focused areas of studies in Community Organizing Practice (COP) and Community Development Planning (CDP).