Certificate Requirements

The Graduate Certificate in Urban and Rural Economic Development requires successful completion of five core courses, which includes the completion of the capstone project. Courses are scheduled so that participants can complete the full Certificate within one year. After all the requirements have been completed, the student is issued an official Edgewood College Certificate. All Certificate courses carry full academic credit and may be applied towards the Edgewood College MBA program.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

BUS 631 - INTRODUCTION TO URBAN AND RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
This course explores the development and implementation of market-based economic development strategies aimed at creating significant and sustainable value in urban and rural communities. It examines effective economic development models that have been used successfully in urban and rural areas as well as the wide range of funding sources used to support economic development initiatives. The course focuses on real world economic development issues and uses best practice case studies and guest speakers to provide students with a solid foundation in Economic Development strategic planning and analysis. Students take on the perspective of an Economic Development decision-maker as they apply business skills to address community and economic development challenges and opportunities.

BUS 632 – CREATIVE MARKETING FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
This course examines the very competitive marketplace in which urban and rural regions must operate in order to develop and grow. It examines the critical role that marketing plays in the development and growth of communities. Students will critique successful and unsuccessful marketing campaigns. Through case studies, group work, and expert speakers, students gain valuable experience in developing and implementing effective marketing strategies for economic development initiatives. Students are exposed to the latest marketing tools and research techniques and learn how to leverage the power of the internet.

BUS 633 - CREATING SUSTAINABLE BUSINESSES IN URBAN AND RURAL COMMUNITIES
This course compares the role of the traditional business entrepreneur and the emerging social entrepreneur in creating sustainable businesses in urban and rural communities. It focuses on the “New Economy,” one in the midst of a recession characterized by increasing competition from large corporations, dwindling resources, and workforce challenges. Through the analysis of case studies, business plans, financial plans, site visits, and guest speakers, students will be expected to recommend business solutions related to the expansion of existing businesses and attracting new businesses. Students will learn to weigh decisions regarding: Where to locate the business? How to attract capital? What type of businesses would be both sustainable and a good fit in a particular community?

BUS 634 – EFFECTIVE CHANGE AGENT STRATEGIES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
This course provides students with an understanding of key leadership and people skills necessary to drive economic development initiatives as an effective change agent. Students learn how to bring all the right people and stakeholders to the table. They will practice grass-root strategies intended to involve the poor in economic development initiatives. Students will learn strategies on networking, learn how to identify key community and opinion leaders, and build linkages between business, nonprofit and public institutions. They will learn how to handle conflict and competing interests. Students will engage in strategic planning and study regional clusters. Students will also be exposed to case studies, economic and community leaders, and expert speakers in this class.

BUS 639 - CAPSTONE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Capstone course integrates the functional knowledge students have acquired in the URED program into a strategic management perspective. Students will assume the perspective of Social Entrepreneurs and/or Economic Development Professionals.

1. Internship: Students electing the internship option will use all of the skills/knowledge learned in the previous courses to work on a well-defined real-world economic development initiative in either an urban or rural economic development organization or business. Up to four students may be assigned to a business or community organization internship site to enable communities to benefit from a team approach.
2. Project: Students electing the development project option will use all of the skills/knowledge learned in the previous courses to complete either an economic development project, a business plan, a major paper that will allow a community or the agency where the student currently works/volunteers to launch an economic development initiative, address a specific community challenge, and/or improve social conditions in a sustainable way.