Designed to meet the professional needs of community college administrators, faculty, staff, and those who seek such positions, Ball State’s graduate certificate in community college leadership is one of only a few offered in the United States.

Some features of our program include:

  • A low student-to-faculty ratio means you get personal attention and valuable mentoring
  • Several electives allow you to customize the certificate to your educational and career goals 
  • Taught by graduate faculty within our nationally recognized Teachers College
The required courses and most of the electives for this certificate can be taken online. Some of the elective courses are offered only on our main campus in Muncie, Indiana. You will work with the program advisor to choose the courses that are best for you.

Academic Advisor

Dr. Amanda O. Latz, Associate Professor of Higher Education and Community College Leadership 
Department of Educational Leadership

Related Degree

If you like the courses in the certificate program, they can serve as a gateway to a full degree program. For instance, we offer a doctoral program in higher education that includes a major concentration in community college leadership

Federal Academic Alliance

Ball State has joined the Federal Academic Alliance and is offering reduced tuition rates for all eligible, non-Indiana resident Federal Government Employees (civil servants), spouses, dependents, and retirees who enroll in online graduate-level programs and courses through Ball State’s Teachers College. Learn more.

Course Requirements

To earn a 15-credit graduate certificate in community college leadership, you will need to take the courses outlined below. For a complete list of program requirements and courses, see the course catalog.

View Catalog

  • EDCC 640 The Community College (3 credits)
  • EDCC 698 Community College Leadership Seminar (3 credits)

Select three from the following:

  • EDAC 631 Adult and Community Education (3 credits)
  • EDAC 634 The Adult as a Learner (3 credits)
  • EDAC 635 Strategies for Teaching Adults (3 credits)
  • EDCC 641 Community College and Diversity (3 credits)
  • EDHI 601 Theories of College Student Development: Higher Education Application (3 credits)
  • EDHI 602 The American College Student (3 credits)
  • EDHI 609 Preparing for the Professoriate Teaching in Higher Education (3 credits)
  • EDHI 610 Issues in Higher Education (3 credits)
  • EDHI 611 Teaching and Curriculum Issues in Higher Education (3 credits)
  • EDHI 613 Administration and Finance in Higher Education (3 credits)
  • EDHI 675 Legal Issues in Higher Education (3 credits)
  • EDHI 698 Principles and Practices of Student Affairs Administration (3 credits)
  • EDHI 699 Practicum in Student Affairs Administration (3 credits)
  • EDST 697 The Grant Process and Research (3 credits)

Or, an equivalent course to be determined with your advisor

You will need to earn an overall GPA of 3.0 in the program to earn this certificate. Plus, no course with a grade below 2.0 can be counted toward the certificate.

Your official Ball State transcript will contain a listing of the courses taken in this program and a special designation that the certificate program has been successfully completed. You will also receive a printed certificate acknowledging your completion of the program. 

As you are working on your certificate, if you should decide to pursue a full degree program at Ball State, you can apply these courses to a master's or doctoral degree upon receiving approval by your department.

Federal Employees Pay In-State Tuition

Ball State has joined the Federal Academic Alliance and is offering reduced tuition rates for all eligible, non-Indiana resident Federal Government Employees (civil servants), spouses, dependents, and retirees who enroll in online graduate-level programs and courses through Ball State’s Teachers College. Learn more.

Ready to Apply?

Are you interested in our program? Then it’s time to apply! 

Apply Now

Students from Other States

Ball State is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to accept online students from all U.S. states. However, if you are considering a program that leads to professional licensure, some states may have additional regulations. Review our state authorization website if you live outside of Indiana and contact us if you have questions.

Want to Learn More?

Do you have questions about this program or online learning? We’re here to help! You may request more information using our online form, or feel free to reach out directly to one of our staff.

Request Info   Contact Us

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