Program Overview

Online Bachelor's Degree in Educational and Community Leadership

The Online Bachelor's Degree in Educational and Community Leadership is designed to develop a deep understanding of how to advocate for reform in community institutions to establish equity, access, and social justice.

Program Information

• Next Starts: June 2026 - Summer Term, August 2026 - Fall Term A
• Program Format: 8-week courses, 5 terms year-round
• Program Length: 2 or 3 years, 50–60 units
• Cost Per Unit: $500 for Summer, $525 for Fall, with financial aid and scholarships available
• Application Deadlines: April 1 for June start, July 1 for August start

Program Description

The educational and community leadership way of thinking combines academic disciplines and empowers students to promote change for social justice, which is in demand by employers. This program develops comprehensive leadership, problem-solving, communication, and advocacy skills for a fulfilling career in various fields.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must:

• Complete at least 60 transferable semester or 90 quarter units, with a maximum of 70 semester units from community colleges
• Complete all four CSU-approved general education requirements with a grade C- or higher
  • (A1) Oral Communication/Speech
  • (A2) Written English Composition
  • (A3) Critical Thinking/Logic
  • (B4) Math/Quantitative Reasoning
• Have an overall grade point average of 2.0 or better
• Students from Oregon must earn a grade of "C" or better in all General Education courses

Valuable Learning Experiences

The program combines courses from various departments and includes opportunities to apply learning within and beyond classes. Completing the program enhances the ability to:

• Demonstrate leadership skills that promote change for the betterment of all individuals within a community system
• Create interdisciplinary strategies to manage challenges within one's professional field
• Advocate an anti-racist approach to establish social justice with diverse communities

Featured Classes

• Communication, Leadership, and Social Justice: Develop a foundation for analysis of oral and written communication in the community
• Emerging Technology for All Learners: Learn effective use of the computer to meet exceptional learning needs
• Foundations for Early Childhood Curriculum: Understand foundations for implementing developmentally appropriate early childhood education curriculum
• Psychological Foundations of Education: Research cognitive, affective, and social/emotional development related to school settings
• The Right to Learn: Language, Dignity, and Education: Debate about the role of formal schooling within a democratic society

Specializations

• Inclusive Education Specialization: Prepare to work with diverse communities through pathways such as teacher credential programs and special education credential programs
• Early Childhood Education Specialization: Prepare to qualify for a Master Teacher and Site Supervisor Early Childhood Permit

Career Opportunities

Through exposure to a curriculum that explores societal inequities and methods to accentuate strengths of a community and of its members, graduates develop leadership skills that apply to a wide range of careers in education, child and youth services, community organizations, and social services.

Top Job Titles

• Counselor
• Donor and data coordinator
• Elementary teacher
• Health and wellness advisor
• Operations director
• Program manager
• Resource specialist

Top Companies

• City of San José
• East Side Union High School District
• Palo Alto Unified School District
• San José Unified School District
• Santa Clara Unified School District
• SJSU
• Stanford University

Top Sectors

• Arts and design
• Business development
• Community and social services
• Education
• Media and communication
• Operations

Expert Faculty and Diverse Classmates

Learn from expert faculty and be part of a diverse group of students from all walks of life, enabling students to accomplish their goals.