Application
What do you look for in an applicant?
The Master of Community Development looks for applicants who have the proven academic ability to complete a rigorous course of study and ideally one or more years of relevant experience. We evaluate all candidates based on the following criteria: the personal statement, résumé/curriculum vitae, transcripts of prior college and/or graduate schoolwork, and letters of recommendation.
The personal statement is the single most important part of the application. In it you should clearly demonstrate your interest in the program and how it fits into your specific career goals. It should be a clear, concise statement of your relevant past experiences, including academics, research, and/or work experience. The statement should also include an expression of interests and an explanation of your goals in pursuing a master’s degree.
Do you accept applicants directly from undergraduate school?
Individuals with very strong academic records who have also had significant internship and/or study abroad experience may be accepted.
Tuition and Payment
I have a sponsor who will be covering the tuition of my program. How should they make payments?
Please view tuition costs on our Funding Your Education webpage. Students receiving sponsorship by government agencies, companies, or other third parties should forward notices, bill authorizations, or other evidence of the sponsorships on official letterhead to:
UNH Business Services
Attention: Third-Party Billing
11 Garrison Avenue
Durham, NH 03824
Full details and instructions can be found on the UNH Business Services Payment Methods webpage. Program costs and technology fees are subject to change.
Course Fees: Specific courses may have additional course fees. Visit the course schedule for more information.
Financial Aid
Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loans are a form of federal aid available to Graduate Students. To apply, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Additional Financial Aid Information
Does this program offer any scholarships?
The Carsey School of Public Policy offers a limited number of needs-based partial tuition scholarships to students who have submitted the online application to the Master in Community Development Policy and Practice program. In order to be considered for a Carsey School Scholarship, please complete and submit your Online Scholarship Application Form by March 15. Applicants will be notified if they qualify for an award within two to three weeks after submitting a completed application. We also encourage students who are awarded a scholarship to leverage their award by seeking additional funding opportunities from other sources.
What alternative funding opportunities are available?
We strongly encourage you to look into other outside scholarship opportunities from organizations such as the World Bank, Fulbright, the Ford Foundation, or the American Association of University Women (among others). Domestic students are eligible for both private and federal loans. More detailed information can be found on the UNH Grad School’s Financial Aid webpage or at Tuition Management Systems.
What if I am waiting to hear about an outside scholarship and cannot submit all the requirements?
If you are unable to submit all of the documentation necessary to hold your space in the class, please contact Sanjeev.Sharma@unh.edu promptly to provide details of your situation so that he can advise you on the best way to proceed.
