What you will study
A recent redesign of UCM’s curriculum for the Community College Leadership graduate
certificate, under the direction of our advisory council, put the program’s focus
on how to lead a community college. You’ll gain a firm understanding of the administrative
practices in community colleges through these topics and more:
- The history and development of community colleges and the issues they face
- Assessment and accreditation in higher education
- Enrollment management and retention
Customize the curriculum to meet your career goals
Your classes will be taught by UCM faculty and instructors who have a deep understanding
of — and real-world experience in — the field. They’ll work with you to customize
your coursework so you get the education that supports your career goals. This includes
narrowing down options for your elective course and sharing other ways to effectively
build your knowledge and enhance your resume.
Excellence in Education
- Learn at the state's most comprehensive Career and Technical Education (CTE) program
for resources and support you won't find elsewhere.
Unique learning opportunities in community college leadership
At the University of Central Missouri, you’ll have opportunities to apply your learning
and make professional connections. Get the most from your Community College Leadership
graduate certificate when you:
- Take part in an internship: Get an inside view of an administrator’s role in a community college when you choose
an internship for your elective course.
- Complete hands-on assignments: See your learning come to life when you develop plans and practices for leading within
community colleges as part of your coursework. For example, you’ll create an assessment
plan for a program of your choice — which you could potentially put to use in your
future career.
- Join industry associations: Meet UCM alumni and other community college professionals when you join state associations
for higher education — such as the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) and
the Missouri Association for Career and Technical Education (MoACTE).
What can you do with a graduate certificate in Community College Leadership from UCM?
With your expanded knowledge and skills in higher education administration — and your
new credential — you’ll be qualified to lead a community college in roles such as:
- Faculty
- Student affairs director
- Dean of instruction
- Enrollment management director or assistant director
You may also choose to continue your education at UCM with a master’s degree in Career and Technology Education or an EdS in Professional Leadership: Adult, Career and Technical Education. With additional training, such as knowledge of the Carl D. Perkins Act and CTE finances,
for example, you’ll open other career doors for greater opportunity.
How to plan your next steps as a community college leader or CTE administrator
UCM’s Career and Technical Education faculty want to help you find your path with
a Community College Leadership graduate certificate. You can count on their support
and advice as you plan your academic and professional journeys. For insights today
on a career with this credential, use the interactive tool below.
Financial assistance options for your Community College Leadership graduate certificate
Advance your career and earning potential with the pinpoint education of UCM’s Community
College Leadership graduate certificate. At the University of Central Missouri, we
help ensure your ability to get this training by offering some of the nation’s most
affordable tuition rates. We’ve also been recognized by LendEDU as a top-ranked university
for low student debt and make available resources to degree-seeking students to help
finance your education, from loans to scholarships.
CTE-specific and other available scholarships
When you also choose to complete UCM’s MS in CTE or EdS in Professional Leadership,
or another graduate degree, alongside the Community College Leadership graduate certificate,
you may qualify for graduate student scholarships. Search for program-specific opportunities
by using the .
Customize Your Coursework
Comprehensive training for today’s higher education professionals
At UCM, we offer five graduate certificates to prepare you for your post-secondary
education career: Academic Advising in Higher Education, College Teaching, Community
College Leadership, CTE Administration Leadership and Diversity Issues in Higher Education.
Tailor your training — with the help of our CTE faculty — when you complete one or
more.
Meet UCM’s CTE Faculty
Post-secondary education experts
Get the support and guidance of UCM’s CTE faculty who understand first-hand your journey
to rise up the ranks in post-secondary education and CTE administration. Let them
help you plan your most effective path to become a college or CTE leader.
Read CTE Faculty Bios
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Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this certificate you will understand the major characteristics
of American community colleges, including missions, students and constituencies; methods
of governance, organization and finance; student services functions, historical development,
current status; and future prospects.
- Have a broad familiarity with professional organizations, research centers, publications,
and other resources concerned with community colleges.
- Possess a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the major research, commentary
and other literature on community colleges.
- Be familiar with the types of community colleges in the United States, including knowledge
of specific institutions and state systems.
CSPA Graduate Assistantships
Get Ready for a Great Experience!
Working with committed staff, you will find that diversity and creativity are not
only welcomed, but encouraged. The close working relationships between and among students,
student services faculty, professional staff, and administrators promote an environment
in which students are mentored, challenged, and offered a broad spectrum of experiences
to create themselves as the outstanding professionals they seek to become.
Admission requirements
Admission to Graduate Studies
To submit your application, go to our online graduate admissions application form. You must pay a $30 non-refundable application fee and arrange for official
transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended to be sent to UCM
Graduate Studies. You may also print a hard copy of the Graduate Application and mail
it to:
UCM Graduate Studies
P.O. Box 800
Ward Edwards 1800
Warrensburg, MO 64093
Requirements for admission to graduate study include:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (2.70 GPA is required)
- Application on file prior to registration
- Official transcripts of previous college work
After admission to the Graduate School, your application is then forwarded to the
CSPA program. Additional documents required by the program include:
- Two current letters of recommendation
- Current resume
- Autobiographical statement of purpose in pursuing graduate work
These items must be sent electronically to mconrad@ucmo.edu
Standards and Practices
Our CSPA Program follows the standards and practices of the following organizations:
