Program Design
The CECD program is open to any graduate of an accredited college. The 9-credit program integrates opportunities for personal and experiential learning. Students in the program include:
• certified experienced classroom teachers and school administrators
• professionals working in community development, grassroots education, social work, counseling, community
• health, and other such areas in which the central concerns of the Certificate program are relevant
• individuals proactively engaged in service to their communities through the Life-Long Learning track of the program
CECD Colloquia Courses
Residential colloquia at Louhelen Bahá'í School in Davison, Michigan, offer participants opportunities to study best practices in real-world settings, time for private reflection, group consultation, and active engagement in community service.
• graduate credit for professional development
• a unique approach to character education
• challenging and meaningful learning and community service
• student-centered course planning to meet the needs of busy, committed educators
peer learning circles providing a dynamic face-to-face social-emotional learning context
Extended Learning Groups
Complete three CECD courses through site-based discussion groups or the Fort Hays State University Virtual College program. Coursework consists of required readings, brief reflective essays, and participation in site-based or online discussion groups. Coursework is estimated to take 4-8 hours per week for 12 weeks. Three On-line Courses are offered per year: Fall, Spring, Summer. Click to see sample course timelines for each.
Capstone Project
Based on an integrated plan for 50 hours of community service that includes both challenging scholarship and relevancy for a community organization, the Capstone Project both fosters interest in community service and provides a structured hands-on laboratory to extend learning into real-world practice.
Capstone Projects are highly individualized and students are encouraged to develop Capstone Projects linked directly to their real-life professional goals and community needs.
Program Details
Click here to see details of the 9-credit Certificate in Character Education and Community Development
