The Community and Leadership Development minor equips students with the skills to empower others and build capacity in diverse communities through coursework in communication, leadership, and social learning. This minor complements any major and is ideal for students interested in fostering positive change in both rural and urban settings.
Earning a minor in Community and Leadership Development provides students with a dynamic foundation in leadership, communication, and community engagement. Designed to complement any major, the minor equips students with the tools to foster positive change, in both rural and urban settings, through hands-on, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving. Whether students aspire to lead nonprofit initiatives, work in public service, or strengthen community networks, this minor cultivates the skills and mindset needed to make a meaningful impact.
To complete the Community and Leadership Development minor, students must successfully complete 18 credits, not including minor prerequisites. Students must complete the pre-minor requirement of CLD 102 plus CLD 260 and CLD 310. Additionally, students must choose six credit hours from each of the two CLD pathways: Community Change & Development and Leading & Learning in Communities, for a total of 12 credit hours.
Students must complete CLD 102 The Dynamics of Rural Social Life.
In this introductory course, students will explore the fundamental concepts and principles of community studies, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics that shape communities, and the strategies employed to address their needs and challenges. Through a combination of theoretical exploration, practical analysis, and ethical inquiry, students will develop essential skills for engaging with communities in a thoughtful and informed manner. (3 credits) Prerequisite: CLD 102 or any approved UK Core Social Science course.
This course will introduce students to the vital role that community member engagement plays in collective community development. The course will provide an introduction to the philosophical frameworks and power dynamics that shape community engagement, explore the competencies necessary for leading and participating in effective community initiatives, and engage students in practicing community engagement techniques. (3 credits) Prerequisite: CLD 260
In consultation with their academic advisor, students must complete 6 credit hours from each of two CLD pathways: Community Change & Development and Leading & Learning in Communities. Up to three credit hours of CLD 395 or CLD 399 can be used toward the required minor elective credit hours.
Community Change & Development Pathway
Leading & Learning in Communities Pathway
Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food & Environment
