Community Development

     Our mission is to improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities using research-based programs that educate and build community. For generations, professionals within the community development program of MSU Extension have worked across the spectrum of community needs.

We provide information in the areas of local governance, strategic planning, leadership development, publis officials training, citizen board workshops, community foundation education, conflict management, community health, and grant writing. We look forward to serving you and making community development more relevant and viable for all Montanans. 

Montana State University Extension has partnered with Utah State University Extension to offer the Remote Work Professional certificate program, a 1-month specialized course designed to equip workers and business owners with training needed to:

• Find a job working remotely for a company
• Expand a business to serve customers remotely
• Increase skill levels for people already working remotely

Participants receive assistance with finding a remote job, with building their business and connecting to a network of other remote workers.

Registration Begins Here!

Please follow all instructions.

Cost

The cost to take the course is $199. 

Course format

The program consists of nine core modules, delivered in a self-paced, online format plus a weekly interactive video-conference workshop with instructors and other course participants.  Montana State University Extension field faculty will help guide participants through the course. 

After completing the course, graduates work with specialists to help them find a remote job.  People interested in expanding their business into a remote work format will have access to assistance from the Accelerate Montana Rural Innovation Initiative (AMRII) or their local economic development professional.

Courses start at the beginning of each month (except no class offered in July and December). Review the course syllabus here.

Time commitment

This professional certificate requires approximately 30 hours to complete or about 6-8 hours per week over the 4-week course. Most of the time is independent work except for one hour per week for the workshop (held Thursdays at 1 or 6 p.m.) and a group project.

Requirements to participate

To take the course, participants must have the following:

• Reliable Access to Broadband Internet
  • A stable internet connection is needed to participate in the course and the workshops.
• Web camera and microphone
  • A working laptop or desktop computer with a web camera and microphone is needed to participate in all aspects of the program. Tablets and smartphones will not provide the access to the course content that is needed.
• Basic computer skills
  • The course is designed for people with some comfort and skill using computers and software. While we do teach the use of new tools, a basic ability with the following is required for success in the course:

• Send an email, with an attachment
• Download or upload a file to your desktop
• Do basic tasks in a word processing and spreadsheet program

Next steps

Follow the steps below to enroll in the program.

• Complete the purchase
  • Purchase the course through this link. There is a limit of seats per class granted on a first come, first serve basis. You will be added to a waiting list in case this limit is reached.
• Apply the code
  • Once you have paid, MSU Extension will send you a registration code and link via email to complete the registration process.
• Begin the course
  • After you complete the application process, you will receive an email with links to begin the course.  You can start exploring the course content right away.  One of our MSU Extension faculty will reach out to you to introduce themselves.

Course schedule

After you register, you will receive an email with access to the course modules and links to the workshops. See the calendar below for class dates and times.

Continuing education

The Remote Work Certificate Course is approved for four renewal units through the Montana Office of Public Instruction.