Welcome to the Department of Community Development and Applied Economics(CDAE)

"CDAE supports sustainable local and international communities through interdisciplinary research, education, and outreach that serve the public interest."

The Community Development and Applied Economics Department (CDAE) of the University of Vermont provides undergraduate and graduate students with real world learning opportunities. Successful students build a professional and personal foundation in liberal arts disciplines related to community development (such as economics, sociology, and political science). They add to this foundation marketable skills in areas such as research, communication, and planning. Then they apply what they have learned in helping real people and communities both on the local scale and international level.

CDAE offers three undergraduate majors leading to a Bachelor of Science degree: Community Entrepreneurship, Community and International Development, and Public Communication. We offer two graduate degrees leading to either a Masters of Science in Community Development and Applied Economics or Public Administration.

CDAE is set apart from other departments in its hands-on approach to learning. Students become involved in real world problem solving from the beginning of their studies. From CDAE 061- Introduction to Community Development Economics to 200 level capstone courses used to test their assimilation of both knowledge and skills and their ability to work with clients on tasks related to those they will perform as professionals, CDAE provides the connection that carry students from academia to work.

Our hands-on learning is also applied to international programs open to Juniors and Seniors who work with experts, local leaders, community members, and faculty to support sustainable problem-solving around the world. Program countries include Honduras, St. Lucia, Belize, and Ethiopia.

With Vermont, the region and the world as your classroom, obtaining your degree in the CDAE department gives you the best of all worlds: a strong liberal arts background, the tools necessary to address real world issues, and the opportunity to apply them. How will you change the world?

Click here for some links to UVM programs related to CDAE.