Description
Now is your opportunity to gain the skills, knowledge, tools and practical experience to help you play a proactive role in rural community economic development. If you're considering employment in a rural area, you're encouraged to enroll and enhance your capacity to support your communities through leadership and knowledge.
The Rural Economic and Community Vitality graduate certificate conveys economic and social concepts relevant to understanding rural communities, the public decision-making process, and the advantages of living in a multicultural world. Certificate topics were designed in consultation with development professionals to ensure the program is practical and relevant to rural communities.
This certificate is taught 100% online and offers three 3-hour core classes, including a capstone course designed to put your learning into practice. You will also select three 5-week courses in your areas of interest, such as community law, financing, workforce or engagement.
Program-Related Information
Program Director
Daniela Manhani Mattos
402-472-1906
dmattos2@unl.edu
Program Website
https://agecon.unl.edu/
Applying for Admission
Standard requirements for all graduate programs
- Application for Admission with $50 non-refundable application fee.
- Transcripts (unofficial): Uploaded as part of application form.
If International: Uploads must include all college- or university-level transcripts or mark sheets (records of courses and marks earned), with certificates, diplomas, and degrees plus certified English translations.
After admission: Official documents are required from all students who are admitted and enroll. Photocopies of certified records are not acceptable. International students enrolled in other U.S. institutions may have certified copies of all foreign records sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies by their current school’s registrar office.
- If applicant’s native language is not English, verification of English proficiency is required.
When sending TOEFL scores, our institution code is 6877 and a department code is not needed.
- If applicant is not a US citizen and expects an F or J visa: financial information.
- Applicants must also fulfill any additional requirements the department specifies at the time of application.
Additional requirements specific to this program
- Resume/CV
- Personal Statement: Outline your background and professional goals in pursuing the certificate.
Certificate programs are not considered degree programs, so international students should be aware that admission to this program is ineligible for immigration forms for an F-1 student visa.
Admission Application Deadlines
Apply for Fall admission by July 15, for Spring by December 1, or for Summer by April 15.
Requirements
Complete 12 credit hours as described here, with grades of B or higher in all classes:
Course List
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|
| CDEV 814 | Community and Regional Economic Analysis | 3 |
| ALEC 855 | Dynamics of Effective Leadership in Groups & Teams | 3 |
| CDEV 894 | Practicum/Creative Component/Thesis in Community Development | 3 |
| CDEV 816 | Nebraska Rural Government Law Fundamentals | 1 |
| CDEV 817 | Nebraska Rural Government Finance Fundamentals | 1 |
| CDEV 818 | Community Engagement | 1 |
| CDEV 819 | Community Action Strategies | 1 |
| CDEV 825 | Sustainable Economic Development | 1 |
| CDEV 826 | Fundamentals of Business Analysis | 1 |
| CDEV 827 | Community Workforce Development | 1 |