A community development and leadership degree that develops the skills and capabilities you need to lead and manage in community-based environments. RIT’s community development and leadership degree is an innovative, interdisciplinary program that will provide you with leadership, interpersonal communication, research, and data management skills—all of which are needed by dynamic leaders at the helm of 21st century organizations. The community leadership development program ensures that you will develop the skills and capabilities you will need to lead and manage communities and not-for-profit organizations, advocacy groups, and other entities. You will learn to: Identify and analyze traits, skills, communication styles, and best practices of domestic, international, historical, and modern-day community leadersExamine personal leadership strengths and weaknessesLearn and apply qualitative and quantitative research methods to help identify and address community needs, develop and implement strategies, and assess outcomesRecognize and value multicultural, accessible, and inclusive community members and groupsDetermine strategies for dialoguing, identifying, and addressing social justice issues, concerning ability, race, gender, class, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity within different communitiesIdentify and utilize best leadership practices in individual, group, and social media communication skills to advance community inclusion, consensus, and productivityIntegrate grant writing and grant management skills into development of community strategic planningApply core theoretical foundations of inclusive leadership and community development to a variety of government, education, business, and not-for-profit agencies
