About the School

Southern New Hampshire University's School of Economic Development (SCED), established in 1982, is an internationally recognized leader in education, public policy, research and institution building in the field community economic development.

The School's programs  provide skills in planning, management, finance and other areas of community economic development to policy makers and practitioners representing community-based organizations. In partnership with the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development - MRI Development Institute (CDMI) and the Southeast Asia Interdisciplinary Development Institute - School of Organization Development (SAIDI - OD), the school's goal is to demonstrate the importance of international community economic development in Southeast Asia.

In response to the demand from development practitioners for flexible program delivery, the SCED and its Philippine partners will provide academic programs, short-term professional development programs and online certificate programs beginning in 2008.

Formed in 1987, the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD) is an innovative leader in the microfinance industry. It is one of the first Grameen-replication programs in the world.

Through its research, CARD has learned that it takes more than financial support to eradicate poverty - that poor people need a market for their produce, a well-made structure they can call home, proper education for their children and assistance with personal finance. To deliver these services, CARD has created five mutually reinforcing institute entitled CARD-MRI. This includes but is not limited to CARD Bank in 1997, CARD MBA, a micro insurance firm in 1999, a development institute in 2005 and CARD BDS, a business development center in 2006.

SAIDI-OD is pioneering an open learning school in the Philippines, recognized and accredited by the Commission on Higher Education - Philippines. The school embraces previous work experience of the learner and evaluates students by a portfolio assessment, demonstrating planned changed leadership initiatives. The curriculum is based on a blended approach of in-class and online learning. It is designed for students who are working professionals, occupying leadership positions in education, government and other community-based organizations. In this program, students learn to apply concepts and principles of organization development in their respective work places.

Master of Science International Community Economic Development - Short Intensive Master's Program (SIP - Southeast Asia Location)

The SCED's fully accredited 15-month intensive master's degree program requires students spend two six-and-a-half-week in-class sessions in the Philippines; between these two sessions, students take courses online and carry out a project in their home communities. Each student is expected to design, implement and evaluate a CED project and submit a final thesis related to that project. The program follows the school's internationally recognized curriculum and includes options for specializations.

Master of Arts - Organization Development

SAIDI currently offers a Master of Arts in Organization Development with a Specialization in Microfinance Management. This is a one year, executive program for managers and decision makers who wish to rethink the strategies for advancing their respective organizational goals.

Master of Science International Community Economic Development and Master of Arts Organization Development - Dual Degree

SAIDI and SCED offer a dual degree option for both disciplines, MA-OD and MS-ICED. This is a 24-month program offered to students, practitioners and executives interested in strengthening their organizations through demand-driven service offerings. Students are required to spend four terms on the Philippine campus.

Specialization in Microfinance (MF)

Students enrolled in the MS program or the dual degree option can take elective courses in microfinance taught by expert faculty from CARD-MRI Development Institute. This specialization consists of seven elective credits in microfinance theory and strategic management. The specialization in microfinance management courses will be offered at the CARD-MRI facility in Bay, Laguna during the six-and-a-half-week session.

Program Features of MS CED SIP Southeast Asia Location

• Two six-and-a-half-week, in-class sessions with colleagues from around the globe.
• Online support for students to continue their course work in their home communities between classroom sessions.
• An opportunity for students to specialize in international micro enterprise development.
• Transferable academic credit toward a master's degree in community economic development for those students who begin the SCED online certificate program in microfinance management. As a full -time CED master's student, the cost of specialization and/or the certificate program may be included in your tuition.
•  Renowned faculty members affiliated with major international development programs and initiatives.

Who Should attend?
This program is intended for international development practitioners who are working in community economic development and related fields. Students typically have spent two years in the field working for international and national faith-based, community-based or relief non-governmental organizations (NGO's). Areas of experience include micro enterprise and microfinance, cooperative economic development, women's economic empowerment, local program management and administration, youth entrepreneurship, and reconstruction and development in post-conflict and post-disaster situations.

Admission and Tuition Information
ICED/Master's Program Admission Requirement and Process

• Be a community economic development practitioner.
• Hold a bachelor's degree or have equivalent field experience.
• a computer literate and have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent software.
• Have reliable internet access. 

Required MS Admissions Documents Include

• Completed application.
• Official academic documents, transcripts, mark sheets, etc.
• Professional resume or curriculum vitae.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Proficiency in English with a TOEFL score of 550 or an IETLS score of 6.0 or higher(non-US or non-Filipino students only who wish to enter teh MS-ICED program).
• Personal statement. 

All Southeast Asia Location students must complete the online application.

After completing the online application, the applicant will be contacted by the Southeast Asia Location Director regarding their application status and next stpes.

Tuition Information

SCED's tuition is based upon a flat rate. Students may take a total of 7 - 15 academic credits per term, including available online courses at one rate. If a student takes less tahn seven academic credits, OR more than 15 academic credits per term, the student will be charged per credit.

Visa Applications

Information will be provided upon request.

Accomodations

All students will stay at the SAIDI campus in Antipolo City and CMDI at Bay, Laguna.