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 Leadership Studies 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:
- An understanding of the theory and practice of leading
- Increased self-awareness
- How to leverage individual differences and unite around a common purpose to create high-performing teams
- Critical thinking, ethical practice, and social responsibility
The LEAD minor is comprised of 7 courses (21 credits) which interweave theory and practice: a foundations course (LEAD 301 ), a course devoted to leading yourself (LEAD 310 or LEAD 397 or LEAD 401 ), another course devoted to leading others through effective team development (LEAD 302 or LEAD 310 ), one to understand context: culture & society (LEAD 315 or LEAD 396 or LEAD 410 ), and two electives; one devoted to leading with integrity; one devoted to leading organizational or social change. The program culminates in an integrative capstone seminar (LEAD 497 ). At least 12 credits in LEAD must be upper division (300+).
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 Leadership in International Contexts). Students are encouraged to explore available study abroad options through the Office of Global Education on campus: (714) 997-6830.
In order to register for certain courses you must have declared your LEAD Minor by filling out the Change of Program request form. In order to fulfill all program requirements in a timely manner, students must declare by the student’s first semester/junior year (i.e., prior to the completion of 75 credits). Interested students may access additional information via Leadership Studies Minor website. Declaring 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. Finally, the Leslie and Nick Hanauaer Civic Engagement and Social Change Award honors the student or students who have demonstrated the greatest engagement on social justice issues during their time at Chapman.
Qualified students may also be interested in the 4+1 Masters in Leadership Development (MLD) Program and may apply to the Integrated Bachelor’s degree/Master of Arts in Leadership Development after completeing 90 credits. Admission is selective. See the Graduate Catalog for more details. Students accepted into this program should contact the Masters in Leadership Development (MLD) advisor for information about graduate courses in the MLD that can be taken and that also count towards the Leadership Studies minor.
For additional information please contact Dr. Tara Widner, Leadership Studies minor coordinator, Attallah College of Educational Studies (widner@chapman.edu).
Students pursuing a minor in Leadership Studies must:
- Complete a minimum of 21 credits in the minor, 12 of which cannot be duplicated by the major or any other minor.
- Complete a minimum of 12 upper-division credits.
- Complete a minimum of 6 upper-division credits in residence.
- Complete all courses for a letter grade and receive a C- or higher.
- Maintain a 2.000 cumulative GPA and 2.000 GPA for all upper-division coursework in the minor.
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