COURSE CURRICULUM

The Community Development and Inclusive Leadership BS curriculum at RIT is a four-year, 120-credit program that blends leadership studies, social sciences, and interdisciplinary learning to prepare students for impactful roles in communities and organizations. In the first year, students build a strong foundation through courses in public speaking, introduction to community leadership, and intersectionality, along with general education subjects such as writing, science, and mathematics. This stage focuses on developing communication skills and understanding social dynamics and diversity.In the second year, the curriculum emphasizes ethical leadership, global perspectives, and policy awareness through courses like ethical community leadership and shaping educational and legal policy. Students also begin taking concentration courses aligned with their chosen specialization, while continuing with immersion and general education subjects that broaden their academic and cultural understanding.The third year focuses on research and applied learning, with courses in qualitative and quantitative research methods, along with multiple concentration courses that deepen expertise in a specific field such as public policy, psychology, or community health. Students also gain technical skills through database applications and complete an experiential learning component, which provides hands-on exposure to real-world community development work.In the fourth year, students complete advanced concentration courses and finalize their academic journey with a capstone seminar, where they apply their knowledge to real-world challenges and demonstrate their leadership, research, and problem-solving skills. Overall, the program integrates theory, practical experience, and specialization, preparing graduates to lead and manage community initiatives, nonprofit organizations, and public service programs effectively.