Frequently Asked Questions About The Urban and Rural Economic Development Program

• When do courses begin and what is the application deadline?
  Classes begin in the Fall, 2009 semester. The application deadline is August 12, 2009. Apply early, courses are filling quickly!
• How do I apply?
  You can apply on-line at www.edgewood.edu or contact the Graduate and Professional Studies Admissions Department at 608-663-3297 or gps@edgewood.edu.
• What are the admissions requirements?
  Candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The degree can be in any major. Click here for more details about the admissions process.
• How many courses are required to complete the Graduate Certificate and how long will it take?
  The URED Graduate Certificate consists of 5 courses. Click here for more detailed course information. All 5 courses will be completed in one calendar year by attending the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.
• What is the Capstone project?
  The Capstone project is the final course of the program. Students will have the opportunity to put their theoretical knowledge into practice in a real world setting by becoming an Economic Ambassador for a client, business or government organization. Students will choose from an Internship or Development Project. Click here for more information about the Capstone project.
• When are classes held?
  Classes are held in the evenings from 6:30 – 9:00 PM to accommodate busy work schedules. Each course meets one night per week. For example, in the Fall semester students will take 2 courses, which means they’ll attend classes on two separate weeknights.
• Who are the instructors for the courses?
  Click here for detailed information about the URED instructors.
• How much does the program cost?
  The cost of the program is $688 per credit. Each class in the program is a 3-credit course.
• Are there scholarships available?
  Yes. Contact Damon Dorsey, Program Coordinator, for more information – 608-663-3445 or ddorsey@edgewood.edu.
• Will URED courses count toward completion of a degree?
  Many employers offer tuition reimbursement to employees who continue their educations. Edgewood College also has scholarships available for students who are not eligible for employer tuition reimbursement. If you are interested in applying for financial aid, the first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA). You can find the FAFSA form on their website - http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Please be aware that this form must be completed by June 1 for you to be eligible to receive financial aid for the Fall, 2009 semester. For more information about URED scholarships, please contact Damon Dorsey, Program Coordinator – 608-663-3445 or ddorsey@edgewood.edu.
• What are the salary levels paid to economic development professionals?
  Although there are no guarantees, qualified professionals trained in economic development are generally paid annual salaries in the range of $35,000 - $100,000. Click here for more information about careers in economic development.
• Why should I attend Edgewood College to obtain a URED Graduate Certificate?
  Edgewood College is the only institution in the state of Wisconsin to offer a URED Graduate Certificate. In addition, Edgewood is the only Green Tier College/University in the state. As a Catholic college in the Dominican tradition, Edgewood’s mission is closely aligned with the objectives of economic development professionals. We are committed above all to the lifelong search for truth, arrived at through relationships in community and partnership, and pursued by men and women of all nationalities and backgrounds in a true testament to the value of diversity. All of us—regardless of our personal spiritual beliefs -- are partners in the pursuit of a just and compassionate world.
• How can I get more information about the URED program?
  For information about the curriculum, schedules, scholarships, etc., please contact Damon Dorsey, Program Coordinator - 608-663-3445 or ddorsey@edgewood.edu.

For information and questions about admissions, contact Tracy Kantor, Admissions Coordinator – 608-663-3297 or gps@edgewood.edu.