An Intensive Month of Study & Exchange
The four-and-a-half week RDLN Rural Development Institute is held every other year during May and June at the University of California at Davis. It has been hosted by the Center for Regional Change and the Community Development Program in the Department of Human Ecology in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.
At the Institute, participants use the resources of a mainstream university for core coursework in rural community development. There is intensive study and exchange among peers from different regions, as well as interaction with university faculty and visiting practitioners. Participants pursuing an academic degree are awarded credit for the Institute. Others earn a certificate.
The Leader's Field Project provides a focus for new learning, which in turn can inform the future direction of the project. Leaders also have a chance to develop individualized learning with their Advisors that may relate more specifically to the interests of the individual and the priorities of their community.
Program Duration
18–36 months, including field project, independent study, and the Institute.
Program Costs
Institute fee: $3,500
M.A. tuition: approx. $20,000
Travel & lodging not included.
Credentials Offered
Certificate, Bachelor's, Master's degree, or Ph.D. (RDLN works with schools on all levels.)
The RDLN Degree Program
Duration: 18–36 Months. Demanding curriculum includes: Field Project implementation, related independent study, RDLN Rural Development Institute (4½ weeks) for intensive study, exchange and networking. Qualified participants may earn a certificate or master's degree. We are willing to work with schools for bachelor's or PhD as well.
Each RDLN Leader works with the guidance of a Field Advisor and Study Advisors. Each has a Sponsoring Organization, which serves as an umbrella for the Field Project and contributes financially to RDLN. The amount required is $3,500 (Certificate) – $20,000 (M.A. option, subject to change). Travel, accommodation, textbooks, and other miscellaneous costs are not included.
Learning Components
Overview of Rural America
Introduction to major regions, peoples, problems, and challenges of rural America — with emphasis on communities in poverty and those represented by RDLN Leaders. Explores history, culture, socioeconomic factors, and strategies for change.
Tools for Rural Development
Introduction to skills and mechanisms useful for rural community development — research methods, data access, organization and management, fundraising, board development, writing, and food and health policy.
Economics & Economic Development
Introduction to basic economic concepts, determinants of growth, and development in rural areas. Includes macro and microeconomics, financial markets, cost/benefit analysis, and case studies from communities where RDLN Leaders live and work.
Organization & Management
Review of community development organization structures, goal-setting processes, budgeting, cash flow analysis, and matching organizational structure to the type and size of the enterprise.
Criteria for Selection
Applicants must demonstrate all of the following:
- 1 Proven dedication to community-based rural community development.
- 2 Completed a B.A. degree for the master's program.
- 3 Commitment to building relationships with other rural people and communities.
- 4 Willingness to report regularly to RDLN.
- 5 Ability to work cooperatively and in a self-directed, self-motivated way.
- 6 Presentation of a feasible and valuable RDLN Community Development Project.
- 7 Sponsorship by an organization which can make the required programmatic and financial contribution to RDLN.
Application Procedure
Your application must include:
- Autobiographical essay describing previous work in rural community development
- Outline of your proposed RDLN Field Project and study program
- Résumé
- Other relevant background material
- Three letters of recommendation
- Academic transcripts
RDLN will conduct a virtual interview with finalists.
Sponsoring Organizations
Each RDLN Leader must be sponsored by an organization. Sponsoring Organizations commit programmatic, financial, and logistical support for the RDLN Leader they sponsor. Please write to RDLN with your organization's name and contact information and the name of the person you are sponsoring — RDLN will send an agreement form to your organization.
RDLN will brainstorm and cooperate with interested organizations about possible funding sources. Contact us at rdln@ruraldevelopment.org or (334) 261-9320 to learn more.
Academic Partners
RDLN's academic partners for the master's degree are Antioch University and Kansas State University. Tuition ranges from approximately $15,000 to $20,000 for the master's degree.
Antioch University
Online Individualized Master of Arts Program. Flexible, interdisciplinary graduate study designed around your community development work.
Apply to Antioch University →Kansas State University
Online Master's in Community Development through the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (GP-IDEA) program.
Apply to Kansas State →Resource People
Dr. Margaret Eldred
Writer and Artist. Former staff, UC Davis Campus Writing Center.
Dr. Satyananda Gabriel
Academic Coordinator, RDLN Institute (1985–present). Professor of Economics, Mt. Holyoke College. Author, Chinese Capitalism and the Modernist Vision.
Board of Directors
- Moises Loza Chair Former Executive Director, Housing Assistance Council (DC)
- Shirley Sherrod Vice Chair Co-Founder and Executive Director, The Sherrod Institute (GA)
- John Zippert Treasurer Program Director Emeritus, Federation of Southern Cooperatives (AL)
- Mily Treviño-Sauceda Secretary Executive Director, Lideres Campesinas (CA)
- Twila Martin-Kekahbah Parliamentarian Former Chair, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa (ND)