The Rural Development Certification Program addresses the need for graduates who understand the issues facing rural communities and businesses, such as sustainable development, marketing of local businesses on a global scale, and new tools such as GIS for rural development. Understanding these issues is key to the survival of rural communities. This certification will be available not only to baccalaureate students, but to anyone who wishes to enhance their ability to grow in their rural community. These people may include individuals such as extension agents, community and parish/county public officials, and local business leaders and entrepreneurs. This certification will enhance their resumes and provide a valuable education.
Requirements for Admission to the Post-Baccalaureate (Graduate) Rural Development Certification Program
Applicants must have
1. An earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited educational institution
2. Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.25/4.0 or 2.5/4.0 on the final 60 hours of baccalaureate degree work
To apply:
1. Complete an application to the Graduate School
2. Send official transcripts to the Graduate School
1. While in the Graduate Certificate Program, students must maintain and quarterly and cumulative 3.0 GPA on all coursework.
2. No grade lower than a C and no more than two Cs will count toward the Rural Development Certificate.
• RDEV 510 Introduction to Rural Development (required) 3 hours
• RDEV 540 Grant Writing for Rural Development 3 hours
• RDEV 415 Overview of Geographic Information Systems for Rural Development 3 hours
• RDEV 545 Global Electronic Commerce with Agricultural Applications 3 hours
• RDEV 550 International Trade and Policy 3 hours
Note: a maximum of four credit hours can be taken at the 400-level. Admission to the Graduate College is required in order to enroll in graduate level (500-level) courses. Students enrolled in the Rural Development Certificate Program must complete 12 of the 15 hours available, including RDEV 510, to earn the certificate.
This project made possible by funding from the United States Department of Agriculture's Higher Education Challenge grant program, award number 2008-68411-19053.
