Building Better Communities Together

The Community and Leadership Development (CLD) program is a social science degree for students who want to make a difference in their communities or organizations by facilitating positive change.

The CLD program attracts students interested in becoming difference makers and leaders within communities. From the classroom to the community, you will learn about the complex social, economic, and political factors that influence communities and organizations worldwide. Our interdisciplinary CLD degree program provides students with the knowledge and skills to strengthen the abilities of individuals, organizations, and communities to act upon their shared visions, goals and challenges.

During your journey in the CLD program, you will gain an understanding of communities based on geographic place, work or professional practice, and shared interests. Through interactive coursework and experiences, you will be challenged to exercise strategic communications, critical thinking, and ethical decision- making across group, organizational, and community settings. Because our customizable undergraduate degree program allows for flexibility according to your specific interests, you will have the opportunity to add minors, certificates, or even second major.

Careers

The Community and Leadership Development degree will prepare you for dynamic and impactful careers across industry, government, non-profit, and academia, such as:

  • Corporate social responsibility coordinator
  • Entrepreneur
  • Extension agent
  • Human resources specialist
  • Legislative assistant
  • Lawyer
  • Non-profit director
  • Public relations specialist
  • Regional planner
  • Student affairs professional

Accelerate Your Career Into Graduate School

For highly motivated students, the opportunity exists to integrate up to 12 credit hours of undergraduate and graduate coursework through the Accelerated Master’s Pathways or AMP program. Students will save time and money by receiving dual credit for select courses taken during their senior year of undergraduate studies. Those interested in pursuing this path to a graduate degree should consult with their academic advisor.

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FIND YOUR PATHWAY

Our priority is student success. Comprised of students, faculty, and staff, the CLD community strives to help students reach their full potential. We work closely with you to help you find the pathway that best fits your career and life goals. Our faculty and staff play an active role in mentoring students. Whether in teaching in the classroom, serving as career and professional development mentors, or guiding research projects or internships, we connect with students one on one.

Community and Leadership Development
Community and Leadership Development

GET INVOLVED

Opportunities abound for students in the CLD program. Whether you are interested in undergraduate research, gaining hands-on experience through an internship, or engaging with communities through the Community Innovation Lab, the CLD program is sure to have an opportunity to meet your interests.

Experiential Learning

Community-based learning is at the heart of what we do in CLD. Our program provides students with opportunities to practice what they learn in the classroom in real-world settings. Motivated students can also earn a certificate in Leadership Studies and/or minors in Agricultural Economics, Coaching, or Communication.

CLD 260 Foundations of Communities

Students are introduced to the fundamental concepts and principles of community studies, the dynamics that shape communities, and strategies used to meet their needs and challenges.

CLD 310 Foundations for Leading Community Engagement

Students explore the skills needed for leading and participating in effective community initiatives while practicing community engagement techniques.

CLD 395/399 Research / Experiential Learning in CLD

Students gain real-word experience through research with a faculty mentor or an internship.

CLD 497 Senior Capstone Practicum in CLD

Students complete a semester-long practicum in a professional setting with an approved employer in their chosen field.

Living Learning Program

The Living Learning Program (LLP) supports student success by placing students with similar interests into smaller communities in particular residence halls.

Academic Enrichment

Our college believes in learning by doing. Our students are required to complete at least one type of experiential or hands-on learning opportunity, such as undergraduate research, an internship or an education abroad experience.

Scholarships

Thanks to generous alumni, donors and community partners, we have one of the largest scholarship programs at UK. Only one application is required for our college’s scholarships, but there are hundreds of potential awards.

Student Services

We’re here to help you grow personally, academically and professionally.

Ready to turn your passion into a career?

Explore endless opportunities at the University of Kentucky and take the first step toward your future.

Academic Advisor II
Hollie Hinkle

Director of Undergraduate Studies
Keiko Tanaka, PhD