Online Graduate Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship and Community Development
Earning a social entrepreneurship and community development certificate empowers you to build meaningful initiatives that address challenges in local communities. This transdisciplinary program equips you with broad expertise in these subjects while also giving you the opportunity to tailor the curriculum to your career goals.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 5
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 15
What are examples of community development?
Community development is about co-creating transformative solutions that enhance the social, cultural, environmental and economic well-being of communities. Social entrepreneurship is a process of creating impact through new and innovative ways that are sustainable and results-oriented. Common examples of community development include:
- Cultural awareness programs.
- Education support for children, youth and families.
- Human services advocacy for the most vulnerable.
- Municipal planning.
- Philanthropic advancement.
- Rehabilitation and expansion of public spaces.
- Workforce and economic development.
There are many more potential programs and projects that can be considered community development depending on the needs of a specific community. A community development and social entrepreneurship certificate will educate you on how to develop, implement and sustain innovative solutions to enhance community well-being.
What can you do with a social entrepreneurship and community development certificate?
Students who have earned this community development certificate in the past have used it to work in nonprofit, philanthropic and community development organizations. In these roles, our graduates are leading programs related to the arts, environment, human services, education, health and more.
This graduate certificate combines social entrepreneurship with innovative community development. This provides a basis for fostering positive change to enhanced community well-being through nonprofits, corporations, societies and economies. By the end of this community development certificate, you’ll have a deep understanding of how to harness social enterprise opportunities to create transformative solutions to challenges prevalent across communities.
Will my certificate say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s certificates and diplomas don’t specify whether you earn them online or in person. All certificates, diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Social entrepreneurship and community development classes
This program is designed for both policy and entrepreneurship-oriented students across disciplines. The certificate benefits from sharing coursework and faculty with ASU’s top-ranked master’s degree in nonprofit leadership and management. In addition, the opportunity to select your own community development classes as electives means you can customize your degree. Featured courses include:
What can I do with a community development certificate?
Completing a social entrepreneurship certificate positions you to take on a leadership role in establishing and administering community development programs. You might work for an existing organization or start your own. Career examples include but are not limited to:
Educators who inspire a commitment to social innovation and community development
The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:
- Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
- Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
- Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.
Educators who inspire a commitment to social innovation and community development
The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:
- Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
- Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
- Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.
How to apply
Applicants to the graduate certificate in social entrepreneurship and community development must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
Nationally recognized public service programs
The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions is a comprehensive public service college dedicated to addressing social problems through teaching, research and service. Our programs, which range from public policy and social work to criminal justice and emergency management, are designed to prepare graduates to make a difference in their communities.
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#2
in the U.S. and #7 in the world for hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism, according to the Center for World University Rankings.
Top 5
Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management in the nation, according to U.S. News & Report.
Top 10
best online master's in criminal justice programs for veterans, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
