In collaboration with the Department of Student Engagement and Leadership, the Reich College of Education’s (RCOE) Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling offers an undergraduate minor in Leadership Studies. The minor is interdisciplinary and focuses on the academic study and experiential practice of leadership. Students engage with a community of peers and instructors, gain an in-depth understanding of leadership theories, models, practices, and challenges, and enhance their skills in critical thinking, reflection, problem-solving, and working with groups/teams.
"I believe that now, more than ever, every corner of our world needs thoughtful, socially responsible, and effective leadership,” said Courtney Holder, Associate Director in the Leadership Education and Development Department at Appalachian State University.
"I believe that now, more than ever, every corner of our world needs thoughtful, socially responsible, and effective leadership,” said Courtney Holder, Associate Director in the Leadership Education and Development Department at Appalachian State University. “Regardless of students' intended profession or path, an understanding and practice of leadership is relevant, applicable, and advantageous. By taking a course or pursuing the minor, students are learning about themselves, others, and preparing to be the leaders our world needs."
“The minor in leadership studies affords students a structured opportunity to acquire the types of knowledge and 'soft skills' most employers look for,” said Dr. Amy Milsom, professor and chair for the Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling. “Course instructors are well-prepared to help students not only develop awareness of their leadership style preferences and strengths and but also understand how they can apply leadership skills in a variety of settings.”
Students can receive their minor by completing 18 hours in leadership and related courses. The requirements to complete the minor include a Principles of Leadership course, a Senior Capstone Leadership Seminar, and 12 additional hours made up of courses that are related to the study or process of leadership. Those additional courses might relate to the contexts of leadership (e.g., understanding groups, organizations, or communities), skills associated with leadership (e.g., communication, management, facilitation) or the process of leadership (e.g., ethics, group decision-making). The Leadership Studies minor takes an interdisciplinary approach and allows the student to draw from a variety of disciplines to study the process of leadership.
There are approximately 40 students graduating from the minor this academic year. Read about their experience:
- Madison Armstrong, Psychology, May 2020: "This minor has already influenced my life in many ways. I see things I have learned through this minor working in my life every day. I’m excited to continue seeing this happen. Being a Leadership Studies minor has given me the tools and knowledge necessary in navigating the complex, ever-evolving professional landscape. Not only has this minor equipped me with these tools, but it has also made me more aware in my everyday relationships, involvements, and ideas about who I want to be as a person. This minor has been so much more than 18 hours of credit fulfilled, it has been a combination of experience, relationships, and opportunities that have nurtured me into the person and leader I am today."
- Juliana Bohland, Communications, Public Relations, May 2020: "The intentionality and vulnerability that is cultivated in the classroom! It’s not every day that you get to learn in this way, and my leadership courses have been some of my absolute favorites!"
- Abby Polakoff, Recreation Management, December 2019: "The most rewarding part of the Leadership Studies minor was feeling like I am prepared to be successful in a multitude of situations. I think this minor has given me the chance to learn and practice leadership in various settings. I think I will use the knowledge and skills a lot in my future. Minoring in leadership will have a huge impact on my career as an outdoor educator. My job is to lead people through the wilderness and having a background and understanding of the different approaches to leadership will be very helpful. I have learned how to be compassionate while also being adaptable, which has prepared me for connecting with all sorts of people in the future."
- Mariah Reneau, Political Science, May 2020: “This leadership minor has taught me that being a leader isn't always about having a position, but instead about how you conduct yourself. Learning about my different strengths and weaknesses in a variety of capacities has helped show me how I best conduct myself, and how I can work to improve myself in many ways. These are skills that I can take into the classroom as a teacher, focusing less on my authority position and more on how I can use my strengths and weakness to build my students' confidence in themselves and in their education.”
- Morgan Westerhoff, Public Relations, May 2020: "I now understand my leadership style. I can continue on learning and improving through the techniques and styles learned throughout my classes in the minor. I will be able to efficiently manage myself and others and understand how to work with team members when we have different leadership styles."
There have been some changes to the program and program of study since its inception. These include revising/updating course curriculum, adding new instructors, and refreshing branding/promotion of the program, and hiring a new director for the program. Additional changes to the program of study will be in place by Fall 2021.
Questions about the minor in Leadership Studies? Contact Courtney Holder at holdercm1@appstate.edu. Learn more about all the leadership opportunities at Appalachian State University - https://leadership.appstate.edu/.
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