Certificate in Community Development

Certificate

Hours: 9 Online

About

The Certificate in Community Development at Fort Hays State University is a 9-credit-hour certification designed to address the social, economic, and physical revitalization challenges faced by urban, suburban, and rural neighborhoods. As communities experience rapid changes, such as population out-migration and urban sprawl, this certificate prepares students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to make a positive impact.

Students will explore community theory through sociology while developing hands-on expertise in strategic planning, focus group research, and small group dynamics. This certificate uniquely combines academic rigor with real-world applications, making it one of the few undergraduate-level certificates of its kind.

Why pursue a Certificate in Community Development at Fort Hays State University?

FHSU’s Certificate in Community Development stands out for its comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical foundations with practical skills. Designed to provide students with a deep understanding of community dynamics, this certificate enables them to effectively address real-world challenges. It places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and applied experiences, ensuring students are well-prepared for immediate entry into the workforce.

Additionally, the certificate offers flexibility, allowing students to tailor their learning experience to their career goals through both online and on-campus courses. This accessibility ensures that all students can benefit from expert faculty and an innovative curriculum, regardless of their location or schedule.

Who is this program for?

This certificate is designed for those who aim to make a tangible impact in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Whether looking to start a new career or enhance an existing role, this certificate equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed for success in the dynamic field of community development. This certificate is ideal for:

Aspiring community planners and developers
Individuals interested in public administration
Economic development professionals
Those seeking to work in community organizations
Students aiming for a career in grant writing and proposal evaluation

Learning Outcomes

The Certificate in Community Development is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a meaningful impact on their communities. Those who complete this certificate will gain a deep understanding of community theory, along with practical expertise in strategic planning, research, and grant writing. The certificate’s comprehensive curriculum ensures that students are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges and drive positive change in urban, suburban, and rural settings.

Comprehensive Understanding of Community Dynamics

Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how communities in the U.S. are structured and function to serve residents. This knowledge will empower them to develop and implement effective community improvement initiatives.

Strategic Planning Skills

Students will acquire the skills to develop and implement strategic plans that address a wide range of community issues, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.

Applied Research Proficiency

The certificate emphasizes applied research, enabling students to conduct focus group research and analyze data to guide community development projects effectively.

Effective Communication and Collaboration

Students will develop strong skills in managing small group dynamics and facilitating productive interactions among community members and stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.

Real-World Applications

The Certificate in Community Development prepares students to tackle real-world challenges by providing practical skills directly applicable to a variety of community settings. Through coursework and applied projects, students learn to develop strategic plans, conduct focus group research, and understand small group dynamics—skills essential for effective community planning and development.

Students who complete this certificate are equipped to work in diverse environments, addressing critical issues such as population growth, urban sprawl, and economic revitalization. Whether in urban neighborhoods or rural communities, they are prepared to make meaningful contributions that enhance the quality of life for residents.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The certificate is regularly updated to reflect the latest trends and advancements in the field of community development. Faculty members actively participate in community development projects, ensuring students are exposed to current issues and innovative solutions.

By incorporating the latest research and best practices into the coursework, the certificate ensures students are well-versed in the most effective methodologies and technologies in community development. This forward-thinking approach not only enhances the learning experience but also prepares students to become leaders in the field.

Hands-on Activities

Fort Hays State University emphasizes experiential learning, offering students numerous opportunities for hands-on activities. Throughout the Certificate in Community Development, students engage in applied projects that address real-world community issues, allowing them to practice and refine their skills in a practical setting.

These activities include strategic planning exercises, focus group research projects, and workshops on small group dynamics. By working on actual community development initiatives, students gain valuable experience that distinguishes them in the job market and prepares them for successful careers in community planning and development.

What You’ll Learn:

Community theory and development principles
Strategic planning and implementation
Focus group research techniques
Small group dynamics and management
Grant writing and funding strategies

How You’ll Learn:

Interactive online and on-campus courses
Real-world community projects
Applied research and case studies
Collaboration with faculty experts
Hands-on workshops and simulations

Courses

The certificate offers a focused curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address complex community issues. It requires the completion of 9 credit hours and includes a mixture of core and elective courses that cover key aspects of community development.

SOC 679: Community Theory and Development

This course explores the sociological concept of community, examining human relationship patterns, ecology, social networks, and social capital. It engages students in theory and practical application through assignments and activities.

SOC 475: Rural and Urban Sociology

This course explores rural, urban, and suburban life, including urbanization, city planning, and social issues. Students will research and interpret findings from their own communities.

SOC 436: Social Demography

This course covers social demography, population trends, and the forces of change—fertility, mortality, and migration—while examining rural-to-urban transition and environmental change. Students engage in data analysis using the US Census.

Discover the full Certificate in Community Development course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Students who complete the Certificate in Community Development are well-prepared to enter a rapidly growing field with diverse career opportunities. Each career path is thoroughly detailed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential impact and responsibilities associated with these rewarding positions.

