Skip to Content Find it Fast

This browser does not support Cascading Style Sheets.

Diploma Program

An innovative opportunity for people interested in developing their community leadership and organizing skills is now available! The Diploma in Community Leadership is designed for part-time students, with or without post-secondary degrees, who want to enhance their expertise in such areas as fundraising, recruiting and supervising volunteers, facilitating meetings, speaking in public, organizing events, and creating newsletters. Students will combine academic inquiry and hands-on community outreach with intensive skill development.

This Diploma program prepares individuals, who are either already experienced community workers or who are considering a career change, for entry-level supervisory positions such as volunteer coordinator, grant-writer, services advocate, public relations and marketing assistant, community organizer, and lobbyist. Upon admission, credits earned are also transferable to UNH's Thompson School of Applied Science's Associate Degree program in Community Leadership.

The Diploma program consists of a minimum of 24 credit hours of core and elective courses from the following list:

Core Requirements

CSL 202 Introduction to Non-Profit Organizations, 4 cr.
CSL 203 Organizing and Supervising Volunteers, 4 cr.
CSL 204 Managing Change and Conflict in Communities, 4 cr.
CSL 205 Communication within Communities, 4 cr.

Electives

CSL 201 Introduction to Community Service and Leadership, 4 cr.
SSCI 201 Human Relations, 4 cr.
CD 415 Community Development and Perspectives, 4 cr.
ABM 215 Business and Community, 4 cr.
CD 614 Community Planning, 4 cr.
SSCI 204 Group Process and Leadership Development, 2 cr.
CSL 207 Non-Profit Budgeting and Accounting Practices, 3 cr.
CSL 208 Essentials of Fundraising for Community-Based Organizations, 2 cr.
CSL 209 Essentials of Grant Writing for Community-Based Organizations, 2 cr.
CSL 290 Civic and Community Internship, 1-4 cr.

Admission requirements

Applications for admission to this diploma program are reviewed by Community Leadership faculty. Admission is based upon a student's demonstrated interest in the field, prior experience working with a community organization as either a volunteer or employee, and academic promise. Each student, once accepted, will have a faculty advisor who will assist with course selection and service projects. Students can register through Continuing Education.

Application procedure

  1. Students should apply prior to their registration for a third course in the CoLead Program.
  2. Students need to complete and return the application form with a $25 non-refundable application fee. They must also request that their official transcripts from high school, GED Equivalency, and any college programs be sent to the TSAS community leadership program at UNH.
  3. We recommend an appointment with academic advising or with a faculty member in the TSAS community leadership program during the application process.
  4. Application: You may type directly into the form and must tab between fields. Please print and mail.

Transfer credits

Because of the few courses required for the diploma, normally only one course will be accepted in transfer from other colleges. This course must be similar in content to a required/elective diploma course and must have been completed with a grade of "C (2.00) or better.