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Community College Leadership - Graduate Certificate

The Community College Leadership graduate certificate prepares and enhances the skills of administrators, staff and faculty in community colleges and regional campuses to meet the leadership challenges posed by social, political and economic changes. The program provides knowledge and skills development in the areas of administration; curriculum; contemporary issues; student development and learning; community college purpose and roles; and workforce, economic and community development. This certificate is designed in alignment with the competencies for community college leaders established by the American Association of Community Colleges.

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Graduate Certificate in Community College Leadership

91²Ö¿â’s Graduate Certificate in Community College Leadership is designed for individuals aiming to take on leadership roles in community college settings. The program focuses on governance, strategic planning, policy analysis, and student success initiatives unique to community colleges. Through coursework and case studies, students develop skills in organizational management, academic program development, and leadership, preparing them to navigate the complex challenges of community college administration.

Program Information for Community College Leadership - Graduate Certificate

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Articulate the significant administrative- and mission-related differences between community colleges and baccalaureate-awarding institutions.
Admissions for Community College Leadership - Graduate Certificate

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (master's preferred)
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale1
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae
  • Goal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:2
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

Post-baccalaureate work will be taken into consideration when interpreting GPA for admission.

2

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Spring Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Summer Term
    • Rolling admissions
Coursework

Program Requirements

Certificate Requirements

Certificate Requirements
HIED 66492INTERNSHIP IN HIGHER EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION 13
HIED 66653COLLEGE STUDENT DEVELOPMENT: THEORY AND PRACTICE 3
HIED 66658THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 3
HIED 66677WORKFORCE, ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN COMMUNITY COLLEGES 3
HIED 66678ISSUES AND TRENDS IN COMMUNITY COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION 3
Minimum Total Credit Hours:15
1

Students must have completed at least 6 credit hours in the certificate program before applying for an internship. Internships must be at community colleges or regional/extended campuses. With advisor approval this requirement can be substituted with one additional elective course. Elective with HIED 66492 waiver may include HIED 66656.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Certificate GPA Minimum Overall GPA
3.000 3.000
  • Students declared in a doctoral degree should enroll in the doctoral level version of these courses, if offered.
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • Fully online
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Community College Leadership - Graduate Certificate

Those with the graduate certificate in community college leadership are prepared for roles such as community college administrators, academic deans, department heads, or student services directors. They may work in community colleges, technical colleges, or educational agencies, supporting institutional growth, student engagement, and academic excellence. This certificate enhances the expertise needed to contribute meaningfully to community college environments and lead initiatives that support diverse student populations and workforce development.

Education administrators, postsecondary

3.7%

about as fast as the average

190,500

number of jobs

$97,500

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' . Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.