Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food & Environment

Community & Leadership Development

Restart your search

The Bachelor of Science in Community and Leadership Development is an interdisciplinary program that prepares you to explore community development through a broad spectrum of social sciences.

Interested in exploring the process of community development? 

With a degree in Community and Leadership Development, you will be able to strengthen the abilities of individuals, organizations, and communities to act upon their shared visions, goals and challenges. You will graduate with the skills and knowledge to develop and/or lead communities and organizations, non-profit, business and industry, and advocacy groups.

 

What You'll Study

Our curriculum integrates communications, sociology, journalism, and community development theories and apply them to real-world situations involving local communities and agricultural organizations. With a focus on skills such as written and oral communication, strategic problem solving and critical thinking you will work towards understanding group, organizational, and community dynamics and ethical decision making.

You will be able to customize your degree by chosing one of our four concentration areas:

  • Community Education
  • Community Communications
  • Leadership Development
  • Community Development

 

Our department also offers a Master’s Degree emphasizing the above areas, utilizing a unique theory-to-practice perspective. Learn more.

 

Come See for Yourself 

To learn more about this program, campus life, and chat with an advisor, schedule a campus visit. Virtual visits may be necessary in some cases. 

 

In-State Tuition

Thanks to agreements through the Academic Common Market, students from the following states can enroll in the Community and Leadership Development program at in-state tuition rates: 

  • Alabama
  • Tennessee
These agreements are subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information on the Academic Common Market, click here
 

 

 

Courses You Will Take

Access Major Map

source: myUK: GPS

Community and Leadership Dev (BS) 120 - 129 hours
Freshman Year
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
Senior Year
«
»

Total Freshman Year Credit Hours : 30 - 31

Fall Semester
15 - 16 Credit Hours
UK Core - Comp. & Comm. I
3
CLD 260
3
CLD 260 - COMMUNITY PORTRAITS

CLD 260

3 credit hours

This course introduces the social science concept of community. The focus will be on definitions of community, community basics and the different types of communities that exist in society. Students will explore the development of community as defined by place and interest, structure and function. Finally, students will begin developing a theory to practice mentality by gathering and analyzing information about real communities that represent different types of community (i.e. place, practice and interest).

AFE 100
3
AFE 100 - ISSUES IN AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND ENVIRONMENT

AFE 100

**UK Core - Community, Culture and Citizen**

3 credit hours

How do farmers in Kentucky impact families in California? How can the fashion industry curb the amount of plastic in our oceans? How does fast food affect sea life in the Gulf of Mexico? Whether we realize it or not, each of us has a relationship with agriculture, food and the environment. From race and gender, diet and lifestyles, tourism and evolving technologies, this course encourages you to recognize and think critically about the interconnected systems that affect all human life. By addressing these challenges, you will develop a greater appreciation for how you can positively impact our planet.

Prereq: This course is open to students enrolled in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment or those in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Residential College's Belle C. Gunn Living Learning Program. Freshman only in Fall semesters and transfer students only in Spring semesters.

UK Core - Humanities
3
UK Core - Quantitative Foundations
3 - 4
Spring Semester
15 Credit Hours
UK Core - Comp. & Comm. II
3
CLD Elective
3
UK Core - Statistical Inferential Reason
3
UK Core - Global Dynamics
3
UK Core - Arts and Creativity
3

Total Sophomore Year Credit Hours : 28 - 31

Fall Semester
15 Credit Hours
CLD 305
3
CLD 305 - RESEARCH METHODS IN COMMUNITY AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

CLD 305

3 credit hours

This course will familiarize students with research concepts, methods, and skills used in community and organizational development and communication. The course focuses on applied research topics such as secondary data analysis, survey design, focus groups, key informant interviews and content analysis. In addition, the course considers the politics of information and ethical concerns in social research. This course is a Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR) course in certain programs, and hence is not likely to be eligible for automatic transfer credit to UK.

Prereq: Major standing in CLD.

CLD Elective
3
Specialty Support
3
UK Core - Natural, Physical and Math
3
UK Core - Social Sciences
3
Spring Semester
13 - 16 Credit Hours
CLD 370
3
CLD 370 - LEARNING IN SOCIETY

CLD 370

3 credit hours

Learning in Society is designed to assist students in identifying and evaluating human learning and development within various social contexts. This course focuses on the impact social interactions have on human cognition, emotion and identity. Theoretical foundations for this course include social learning, social integration, multiple intelligences, emotional intelligence, systems psychology, and identity development.

Prereq: Major standing in CLD or CTE students admitted to TEP

CLD Elective
3
Specialty Support
3
Specialty Support
3
Elective
1 - 4

Total Junior Year Credit Hours : 24 - 33

Fall Semester
13 - 16 Credit Hours
CLD 320
3
CLD 320 - COMMUNITY AND COMMUNICATION: EXPLORING THEIR INTERSECTIONS

CLD 320

3 credit hours

This course will explore the inextricable link between community and communication by examining the social structure of communities and the media residing within them. Particular emphasis will be placed on the availability of information to citizens and in turn how this information environment facilitates/thwarts social interaction.

Prereq: Major standing in CLD or consent of instructor.

