College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Leadership Studies Program
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Leadership Studies Certificate and Minor

Students and faculty working together

Leadership Studies 21-Credit Certificate

More substantial than a minor, the certificate in leadership studies complements your bachelor’s degree—and many courses fulfill both requirements. Core courses cover theories and practice of leadership, communication and organizations. Students choose nine credit hours of electives from more than 60 courses offered across 25 academic departments and programs in five colleges. The certificate ends with a capstone course, which can include LDST 4220: “Leadership Capstone Seminar: Theory to Practice,” an internship or a study-abroad experience that has been pre-approved by Leadership Studies Program faculty. The certificate requires the completion of 21 credits through:

  • Three courses in leadership, speech communication and organizational theory
  • One three-credit elective course in communication
  • Six credits of elective courses in leadership
  • A three-credit capstone

Nine credits must be at 3000 level or above, at least 9 credits cannot be used to meet any other requirements, and courses cannot be taken pass/fail.

Leadership Studies Minor

The minor in leadership studies shares the same three core courses in leadership, speech communication and organizational theory as the certificate in leadership studies. In addition, students choose six credit hours of leadership electives from 26 courses offered across 14 academic departments and programs in five colleges. These elective courses are among those included in the leadership certificate. The minor requires the completion of 15 credits through:

  • Three courses in leadership, speech communication and organizational theory
  • Six credits of elective courses in leadership

Nine credits must be at 3000 level or above, at least 9 credits cannot be used to meet any other requirements, and courses cannot be taken pass/fail.

How to apply

Step 1

Make an appointment with your major advisor or a Leadership Studies Advisor.

Step 2

At the appointment, you and an advisor will review the Curriculum Map (PDF) to develop a plan to meet your Leadership Studies goals before graduation.

Step 3

Fill out the Leadership Studies Welcome Form. A faculty or staff member will review the form and set up a time for you to pick up a Leadership Studies Swag Bag!

Step 4

After enrolling, monitor your progress in your plan of study. Courses in the Leadership Studies Program fill up quickly–register for your selected courses as soon as possible when the enrollment period opens for you.

Course suggestions

The Leadership Studies Program welcomes suggestions from departments for additions to the list of approved courses.To propose a course in your department, complete the Leadership Studies Course Proposal form (PDF) and submit it to Dr. Chad Cardani-Trollinger at drcct@iastate.edu.

Questions

Erin Valerio-Garsow

Call 515-294-4831 or e-mail erinvg@iastate.edu to schedule an appointment with our advisors to become a leader in the making!

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