Our online graduate certificate in Community College Leadership is designed for emerging leaders in community college administration, as well as administrators who have recently transitioned to a community college from careers in other industries. Students take live, video online courses in the fall and spring semesters, then participate in an internship during the summer. Certificate courses can be completed in one or two years.
Program Highlights
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Stackable: Credits earned in the Certificate Program are stackable and can be applied to the doctoral degree for students admitted to ODU's Ph.D. Program in Community College Leadership.
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High-Quality: Graduates of the certificate program earn a credential from a Community College Leadership program with a national reputation for excellence. Our program has a strong reputation for its combination of academic rigor and executive-level leadership preparation.
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Comprehensive: The certificate provides high-quality learning experiences with dedicated faculty members and community college leaders, ensuring a broad-based, comprehensive graduate experience for students. Courses are team-taught by dedicated faculty and national community college leaders, as well as state and institutional guest speakers from across the U.S.
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Affordable: Our competitive tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state students make the program affordable for community college leaders throughout the United States.
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Critical Skills: Certificate courses cover: community college leadership; curriculum, program development, and quality assurance; finance, fundraising, resource management; and community college politics, policy, and advocacy.
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Education Administrators, Postsecondary
Plan, direct, or coordinate research, instructional, student administration and services, and other educational activities at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.
Requirements
Graduate certificate applicants are considered on a rolling basis to begin in the fall or spring semester. Applicants will:
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complete an online application, and pay application fee;
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upload transcripts of all undergraduate and/or graduate work at regionally-accredited institutions;
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Applicants also upload supplemental materials including:
- A CV or resume that describes the applicant's academic and professional background.
- One (1) letter of recommendation that demonstrates the applicant's academic ability, writing ability, and leadership potential. Applicants will enter the emails for references in the online system, and references will be emailed a link to upload a letter of recommendation on letterhead and complete the online reference form.
Featured Courses
Provides students with the theory, knowledge and skills needed to be an effective leader within the community college system. Course assignments take a practical approach to identifying and applying theoretical principles and personal leadership style. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the doctoral program or permission of the instructor.
An examination of the necessary financial knowledge and skills required for community college leaders through the exploration of how the mission and goals of the community college are directly connected to financial considerations. Course activities help prepare students to take leadership roles in budget decisions, development of state and local government appropriations, fundraising, resource management, and financial decisions that are based on data and realistic institutional goals. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the doctoral program or permission of the instructor.
A critical examination of community college curricula and program development. Students will develop the knowledge to understand and defend curricular issues related to developmental education, transfer education, career, technical and vocational education, continuing education, and general education. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the doctoral program or permission of the instructor.
Cost of Attendance
We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance.
Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Other fees are assessed for special services and certain academic programs. Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
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Additional Programs
Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?
With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master's, education specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.