Leadership for Community Education and Human Learning (B.S.)

The Leadership for Community Education and Human Learning (LCE) program offers a personalized, applied approach to leadership development in community, nonprofit, and human service settings. Our innovative program emphasizes learning beyond the classroom, through career exploration, community engagement, and a professional practicum that connects your academic work to real-world impact.

From the very beginning, you’ll take courses designed to build leadership, communication, and educational program development skills. You’ll explore how people learn across the lifespan and apply that knowledge in contexts such as youth programs, adult education, cooperative extension, advocacy organizations, and more. As you move through the program, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience through an internship and tailor your studies with elective specializations aligned to your career goals.

The program includes foundational and advanced courses in leadership, communication, human development, and community education. Course topics include:

• Human Development & Learning
• Foundations of Community Education
• Principles of Leadership
• Leadership & Communications
• Career Exploration in LCE
• Instructional & Entrepreneurial Programming in Community Settings
• Senior Seminar & Professional Practicum

Additionally, you will choose four specialization elective courses based on your interests and career goals. Options include topics such as:

• Community Health and Human Services
• Youth and Adult Development
• Inclusive and Cross-Cultural Education
• Nonprofit Leadership and Extension
• Technology and Innovation in Learning

Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to take on leadership roles in organizations that promote learning, development, and community well-being. You’ll also be well-positioned for graduate study in education, public administration, social work, or community leadership. Our students build strong networks with community partners, and many graduates move directly into roles that make a difference in the lives of others, whether locally or globally.

These flexible credits can be used to:

• Deepen your focus in a specific area
• Complete a minor or second major
• Transfer in prior coursework from another institution

The LCE program is both transfer and minor friendly. 

Program Details

Degree Type: Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Delivery Method: On Campus, In-Person

Credit Hours Required: 120

Typical Completion Time: 4 years (2 years for transfer/completer students)

Practicum Requirement: EDL 480 – Professional Practicum in LCE

Career Exploration Course: EDL 375 – Career Explorations in LCE

Scholarship Information: Student Scholarships and Awards