Program: Community Organizing and Development Minor - University at Buffalo

Apr 07, 2025

2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Learn more about the School of Social Work

Admission Criteria

Minimum overall GPA of 2.500 required

Current UB students wishing to add or change their minor to Community Organizing and Development, submit the Minor Application Form.

Course Requirements

Community Organizing and Development Core (6 credits)

Four 300/400 level courses (12 credits):

CEP 412LEC - Diversity & Human Relations Credits: 3
COM 420LEC - Conflict Theory Credits: 3
END 406SEM - Housing & Community Development Credits: 3
END 442LEC - Central City Revitalization Credits: 3
EVS 317LEC - The Politics of Sustainability Credits: 3
EVS 442SEM - Environmental Movements Credits: 3
GEO 460LEC - Geography of Development Credits: 3
LAW 309LEC - Introduction to Business Organizations and Business Law Credits: 3
LAW 319LEC - Climate Change: Interdisciplinary Perspectives & International Law Credits: 3
PSY 332LEC - Social Conflict and Its Resolution Credits: 3
PSC 413LEC - Comparative Political Economy Credits: 3
SOC 341LEC - Environment & Society Credits: 3
SOC 385LEC - Neighborhoods and Health Credits: 3
SW 309LEC - Developing Leadership in Communities Credits: 3
SW 320LEC - An Overview of U.S. Social Welfare Policies Credits: 3
SW 380LEC - Mediating Conflict through Negotiation Credits: 3
SW 430LEC - Grassroots Economic Development Credits: 3
SW 460PRA - Strategy and Practice in Organizing and Development Credits: 3

Total Credits Required for Minor: 18

Total Credit Hours Required represents the minimum credits needed to complete this program, and may vary based on a number of circumstances. This chart should not be used for financial aid purposes.

Academic Requirements

All courses counted toward the minor must be completed with a minimum grade of C.

Learning Outcomes

Students in the Community Organizing and Development Minor acquire knowledge of innovative means of alleviating and rectifying social problems and injustices and develop essential skills that are transferable in many professional settings. Courses use a case-based method of instruction with simulations or experiential learning opportunities.

Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge and skills to:

Analyze and frame social problems
Identify and apply various theories of community organizing and development
Conduct social advocacy
Navigate systems and negotiate conflict
Co-produce innovative strategies to address community problems and issues
Develop community capacity and leadership
Organize collective action to effect sustainable change