A leader needs a wide variety of knowledge, skills and dispositions to be effective. These attributes may be innate, or they may be learned and absorbed through observation. A wide variety of classroom and practical experience will assist students who pursue the leadership minor to assimilate and develop these qualities.
The minor requires specialized leadership classes, weekly cohort meetings and field trips to see leadership in action behind the scenes. “The minor also requires an internship,” said Linda Becker, vice president for student services and administrative director of the program. “We want to make sure all students have a chance to exercise their abilities and to connect and learn from other leaders before they graduate.”
This nineteen-hour minor is designated to be completed within four years plus one summer. Some of the required courses fulfill LEAD requirements for general education or requirements within a student's major discipline.
Minor in Leadership
Required courses—19 hours
| LEAD 225 | Creative Leadership | 3 |
| LEAD 245 | Leadership Cohort | 1 |
| LEAD 345 | Leadership Cohort | 1 |
| HMNT 332 | Historical Issues in Leadership | 2 |
| LEAD 425 | Experiences in Leadership | 3 |
| RELT 305 | Christian Ethics | 3 |
Students will select six hours from:
| BUAD 310 | Quality Management | 3 |
| BUAD 430 | Conflict Management | 3 |
| COMM 365 | Institutional Development | 3 |
| COMM 425 | Intercultural Communications | 3 |
| COMM 465 | Interpersonal Communications | 3 |
| INRR 430 | Advanced Communications Seminar | 3 |
| INRR 430 | Expeditionary Leadership | 3 |
| LEAD 475* | Leadership Internship | 3 |
| NRSG 437 | Management and Leadership | 3 |
| SOCI 321 | Issues in Diversity |
*Program specific internship, practicum and preceptorship can be substituted by petition.
Leadership Course Descriptions
| LEAD 225 | Creative Leadership | 3 |
Through the study of major leadership models, students will understand their personal leadership strengths and incorporate them into a personal philosophy of leadership. They will develop their personal leadership portfolio, complete a citizen leadership project, and complete a servant leadership project as a group.
| LEAD 245 LEAD 345 |
Leadership Cohort | 1 |
Cohort Members will read leadership literature, discuss leadership issues, and visit local leaders. Credit/No Credit
| HMNT 332 | Historical Issues in Leadership | 2 |
An introduction to famous and infamous historical leaders. Students will be encouraged to develop their own leadership styles in dialogue with leaders and events with world leaders.
| LEAD 425 | Experiences in Leadership | 3 |
Based on leadership theories and models, students will apply their knowledge in group and individual leadership projects. They will test one model in a leadership situation and participate in a leadership experience. Previous experiences have varied, including an extended canoe trip, visits with political leaders in Washington, and service projects.
| LEAD 475 | Leadership Internship | 1-3 |
Affords students the opportunity to observe practical work in a chosen field and to assist in the organization and administration of the off-campus program. Approximately 45 clock hours of contact time per credit hour are spent in the completion of the intern experience.
May be repeated for additional credit.