Concern with housing covers the general issues of providing decent, safe, and affordable housing for all members of the community, in locations that promote the well-being of households and the community. Community development concerned with the creation, preservation and revitalization of healthy neighborhoods, and commercial and public areas that serve resident populations. The courses in the specialization cover the variety of subjects necessary for practice within the field, including the study and critical evaluation of past and current housing and community development policies. Students are taught the basic methods needed for assessing the feasibility of various plans and projects.
Emphasis is placed on a case study approach to project financial analysis.
The specialization consists of three required and one elective course. A concentration consists of a focused program involving the two specialty electives and two additional electives. A variety of concentrations are possible, focusing on specialized housing problems, the needs of special housing consumers, or aspects of the analysis, policy and delivery process. Examples include housing for the elderly, community economic development, historic preservation, neighborhood planning, housing and real estate development, community organization, and others. Coursework in other departments is available.