Community and Leadership Development is an interdisciplinary social science major that prepares students to become engaged, civic leaders in communities. This student-centered program offers hands-on, collaborative, project-based learning rooted in real-world community engagement. Students examine the academic and theoretical ideas that help them understand what makes communities thrive. The program draws on case studies and faculty expertise in areas such as agriculture and food systems, natural resource management, community resilience, and Cooperative Extension to explore how leadership drives community change. The curriculum focuses on developing core competencies in career and self-development, communication, critical thinking, leadership, teamwork, strategic problem solving, and ethical decision-making. Students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and values essential for success in community-focused careers across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Career Opportunities
Graduates will be prepared for dynamic and impactful careers across industry, government, non-profit, and academic sectors. Employment opportunities include those focused on corporate social responsibility, entrepreneurship, Extension, human resource management, law, public relations, regional planning, student affairs, and other related fields. Students will also be prepared to enter a variety of professional and graduate programs.
Graduation Requirements
To earn the Bachelor of Science in Community and Leadership Development, the student must earn a minimum of 120 credit hours with at least a 2.0 grade-point average. A minimum of 45 credit hours must be from upper division courses (300 level and above). Remedial courses may not be counted toward the total hours required for the degree.
Suggested Four-Year Plan for the B.S. in Community and Leadership Development