Community Development and Recreation Policy

Community Development

Authority to enact and implement policies is increasingly influenced by the ability of various levels of governments to cooperate with one another and with non-governmental entities. Growth management exemplifies this concept with its emphasis on cross-jurisdictional collaboration, balancing economic development, social and cultural needs, and protection of ecologically sensitive areas. The given place-based environments require that we search for innovative approaches, suitable leadership approaches and understanding of power structures, social networks and economic decision making. The concentration will focus on equipping the students to develop an understanding of:

  • the challenges of developing policies in multi-jurisdictional settings and the resolution of associated conflicts
  • the needs of multiple, divergent constituencies and how to encourage participation of those constituents in policy making
  • the evolution of communities and their physical, social, economic and political properties
  • appropriate methodologies to analyze the intersection of divergent interests in shaping policy outcomes

Specialization Faculty

Specialization Coordinator: Dr. Valerie Hunt 

  • Valerie H. Hunt, Ph.D. (University of Arkansas), Associate Professor and Associate Director, Public Policy Ph.D. Program
  • Jefferson Miller, Ph.D. (Oklahoma State University), Professor, Agricultural Communications
  • Lanier Nalley, Ph.D. (Kansas State University), Professor, Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
  • Geoboo Song, Ph.D. (University of Oklahoma), Associate Professor, Political Science

Course of Study (12 hours)

Specific courses will be selected in consultation between the student and the student's curriculum committee. Examples of appropriate courses are:

  • LAWW 64003 Land Use

    Covers public land use controls such as zoning, subdivision regulations, and eminent domain (including private property rights, takings, and inverse condemnation). Heavy emphasis is placed on planning at state and local levels. (Typically offered: Irregular)

  • PADM 58203 Grantwriting for the Social Sciences

    This course will teach students the fundamentals of obtaining grants from local, state and federal agencies. (Typically offered: Irregular)

  • PLSC 51703 Community Development

    Community development encompasses the political, social, and economic issues that shape contemporary communities. The seminar examines substantive issues in community development, related theories, and techniques. A major focus of the course will be on low-income and minority neighborhoods and efforts to create more inclusive communities in the U.S. and abroad. (Typically offered: Fall)

  • PUBP 60303 Community Development Policy and Practice

    This course examines multiple community development definitions, the community capitals framework as well as theories, conceptual frameworks and processes and how these are linked, both historically and currently, to broad-based US public policy and specifically, housing and workforce development policies. (Typically offered: Summer)

  • SOCI 51303 The Community

    A sociological analysis of the theory, methods and materials used in the study of the community. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Irregular)