About the Degree

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About the CLD Degree

A degree designed to give you options

You don't have to know exactly where you're headed to start building the skills that will get you there.

CLD gives you a strong foundation in leadership and communication — with the flexibility to explore the subjects and industries that interest you.

This interdisciplinary curriculum will provide students with:

  1. Knowledge of frameworks, concepts, and theories related to leadership, communication, and ethics and experience applying them in real-world contexts 

  2. Awareness of their own strengths and weakness as leaders and followers and an understanding of how to play to their strengths and collaborate with others who will compensate for their weaknesses

  3. Communication skills and expertise

  4. Interdisciplinary understanding of social challenges and innovative communication and leadership strategies

  5. Understanding of how to lead positive social change and experience doing so 

Foundational Coursework

Communication and Leadership — 15 hours
Explore leadership theory, ethics and practice — and develop your own approach to leading and working with others.

Communication Fundamentals + Skills — 12 hours
Build skills in areas such as professional communication, teamwork, persuasion, organizational communication and advocacy.

Social Issues — 9 hours
Study complex challenges across disciplines and learn to approach them from different perspectives.

Communication and Leadership Capstone

Flexible Curriculum

CLD's flexible degree plan gives you room to explore interests beyond your major.

Use your electives to:

  • Earn minor in Moody College or across UT
  • Add a certificate
  • Explore elective coursework of interest

You choose the context. CLD helps you learn how to lead within it.

See Degree Requirements

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Where could you lead?


Your degree can move with you as your interests, and your career, evolve. 


CLD doesn't prepare you for one job title. It prepares you to lead in:
 

  • Business and Organizations
  • Nonprofits and Philanthropy
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Communication and Consulting
  • Government and Public Service
  • And more!




     

Ready to Learn More?

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