Economic Development (ED)
Faculty Coordinator: Margaret Cowell
Build the knowledge to shape stronger, more resilient communities.
Virginia Tech's Graduate Certificate in Economic Development provides a strong foundation in local economic development, preparing professionals to understand how policy, planning, and strategic investment support long-term prosperity.
Gain practical knowledge to help communities:
- Promote sustainable economic growth
- Support thriving local and regional economies
- Address environmental, demographic, and social change
- Develop equitable and effective development strategies
Designed for planners, policymakers, economic development professionals, and others committed to building sustainable, prosperous communities.
This certificate requires the completion of a minimum of 12 credit hours of graduate course work. To receive the certificate, students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 for the courses taken. Students seeking the certificate must complete at least six credit hours from among the following courses plus six credit hours in electives.
- UAP 5234: Urban Economy, Equity, and Society
- UAP 5784: Economic Development Planning Topics
- UAP 5774: Economic Development Studio
Please reach out to Faika Lore, faikalore@vt.edu, for any questions or comments.
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