The Master’s of Science in Community and Leadership Development (CLD) at the University of Kentucky is a unique multidisciplinary program that prepares students for a broad range of careers including continuing on for a Ph.D. in several different disciplines (e.g., Agricultural Education, Agricultural Leadership and Development, Communications, Rural Sociology.
Our curriculum integrates a solid foundation in social science theory and research methods. Students are challenged to understand and then apply both theory and methods in diverse contexts as both independent and collaborative scholar/professionals.
Our graduate students are expected to be engaged professionals participating in scholarly organizations, social change initiatives, community development associations, or community media campaigns. They should demonstrate the depth and breadth of their knowledge and skills through applied service or research projects. Finally, students are expected to contribute their expertise as academic, organizational and community leaders.
Our program offers two options: the Master’s of Science in CLD as well as the Master’s of Science with Initial Certification (MIC) for Agricultural Education (Grade 5-12).
Either degree may be obtained on a thesis basis (Plan A) or a non-thesis basis (Plan B).
Admission Requirements
Applicants for the MS-CLD program without MIC Option
Candidates for the MS-CLD program must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 and graduate GPA of 3.0 to be eligible for admission to the Graduate School. International students must take the TOEFL examination, with a minimum score of 550 (213 on the computer-based test) required by the Graduate School.
Applicants for the MIC Option
Candidates in the graduate initial certification program must apply for admission to the Graduate School and to the Teacher Education Program. They must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 to be eligible for admission to the Graduate School. In addition, they must submit GRE scores with minimum scores of 150 on verbal reasoning, 143 on quantitative reasoning and 4.0 on analytic writing. If GRE scores fall below these levels, they must submit passing scores on PRAXIS Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE) for the deficient portions. A minimum 156 score on the reading portion, a minimum 150 score on the mathematics portion, and a minimum 162 score on the writing portion are required.
Materials required for Application
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How the Master’s program in CLD will support these goals, with a specific discussion of how candidate interests and experiences align with faculty expertise or program strengths
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Other insights into relevant experience or perspectives for demonstrating the candidate’s interest in and qualifications for the CLD program
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Undergraduate/graduate transcripts
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3 Recommendation letters (Only 1 can be written by a CLD faculty member)
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TOEFL/IELTS scores (International applicants only)
Degree Requirements
30 credit hours required for a MS-CLD or MS-CLD MIC Option. Core requirements for both options are outlined below. Students must have the cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above in order to sit for the final examination. Incoming students are informed of the graduate-school and program-specific academic policies at the orientation held before classes begin each fall. Information is also on the CLD website.
For All MS-CLD Students - Core Requirements
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Course No
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Course Title
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Hrs.
|
When to take
|
|
CLD 686
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Research Design
|
3
|
Year 1 Fall
|
|
CLD 684
|
Statistical Analysis or any approved method course(s)
|
3
|
Year 1 or Year 2
|
|
CLD 630
|
Individual & Group Dynamics
|
3
|
Year 1 or 2 Fall
|
|
CLD 610 or
CLD 670
|
Experiential Education or Community Engagement
|
3
|
Year 1 or Year 2
|
|
CLD 671 or
CLD 685 or
CLD 675 or
CLD 660
|
Advanced Methods of Teaching or Advanced Community Development Theory & Practice or Theoretical Foundations of Communication and Community or Advanced Leadership Theory & Practice
|
3
|
Year 1 or Year 2
|
|
CLD 768 or
CLD 758
|
Master’s Thesis Research in CLD or
Creative Component in CLD
|
3
|
Year 2 Spring
|
|
TOTAL
|
|
18
|
|
Students must complete a total of at least 12 credit hours in one Enrichment Area, defined in consultation with their Advisory Committee. Sample of Enrichment Areas are:
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Non-formal and Formal Education
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Agricultural Education and other Agricultural areas of interest (with a social science emphasis - e.g., horticulture’s role in urban gardening)
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Community Development
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Leadership Development
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Rural Studies
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Community Communications
For MIC Students MS-CLD - Core Requirements
|
Course No
|
Course Title
|
Hrs.
|
When to take
|
|
CLD 686
|
Research Design
|
3
|
Year 1 Fall
|
|
CLD 684
|
Statistical Analysis or any approved method course(s)
|
3
|
Year 1 or Year 2
|
|
CLD 630
|
Individual & Group Dynamics
|
3
|
Year 1 or 2 Fall
|
|
CLD 671
|
Advanced Methods of Teaching CTE
|
3
|
|
|
EDP 600 / FAM 654
|
Life Span Human Development and Behavior/
|
3
|
|
|
CLD 610
|
Experiential Education
|
3
|
Year 1 or 2 Fall
|
|
CLD 758
|
Creative Component in CLD
|
3
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
|
21
|
|
For MIC Students, certification and degree completion are two separate issues. Candidates must complete additional hours beyond the core. Although part of the certification coursework can be used toward a “General Specialty” in Agricultural Education, some required certification courses are strictly undergraduate level and will not count toward the M.S. degree. In particular, coursework in the 400 level with the “G” designation and 500-level and above courses can be used toward degree completion. Candidates’ previous coursework in the content areas will be evaluated to determine additional work candidates may need to have adequate preparation in agricultural content knowledge.
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