Leadership Studies Minor

The Leadership Studies Minor is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of leadership principles and their application across diverse contexts. Students will explore a range of leadership theories, styles, and strategies while developing the skills necessary to lead effectively in real-world scenarios.

The minor benefits students across all academic disciplines by providing knowledge and core competencies that foster success in both professional and personal contexts. Grounded in current theory and best practices from the interdisciplinary field of leadership, the program assumes that leadership can be both taught and learned. Courses integrate theory with practice, offering students the opportunity to develop as leaders through reflection, applied projects, and engagement across multiple levels of leadership—personal, group/team, organizational, and global.

Students pursuing the Liberal and Integrated Studies degree program may use the Leadership Studies Minor to satisfy the focus area requirement for both the associate and bachelor’s degrees. Additionally, the minor serves as a curricular pathway to the Master of Science in Leadership Studies (MSLS) program, providing a seamless transition for students who wish to advance their leadership education at the graduate level.This comprehensive framework prepares students to navigate the complexities of today’s world and to drive positive change within their professions, organizations, and communities.

Strategic Program Goals

1. Develop inclusive leadership competencies by equipping students with the skills to lead effectively in diverse and inclusive environments. Emphasizing culturally responsive leadership that acknowledges and values the unique experiences of historically underrepresented groups.
2. Integrate theory and practice by providing a robust curriculum grounded in contemporary leadership theories and interdisciplinary best practices. Offer experiential learning opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, including simulations, case studies, and community-based projects.
3. Promote ethical and transformational leadership by cultivating an understanding of ethical principles and their application in leadership decision-making. Encourage students to become transformational leaders who drive positive societal change and uphold the values of social justice and equity.
4. Enhance career and life readiness by preparing students to excel in their chosen careers by emphasizing critical thinking, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and strategic communication skills. Fostering lifelong leadership abilities empowers students to contribute meaningfully to their communities and professional fields.

Curriculum Map for Leadership Studies Minor

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

1. Understand and apply leadership theories (Cognitive Level: Apply)
   Outcome: Students can analyze and apply leadership theories and models to real-world scenarios across personal, group, organizational, and global contexts.
2. Evaluate ethical leadership practices (Cognitive Level: Evaluate)
   Outcome: Students will be able to evaluate ethical dilemmas and leadership decisions by applying principles of social justice, equity, and cultural awareness.
3. Demonstrate effective communication skills (Cognitive Level: Apply)
   Outcome: Students will demonstrate effective leadership communication strategies, including active listening, conflict resolution, and persuasive speaking, to influence diverse audiences.
4. Create inclusive and transformational leadership strategies (Cognitive Level: Create)
   Outcome: Students can design and implement leadership initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion, and positive social change within communities and organizations.
5. Analyze Leadership Dynamics Across Contexts (Cognitive Level: Analyze)
   Outcome: Students will be able to analyze leadership dynamics at the personal, team, organizational, and global levels and their interconnected impacts on outcomes.
6. Engage in Reflective Leadership Development (Cognitive Level: Evaluate)
   Outcome: Students will be able to critically evaluate their leadership styles, strengths, and areas for growth to develop a personal leadership philosophy.

Course Descriptions

LDST 201 Introduction to Leadership Part I: Exploring Leadership (3 credits)
This course delves into the fundamental principles and practices of leadership, offering students an in-depth understanding of what it takes to lead effectively across diverse contexts. Students will explore different leadership styles, stages, and strategies and learn to identify and apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.

LDST 202 Introduction to Leadership Part II: Exploring Followership (3 credits)
This course introduces students to the often overlooked yet essential concept of followership. They learn what it means to be an effective follower and how followers directly contribute to successful leadership. Students discover how mutual expectations and values shape their interactions by investigating the reciprocal relationship between leaders and followers. Exploring followership models, such as the Kelley Followership Model, will provide students with insight into the behaviors and actions that flow between followers and those in positions of authority. Understanding follower and leader roles equips students to follow and lead effectively, both formally and informally, across various social, civic, and work environments.

LDST 300 Leadership Theory (3 credits)
In this course, students will explore the foundational principles and contemporary developments in leadership studies. They will analyze and compare various leadership theories during fieldwork, identifying how these frameworks influence leadership, organizational behavior, and decision making. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to apply leadership theories effectively in real-world scenarios in a variety of organizational cultures globally.

LDST 302 Leadership Communication and Decision-Making (3 credits)
This course explores the vital role of communication and decision-making in ineffective leadership. Students will analyze how leaders influence, motivate, and guide their teams through strategic communication techniques and sound decision-making processes. Emphasis is placed on the dynamics of verbal, nonverbal, and digital communication within organizations, as well as on ethical and inclusive practices that foster trust and collaboration. The course assignments and activities are designed to help students experiment with and practice realistic skills for leading with clarity, confidence, and purpose in diverse organizational settings. By the end of the course, students will be able to navigate complex decision-making environments, communicate their vision effectively, and ensure alignment within their teams.

LDST 301 Ethical Leadership (3 credits)
This course equips students to navigate complex moral dilemmas and make principled decisions that build trust and integrity. Students will learn to identify and address ethical challenges that arise in leadership roles, from balancing profitability with purpose to managing conflicts of interest. They will explore ethical theories, case studies, and the dark side of unethical leadership to understand its impact on organizational culture and stakeholder well-being. Through experiential learning, students will practice integrating ethical principles into leadership strategies that prioritize innovation and workers’ well-being. This course prepares future leaders to create environments where ethical standards drive sustainable success and positive change.

LIBS 395 Civic and Professional Leadership (3 Credits)
Civic Leadership explores the role of leadership in public service and community engagement, focusing on how individuals can influence and drive positive social change. Students will examine the principles of civic responsibility, ethical leadership, and public policy while developing skills to lead diverse teams and foster collaboration in civic projects. Through case studies and practical exercises, learners will gain insights into the complexities of governance, community building, and advocacy. The course encourages critical thinking about power, equity, and justice, empowering students to become effective leaders in their communities. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to take active roles in shaping the public good.

WMGS/LDST 360 Women and Leadership (3 Credits)
This course will examine the historical, cultural, and social reasons why, despite their majority in many other sectors of life, women are not filling leadership positions in the United States. Cultivating a work culture that supports equity and produces better outcomes for all is critical for women leaders and organizational success. This interdisciplinary course examines the issues facing women in leadership positions and offers strategies for handling them from various perspectives.