The Bachelor of Sciences in Community and Leadership Development is an interdisciplinary program that prepares you to explore community development through a broad spectrum of social sciences.

Study Community & Leadership Development at University of Kentucky, a Bachelor degree offered at its main campus in Lexington, United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 4 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for August 21, 2027.
About Bachelor of Community & Leadership Development
Disciplines
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Community & Leadership Development at University of Kentucky
Entry Requirements
- Freshman Admission: Applicants who have not attended a college or university upon completion of secondary school AND who have met all requirements including English proficiency as noted below.
- Transfer Admission : Applicants who have attended a college or university upon completion of secondary school AND met all requirements including English proficiency as noted below.
- Non-degree Admission: Applicants who are exchange or visiting students.
- Conditional Admission: Applicants who meet UK’s academic requirements for admission but do not meet the minimum language proficiency requirement or the departmental specific requirements (such as certain SAT/ACT math scores for Engineering and Nursing).
- Students who are offered conditional admission because of English may either resubmit a higher TOEFL/IELTS score or enroll in UK's Center for English as a Second Language program. The duration of these courses will depend on placement test results and individual student progress. Upon successful completion of the English language course(s), the student will move seamlessly into a degree program at UK. This means no TOEFL/IELTS scores will be required if students complete CESL.
- Students who require a higher math score for Engineering may submit a higher score or switch their intended major to a program that does not have specific requirements.
- No additional application is required for Conditional Admission.
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6
- TOEFLMin 71
Career Opportunities after Completing Bachelor of Community & Leadership Development
Interested in exploring the process of community development?
With a degree in Community and Leadership Development, you will be able to strengthen the abilities of individuals, organizations, and communities to act upon their shared visions, goals and challenges. You will graduate with the skills and knowledge to develop and/or lead communities and organizations, non-profit, business and industry, and advocacy groups.
What You'll Study
Our curriculum integrates communications, sociology, journalism, and community development theories and apply them to real-world situations involving local communities and agricultural organizations. With a focus on skills such as written and oral communication, strategic problem solving and critical thinking you will work towards understanding group, organizational, and community dynamics and ethical decision making.
You will be able to customize your degree by chosing one of our four concentration areas:
- Community Education
- Community Communications
- Leadership Development
- Community Development
Our department also offers a Master's Degree emphasizing the above areas, utilizing a unique theory-to-practice perspective. Learn more.
Come See for Yourself
To learn more about this program, campus life, and chat with an advisor, schedule a campus visit. Virtual visits may be necessary in some cases.
In-State Tuition
Thanks to agreements through the Academic Common Market, students from the following states can enroll in the Community and Leadership Development program at in-state tuition rates:
- Alabama
- Tennessee
- West Virginia
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Community & Leadership Development at University of Kentucky
How to Apply for Bachelor of Community & Leadership Development at University of Kentucky
1. Complete UK International Application for Undergraduate Admission or Common Application
2. $60 Application processing fee (non-refundable)
3. Official transcripts in English
4. English proficiency directly from testing center:
- TOEFL: 71 iBT, 543 IPT (UK administered)
- TOEFL Essentials: 7.5
- IELTS: 6.0
- Duolingo: 105
5. Optional tests: ACT / SAT (M+CR) Scores
- ACT school code: 1554 | SAT school code - 1837
- Required for engineering programs and scholarships
Priority Deadline:
- December 1 for Fall semester (August start)
- October 15 for Spring semester (January start)
*Scholarship deadline for freshmen international undergraduate students is December 1.

United States of America, Lexington