Community Planner

Community planners collaborate with local governments and organizations to develop land use and community facility plans. They analyze data, assess community needs, and create strategic plans to improve living conditions and manage growth efficiently.

Public Administrator

Public administrators oversee government operations and implement policies that impact communities. They work across various sectors, including health, education, and public safety, ensuring public services effectively meet the needs of the community.

Economic Developer

Economic developers work to improve the economic conditions of a community by attracting businesses, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable growth. Their efforts aim to enhance the community's overall quality of life.

Grant Writer for Community Organizations

Grant writers research funding opportunities and craft proposals to secure financial support for community projects. They play a vital role in ensuring organizations have the necessary resources to carry out their initiatives.

Community Organizer

Community organizers mobilize residents to advocate for social change and tackle local issues. They focus on building relationships, developing leadership skills, and organizing campaigns to enhance community well-being.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,385.45* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate ($265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related Programs

Fort Hays State University offers a range of programs that complement the Certificate in Community Development, providing students with additional opportunities to deepen their expertise and expand their career prospects.

FAQ

What can I do after completing a Certificate in Community Development?

Students can pursue careers in community planning, public administration, economic development, grant writing, and community organizing. The skills acquired through the certificate apply to various sectors, including government, nonprofit organizations, and private enterprises.

Is the certificate available online?

Yes, the Certificate in Community Development can be completed online, providing flexibility for students who work or have other commitments.

How long does it take to complete the certificate?

The certificate can be completed within one academic year, depending on course availability and student scheduling.

Are there any prerequisites for the courses?

While there are no specific prerequisites, a background in sociology or a related field is beneficial for understanding the course material.

Information about the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology

FHSU’s School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology brings together a diverse range of programs dedicated to preparing students for impactful careers in law enforcement, leadership, and social sciences. Our integrated approach allows students to develop critical skills across these disciplines, fostering an environment where future leaders and professionals are equipped to address complex societal challenges. The Criminal Justice programs offer flexible online and on-campus options, focusing on law enforcement, corrections, and legal systems with a strong emphasis on leadership and integrity. The Leadership programs develop essential organizational skills through interactive coursework and internships, supported by the Leadership Studies Association and VALUE program. Sociology programs delve into social life, behavior, and community issues, emphasizing research and critical thinking. Together, these programs foster cross-disciplinary learning, empowering students to lead and innovate within their communities and beyond.

Together, these programs create a robust educational experience that encourages cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration. Students are empowered to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader society. Whether you are passionate about justice, leadership, or sociology, FHSU’s School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology provides the knowledge and skills necessary to make a lasting impact.

Student Organizations

Additional Information

Criminal Justice Centers

National De-escalation Training Center:

Fort Hays State University’s Criminal Justice Program and University Police joined the National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) in August 2020 as Region 2 Central Region Training Center. As a regional center, FHSU facilitates the only Level 3 de-escalation training available in the United States.

Level 1 training includes traditional techniques of procedural justice.
Level 2 provides basic crisis intervention.
Level 3 augments traditional de-escalation and crisis intervention with rapid personality identification.

The NDTC De-escalation: Principles & Practice course is evidence-based and has increased officer confidence in utilizing de-escalation skills in working with the public.

FHSU facilitates NDTC’s three training modalities, including an 8-hour online training, two-day face-to-face training, and a 40-hour train-the-trainer program. Due to FHSU’s $2.75 million federal grant funding, the face-to-face trainings can be provided at no cost to agencies. Scholarships may be available for agencies to train officers in the online course.

NDTC training is approved by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST).

Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence:

The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence is a regional hub of collaborative research and service, housed in the Criminal Justice Programs at Fort Hays State University. The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence aims to reduce the constraints facing survivors, to promote the freedom of economic independence, and to empower survivors to seize opportunity freely. The center commits to providing sustainable support and improvement to help survivors break the cycle of violence and transform themselves from victims/survivors to social entrepreneurs. The Center facilitates cross-disciplinary research focusing on the causes and control of gender-based violence in rural areas. It leads and facilitates collaborative networks for researchers to apply evidence-based approaches and to investigate best practices addressing gender-based violence in rural communities. The Center establishes and develops academic-community collaborations through service-learning, research, assessment, and educational opportunities and policy recommendations that enhance the well-being of rural communities.

VALUE Program:

The Voss Advanced Leadership Undergraduate Experience (VALUE) is designed to develop the most promising undergraduates into powerful agents of change. This year-long program offers curricular and co-curricular experiences with three tracks: corporate leadership, civic/non-profit leadership, and scholarship/leadership research.

CNN Heroes Advisory Board:

The Sociology Programs emphasize real-world impact through training in projects designed to help those in need. A notable project involves collaboration with CNN Heroes, individuals recognized for their exceptional work in nonprofit organizations. The CNN Heroes Advisory Board, composed of these national heroes, provides insights and advice to students based on their successful experiences in the nonprofit sector.

Community Development

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