Leadership Studies, Minor

The University-wide minor in Leadership Studies (LEAD) at Chapman aspires to exemplify the Attallah College of Educational Studies’ mission of “Changing Education, Changing the World” and the University’s historical commitment to “Building Character; Transforming Lives.” The program offers a unique opportunity for Chapman students to enhance their understanding and practice of leadership, emphasizing not only preparation for work, but education for life. Participants’ leadership capacities are expanded by blending classroom learning and theory with experiential exercises, simulations, self-assessments, case studies, field trips and retreats. The Minor in Leadership Studies is a natural fit for students seeking a meaningful and practical complement to their chosen major while fulfilling selected General Education requirements. It is particularly appropriate for students motivated to make a positive difference in the world through their lives and work, students who share a desire to learn … to lead … to serve.

In alignment with the University’s vision, mission and guiding principles and its general education goals, the program promotes four key learning outcomes:

1. an understanding of the theory and practice of leading as a way of serving and values-based leadership
2. increased self-awareness (leading as a way of both being and doing)
3. how to leverage individual differences and unite around a common purpose to create high-performing teams
4. critical thinking, ethical practice and social responsibility.

The LEAD minor is comprised of 7 courses (23 credits) which interweave theory and practice: a foundations course (LEAD 301 ), a course devoted to leading others through effective team development (LEAD 302 ), another devoted to servant leadership, leading yourself and identifying your purpose (LEAD 397 ), and three electives (one devoted to leading with integrity (focusing on either ethics, multi-cultural issues/social justice, or values in action); one devoted to leading organizational or social change; and one open elective which may be used by LEAD students to connect their minor to their major program (“Leading in the Professions”). The program culminates in an integrative capstone seminar (LEAD 497 ).

In addition to the traditional curriculum, the LEAD program offers students opportunities in a variety of academic and professional areas including travel/study courses (e.g., LEAD 485  Leadership in Times of Crisis: Case Studies in Disaster Response), student-generated local, national and international internships, and international study abroad (e.g., LEAD 410  The Leader as Global Citizen: Democracy, Service and Collaboration in the European Union). One such program during the regular academic year is offered with the College International de Cannes (France), where students may take courses on the European context of administration (LEAD 303 ), complete an internship, and meet foreign language and other general education requirements. Students are encouraged to explore available study abroad options through the Office of Global Education on campus: (714) 997-6830.

The deadlines for applying for admission to the leadership program are: October 1, for fall admission, March 1, for spring admission. Summer applications may be considered at the discretion of the LEAD Program Coordinator and are due by May 1. The application must be accompanied by a recommendation from a University mentor (e.g., faculty member, academic advisor, coach or campus administrator, or by the Chapman Admissions Office for incoming students). In order to fulfill all program requirements in a timely manner, applications must be submitted prior to the above deadline during the student’s first semester/junior year (i.e., prior to the completion of 75 credits). Interested students may access the application and recommendation forms from the Attallah College of Educational Studies website at https://www.chapman.edu/education/undergraduate/leadership.aspx. For more information contact the leadership studies program office at (714) 997-6788. Acceptance into the LEAD minor does not guarantee completion. Students are responsible for tracking their progress to ensure all requirements are completed in a timely manner.

All students who wish to complete the Minor in Leadership Studies must fulfill the requirements listed below, remain in good academic standing, and are expected to adhere to exemplary standards of student conduct. Unless approved by the leadership studies program coordinator, all courses must be completed for a letter grade where the option exists and passed with a “C-” or higher. Students graduating with a GPA of 3.800 or above in the minor may be eligible for program honors and commendation. The program also honors those leadership minors who have made significant contributions to the campus and/or surrounding community during their time at Chapman with the Albert Schweitzer Spirit of Service Commendation. In addition, the annual Christine and Bradley Comp Award is bestowed on those students with the highest level of on-campus service, while its counterpart, the Robert K. Greenleaf Award, is bestowed on those students who, in the view of program faculty, have best exemplified the principles and practice of servant-leadership through service to the outside community.

Exceptionally qualified students interested in the Masters in Leadership Development (MLD) Program may apply to the Accelerated Five-Year Undergraduate/Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction in their junior year. Admission is selective. See the Graduate Catalog for more details.