CLD Elective
3
Specialty Support
3
Specialty Support
3
Elective
1 - 4
Spring Semester
11 - 17 Credit Hours
CLD 362
3
CLD 362 - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN COMMUNITY AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

CLD 362

3 credit hours

This course helps Community and Leadership Development majors explore their career interests and develop a post-graduation transition. Some course activities may include resume development, field visits, interviews with professionals, and/or self-assessment.

Prereq: Major standing in CLD or consent of instructor.

Specialty Support
3
Specialty Support
3
Elective
1 - 4
Elective
1 - 4

Total Senior Year Credit Hours : 22 - 34

Fall Semester
13 - 16 Credit Hours
CLD 430
3
CLD 430 - LEADING IN COMMUNITIES: VISION, ACTION, AND CHANGE

CLD 430

3 credit hours

This course examines the nuances of leadership within communities. To learn what makes an effective community leader and the role a leader plays in community action, students will explore the importance of framing ideas, mobilizing resources, and developing social capital. This course expands on theories to highlight correlation with servant leadership, community behavior, and collaborative leadership styles. Finally, working with community visioning, change and ambiguity will reinforce the need for flexibility within the community leader's toolkit.

Prereq: Major standing in CLD

Specialty Support
3
Specialty Support
3
Specialty Support
3
Elective
1 - 4
Spring Semester
9 - 18 Credit Hours
CLD 490
3
CLD 490 - SENIOR CAPSTONE SEMINAR IN COMMUNITY AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

CLD 490

3 credit hours

One of the two senior capstone courses in Community and Leadership Development. Students will learn to integrate theories common to multiple social science contexts. Following critical analyses, students will learn to describe how these theories are applied within various situations. Presentations and applied research papers will be significant course components.

Prereq: Senior standing in CLD major or consent of instructor.

CLD 497
3
CLD 497 - SENIOR CAPSTONE PRACTICUM IN COMMUNITY AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

CLD 497

3 credit hours

A senior capstone course for seniors in community and leadership development. This is a cooperative educational program between the CLD majors at the University of Kentucky and approved employers who furnish facilities and instruction that help students acquire the skills and knowledge required in their chosen field. Ultimately, this is a dually beneficial relationship; stakeholder relations are improved while students have an opportunity to build relationships/networks that could encourage future career development.

Prereq: Major standing in CLD; senior standing.

Elective
1 - 4
Elective
1 - 4
Elective
1 - 4

Please login to http://myUK.uky.edu to access your major map and personalized degree audit via the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).

Apply for Our Scholarships

In addition to automatic and competitive scholarships from the University of Kentucky, our students are also eligible for a variety of awards from the college. With one of the largest college-based scholarship programs, we awarded nearly $1 million to our students during the 2022-23 academic year. These awards are based on a variety of criteria such as hometown, major, career goals, high school extracurriculars, and more. 
 

For CAFE first-semester freshmen, the scholarship application is now open and will close January 16, 2024.

For CAFE transfer students and current students, the scholarship application opens in January and will close on March 1.

Freshmen Housing Program

Live where you learn: 

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Living Learning Program (CAFE LLP) is open to all first-semester freshmen at the University of Kentucky.

Through field trips, professional development workshops and service programs, students in our LLP apply their knowledge and passion to global issues at the intersection of food, economics and environment.  All students in this program will also enroll in connected courses, share study groups and have an assigned peer mentor - all to help with the transition to college life. 

Click here for more information on the CAFE LLP. 

 

International Opportunities

Should you choose, you can gain international experience while earning credit towards your degree. We offer a variety of study, research, intern, and service abroad programs for all budgets and comfort levels. Some students have even earned grants and scholarships to fully fund their international experiences.

These programs are designed to broaden your mind and introduce you to unfamiliar ways of thinking and living. Ultimately, these experiences will make you a more competitive applicant in the global workforce. 

Pre-Med? Pre-Vet? Pre-Law?

Each year, many of our graduates attend professional schools in areas such as veterinary medicine, law, pharmacy, dentistry, and more. If you are interested in pursuing a similar path, we offer pre-professional advising services. 

Our pre-professional advisors will assist you with: 

  • Listing required courses for respective professional schools 
  • Scheduling pre-professional courses alongside your major requirements 
  • Suggesting supplemental coursework 
  • Connections to student organizations, volunteer work, shadowing experiences, etc.
  • Preparatory information for admission tests
  • Navigating the application process

Click here for more information.

Clubs & Organizations

Students can join organizations and clubs to learn outside the classroom, gain valuable work experience and develop their leadership skills. Many of our students may be interested in:

Community & Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky
assist local communities alongside faculty and staff with passions for improvement

Global Brigades
work towards improving quality of life in under resourced regions while respecting culture

AgriBusiness Club
discover agribusiness, while advocating with industry professionals for the understanding of business in agriculture

Habitat for Humanity University of Kentucky Chapter
work to eliminate poverty housing locally in Lexington, KY while creating a fun, welcoming environment

Learn more about Clubs & Organizations in our college.


Imagine Your Future

Public Relations and Fundraising Managers

Public relations managers direct the creation of materials that will enhance the public image of their employer or client. Fundraising managers coordinate campaigns that bring in donations for their organization.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

$119,860

per year in 2021

Number of Jobs

98,100

in 2021

10 Year Job Outlook

8,100

new jobs (average)


Imagine Your Future

Social and Community Service Managers

Social and community service managers coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

$74,000

per year in 2021

Number of Jobs

173,700

in 2021

10 Year Job Outlook

20,400

new jobs (average)