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Community Development Policy and Practice



The Community Development Policy and Practice (CDPP) graduate certificate program is an 18-credit hour plan of study designed to enable both traditional students and in-service practitioners to enhance and advance their careers in the field of community development. From community organizing to economic development, these activities take place in diverse public, nonprofit and private enterprise.

For detailed information about the CDPP program go to the  Graduate Catalog. For further information, please contact the CDPP Program Coordinator,  Dr. Margaret Stout.


How to apply for the CDPP Certificate

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. The deadline to apply is June 15 for Fall admission only. 

Submit the following material:

  • Application for admission and transcripts . When applying select Certificate Code CG42. Apply here: https://graduateadmissions.wvu.edu/how-to-apply
  • Statement of Purpose. Indicate career interests and experience in community development.
If you have any questions concerning the application process please contact Carla See.

Alumni Spotlight


V Konopka, 2022 Graduate

V graduated in 2022 with an Area of Emphasis in Local Governance & Community Development. After graduation she joined the The West Virginia Community Development Hub as a Community Coaching Associate.

“I first heard about The Hub through a graduate school course at WVU on community development. Over the course of three classes, my cohort worked with a community to develop a project implementation plan. I loved The Hub’s resources and shared them with the community members we were working with.”

Read V’s Interview on The West Virginia Community Development Hub website