Urban and Rural Economic Development Program (URED)

The School of Business at Edgewood College Announces a New Program that Could Change Your Life While Helping You Change Your Community.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

To grow and thrive, communities must constantly plan for and adapt to a complex and rapidly changing world. Transforming struggling or emerging communities is a process that occurs incrementally over an extended period of time. Real transformation occurs because of the patience, commitment, leadership, and often tireless effort of individuals working for a better future. Real change occurs because ordinary people make the extraordinarily courageous decision to – despite the doubts, challenges, and difficulties – make a difference. Once you decide to take this step, URED will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective leader. URED is intended to be a transformative program both for the students and the communities they serve.

EDGEWOOD COLLEGE CAN HELP

The Urban and Rural Economic Development Program provides graduate-level courses for both experienced professionals and newcomers to the field of economic and community development. This program provides a solid foundation on the processes, systems, challenges, trends and factors that define and impact successful and sustainable economic initiatives. Professionals who attain this Graduate Certificate will:

Be uniquely qualified to address a broad range of issues in neighborhoods, towns, cities, and rural regions.
Gain an understanding of critical economic development issues and learn how to balance growth strategies with environmental and government regulations.
Learn ways to bring together business leaders, government officials, non-profit and faith-based leaders, philanthropists and community activists to launch economic development programs.
Discover how to obtain financial resources like Tax Incremental Financing, New Market Tax Credits, planning grants and more.

Why Get an Edgewood College
Certificate in Economic Development?

A CERTIFICATE YOU CAN BE PROUD OF

The Graduate Certificate in Urban and Rural Economic Development is the only certificate of its kind offered in Wisconsin. It is one of only a few certificate programs in the United States focused on applying business/entrepreneurial skills to provide sustainable economic development solutions to communities.
In one year you’ll have the skills and knowledge you need to bring an economic development project to your community. Experts in economic development with real-world experience will teach each course and give you practical hands-on experience that you can use immediately.
Credits earned carry full academic credit and may apply towards completion of the Edgewood College MBA program should you decide to pursue an MBA.
URED prepares students to work in a wide range of areas with salary ranges from $35,000-$100,000. Such jobs include: Economic Development Planner, Director of Community Development, Economic Development offices in public and private organizations, city and county government offices for community development, Director of Business incubators, Social Entrepreneur Consultant, Community and faith-based organizations and revitalization and other jobs that position you to be a strong change agent for your community’s future!

AFFORDABLE AND FLEXIBLE

Classes are held evenings, year-round, allowing students to advance their economic development education without interrupting their careers.
Edgewood College provides a flexible fee payment schedule that allows you to pay after your grades are posted in order to take advantage of your employer’s tuition reimbursement program.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Anyone Interested in Helping to Transform Their Community.

URED’s certificate program is designed for both experienced professionals and newcomers to the field of economic development. Among the many professionals who could benefit from this program are:

Community Development Directors
Rural Leaders
Directors and Board Members of Business Improvement Districts
Main Street Directors and Board Members
County Administrators and Staff
Developers
Economic Development Professionals
Entrepreneurs and Business Executives
Local Government Planners
Members of Planning Commissions
Faith-Based staff
Nonprofit organization staff and board members
Adult Educators
Students in any major
Anyone interested in helping transform their community

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

URED graduates will acquire new skills in fundraising, marketing, communications, community building, sustainability, and economic development. Furthermore, students will be exposed to experts and case studies in every course. You’ll learn what has worked and what hasn’t and why. Other highlights include:

Flexible 5 course, 15 credit schedule
Program can be completed in one year
Classes taught in the evenings
Highly interactive and personal classroom setting
Access to Edgewood College's academic resources
A balance of theory and practical application

URED is a Business School program.

Students will be able to choose between an internship and a capstone project in their final course. URED represents an excellent opportunity to establish peer relationships and strong professional networks. You’ll be able to share ideas, experiences, and strategies.

SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE!

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. For more information about URED scholarships, please contact Damon Dorsey, Program Coordinator – 608-663-3445 or ddorsey@edgewood.edu.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If your business or organization is interested in sponsoring a URED student or offering an internship, please click here for more information about how this relationship can benefit your organization.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY

Contact the Graduate and Professional Studies admission office at 608-663-3297. Email gps@edgewood.edu. Or visit www.edgewood.edu. ACT NOW to reserve your space!

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