Program Overview

Certificate of Graduate Study in Community College Leadership

Overview

Elevate Students through Community Education

Help diverse students gain upward mobility by learning how to lead people and improve administrative processes in community colleges within the United States.

This 12-credit graduate certificate program covers emerging issues and primary activities of two-year colleges. Coursework improves your ability to identify student needs, develop strategic plans, and make data-based decisions in post-secondary schools. Learn how to serve students, strengthen communities, and expand educational access in leadership roles at two-year schools across the U.S.

The certificate can serve as a stand-alone credential or as a stackable credential that can be applied to credit requirements for the MS in Higher Education, MS in Educational Policy and Leadership, or PhD in Educational Policy and Leadership.

Program of Study

Community College Core

• Community Colleges
• Administration of the Community College
• Leadership for Cradle to Career Education Systems

Leadership Elective (choose one)

• Adult and Continuing Education
• Administration of Institutions of Higher Education
• Assessment and Accountability in Higher Education
• Higher Education Finance

Analytical Elective (choose one)

• Introduction to Organizational Leadership
• Introduction to Social Analysis
• Quantitative Methods in Educational Leadership

Sample Courses

Community Colleges

Survey the policies and social and economic history of community colleges in the United States. Topics include institutional purpose and development, and trends in the field.

Administration of the Community College

Learn how two-year colleges are organized and managed, and complete a major project in your area of interest. Topics include finance, governance, and academic program administration.

Adult and Continuing Education

Expand your understanding of the scope, organization, and coordination of adult education systems, and how they can be integrated with community development programs.

Introduction to Organizational Leadership

Increase your knowledge of the structure and processes of educational organizations and learn how to motivate employees. Topics include technology, strategic goal-setting, external relations, and organizational change.

Career Opportunities

Senior leadership positions at community colleges continue to open up as large numbers of administrators whose careers began in the 1960s and 1970s start to retire. In 2012, the American Council of Community Colleges found that 75% of community college presidents planned to retire by 2022.

Earning the certificate prepares you to work in administrative units such as:

• Academic Advising
• Enrollment Management
• Student Affairs
• Financial Aid
• Advancement
• Institutional Research

Admissions Requirements

Deadlines

• Fall: Rolling
• Spring: Rolling
• Summer: Rolling

Required Application Materials

• Transcripts from all schools attended
• Two letters of recommendation
  • Letters of recommendation should include one from a supervisor or colleague outlining the applicant's qualifications, interest, and likely trajectory, and one professional/academic reference.
• Personal Statement
  • The personal statement should include experience, interest, and expectations for the certificate program.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 and/or 5 years of work experience (any setting).

Special Notes

Please note, this program is not eligible for federal financial aid.