Community Leadership Degree

Organizations and corporations are turning to community leaders to handle many community-oriented projects. Community leaders have two primary goals: they must guide and motivate employees and volunteers to maximize community impacts; in addition, community leaders must aid in organizational growth by drafting plans for grants and research projects. Many community leaders choose to work in non-profit sectors, but in light of community public relations, for-profit corporations are also offering opportunities for human services workers. This line of work is suited for people who have a knack for knowing the inner workings of an organization, and those who like to guide and speak.

How to Become a Community Leader

Aspiring community leaders can choose between associate, bachelor’s or master’s degrees, and internships are often a part of the curriculum. Associate degree students focus on the inner workings of organizations and how they are maintained. Bachelor’s degree students are primarily taught leadership and how it can be used in the organization. Masters degree students learn to specialize in managing communities as a whole and not as one component of the job. Some community leaders choose to get certified through organizations such as the Community Association Institute.

Community Leadership Degree Curriculum

Some common classes in the community leadership degree include:

Public Speaking
Technological Sciences
Introductory Accounting and Budgeting
Organizing and Supervising Volunteers
Essentials of Grant Writing
Mathematics
Communication Within Communities

Community Leadership Degrees & Certificates

Those who choose to pursue a community leadership degree can work as volunteer managers, grant writers, lobbyists, PR and marketing specialists, event planners, outreach coordinators and community organizers.

Associate degree students may lead projects, but they are not expected to lead organizations; bachelor and master degree recipients are better suited to the task. Community leaders have an earning potential of $52,000 (Salary1). There are opportunities to earn more, depending on whether one works for a non-profit or for-profit company.