The Department of Community Development and Applied Economics (CDAE) offers hands-on learning and experiences both in and out of the classroom that empower our graduates to make impactful contributions to their communities.

Through our classes and experiential learning opportunities we strive to:

  • Identify and design solutions to complex issues facing local and global communities including climate change, social inequity, organizing, and sustainable development
  • Develop core values rooted in community engagement, effective communication, teamwork, sustainability, reflexivity, empathy, and responsibility
  • Reflect on how our actions impact communities and how we can best support sustainable development through research, education, and outreach that serves the public interest
  • Apply what we learn in the classroom in a real-world setting through service-learning, travel study, internships and research

These theories, skills, and contexts are explored in depth and reinforced in students’ advanced coursework within their particular major. Our undergraduate majors include Community Centered Design, Community Entrepreneurship, Community and International Development, and Public Communication.

majors, minors and certificates
Our Academic Programs

students working in a computer lab Student and faculty standing in front of a machine in the biofiber lab Student in Public Communication Class taking pictures

Growing Resilient and Sustainable Communities

Our mission is to prepare students to contribute to society, conduct research, and engage in service for the development of resilient, inclusive, and just communities in an era of unprecedented change.

News about our students and alumni

How will you change the world?

Students working in a lab

Experiential Learning

We are an innovative department that uses experiential learning as a way for students to apply what they are learning in their courses to a real-world setting. Pairing traditional classroom learning with applied experience in the field makes for both prepared graduates and global citizens.
Student working with local business

Internships with CDAE

CDAE is a pioneer of UVM internship opportunities and our connections run deep. Our network is rooted locally and extends beyond the state. We are here to help students utilize our resources to find a rewarding and valuable internship.
Peace Corps Volunteers

Peace Corps at UVM

Ever thought of joining the Peace Corps? UVM–one of the most prolific producers of Peace Corps Volunteers in the country–has partnered with the Peace Corps to provide UVM students with a program to help prepare themselves for their experience teaching, learning, and serving in the Peace Corps.
Professional Development Workshop

Graduate Programs in CDAE

The Community Development and Applied Economics department offers two Master's Degrees, one PhD, and one graduate certificate combining theoretical grounding with applied research and projects.

PhD in Sustainable Development Policy, Economics, and Governance MS Community Development and Applied Economics Master of Public Administration Certificate of Graduate Study in Community Resilience and Planning

CDAE in the News

Groundbreaking Global Study Reveals Tradeoffs Between Irrigation Expansion and Child Nutrition in Water-Stressed Global South Communities

Students Break Ground for a Lawn-Free Burlington

Vermont plastic bag use dropped 91% following ban, researchers find

Thomas DeSisto Receives the Highest UVM Award Given to Faculty Teaching Community-Engaged Learning Courses

CALS Celebrates Our 2025 Graduates
CDAE student presenting in Saint Lucia CDAE students presenting their research in Saint Lucia Student interviewing in Saint Lucia

Study Abroad with CDAE

Since 2004, CDAE students enrolled in the department's travel study program have the unique opportunity to capture the essence of the department’s values by empowering students to immerse themselves in hands-on work while building community relationships inside and outside of the classroom.

Applied Learning Through Community Collaboration