Department of Agricultural and Extension Education

Graduate Certificate in Collaborative Community Leadership

   

Why this certificate?
A survey conducted by Harvard University indicates that 80% of Americans agree or strongly agree that “we have a leadership crisis in the country today.” Furthermore, 79% of Americans agree or strongly agree that “unless we get better leaders, the United States will decline as a nation” (Rosenthal et al, 2008, p. 3).  In our rapidly changing world, we need leaders with interdisciplinary skills to solve complex societal issues on local, national, and international
levels (Getha-Taylor, 2008). The Collaborative Community Leadership graduate certificate program will prepare participants with the educational background necessary to lead in a diverse and multi-cultural environment

Program Outcomes
This certificate will complement Virginia Tech graduate students' academic education by preparing them with the following abilities:

• Apply knowledge of leadership principles in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary contexts,
• Engage in scholarly inquiry as a way to critically analyze leadership theory and practice,
• Promote collaborative leadership in real-world settings, and 
• Practice social responsibility in today's diverse and multicultural environment.

Curriculum
The certificate requires successful completion of 13 credit hours, including completion of a project that demonstrates application of concepts from the program.  The required coursework includes two core courses and two courses from restricted electives.  All courses are graduate-level and three credit hours.  The project should be completed with one credit hour of independent study credit (LDRS 5974).  Click here for a list of core courses and electives.

Admission & Conferral
Admission to the graduate certificate program in Collaborative Community Leadership will be considered from students enrolled in any graduate program at Virginia Tech and from non-degree students who have been permitted to take courses by the Graduate School.  When all requirements have been satisfied, participants will submit an application for certificate conferral to have the certificate added to their academic transcript.  Participating students should complete the Graduate Certificate Application.

For More Information
Dr. Eric Kaufman, Assistant Professor
Agricultural and Extension Education
Virginia Tech
266 Litton Reaves Hall, Mail Code 0343
Blacksburg, VA  24061
EKaufman@VT.Edu