Leadership Studies Minor

Counseling, Higher Education and Special Education (CHSE)

Program Director: Melissa l. Rocco, Ph.D.

The Leadership Studies Program promotes college student leadership development by educating undergraduate students for and about leadership in a complex world. Both the minor and certificate options prepare students to effectively engage in leadership in both formal and informal ways within campus, local, national, and global contexts.

Leadership Studies students explore leadership theory and practice from a variety of social, historic, and disciplinary lenses and are challenged to think about leadership critically and broadly, beyond dominant narratives of position and authority. Students are also encouraged to identify a working philosophy of leadership that can advance their thinking around ethics, civic engagement, and the importance of working within diverse and multicultural environments. These areas are critical aspects of leadership that require faculty and students to build and critically evaluate existing theoretical, research-based, and practical knowledge of leadership.

Beyond the classroom, leadership studies students can use their knowledge, skills, and competencies gained from this academic program to enhance their sense of self and engagement with others, as well as their practice within their major discipline, future career, and ongoing engagement with communities and organizations.

The Leadership Studies Program is made possible through a partnership between the Department of Counseling, Higher Education & Special Education and the Leadership & Community Service-Learning office in the Adele H. Stamp Student Union - Center for Campus Life.

Eligibility

Applications for the leadership studies program (minor and certificate) are made available online during select times each semester. Students may apply to the leadership studies program if they meet the following requirements:

1. Student is currently enrolled in HESI217 or has completed HESI217 with a C- or better.
2. Student is in good academic standing
3. Student has at least one full academic year left before graduating from UMD
4. Student has completed no more than 9 credits of leadership studies coursework prior to acceptance into the program.

Application Procedures and Forms

Applications will be made available as an online form, during select times each semester, for a period of two weeks.  The application will ask eligible students to identify demographic information, a list of (on and off-campus) involvements (if any), and respond to three short-essay questions.  Applicants must also provide a resume and an unofficial University transcript.

After the closing application date, applications will be reviewed and applicants will be notified within two to three weeks by email.

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrates a commitment or experience in leadership, either in studying or practicing leadership
• Contributes to the diversity of students in the Minor
• Illustrates capacity to utilize leadership theories and skills
• Exhibits a commitment to intrapersonal and interpersonal growth and development through the study of leadership

The Leadership Studies Minor consists of 15 credits. At least 9 credits must be at the 300 level or above. Additionally, no more than 6 credits from a student's minor or certificate program can also be applied to a student's major, and no more than 6 credits may be taken at an institution other than the University of Maryland, College Park. No course with an earned grade below C- may count towards the minor or certificate.

Contact Leadership Studies at leadershipstudies@umd.edu  with questions and interests in the Minor.