Leadership Minor
Study leadership through campus and community service. Build your skills across three phases: Introduction, Theory, and Application.
Study leadership. Gain practical experience. Make a difference in your community.
Program Type: Minor
Total Credit Hours: 18 credits
Open to: MCLA undergraduates
Why Add a Leadership Minor?
MCLA's Leadership Minor combines leadership studies with practical experience in campus and community settings. You'll explore ideas from different academic fields, with at least two of your four theory electives taken outside your major. Every student completes an application course that puts leadership into practice through service, a practicum, an internship, or another approved experience.
Globally Recognized Accreditation
MCLA's business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), recognizing teaching excellence and a student-focused learning approach.
Real-World Experience & Networking
Students strengthen their résumés through internships with regional organizations, research projects, and study abroad opportunities that connect classroom learning with real business environments.
Tailored Pathways & Mentorship
Students work with faculty who bring experience from business and industry to explore ideas from different fields and build the practical experience to make a difference in their community.
Leadership Minor Requirements
The Leadership Minor requires 18 credits across three phases: Introduction (3 credits), Theory (12 credits), and Application (3 credits). You'll begin with a foundational course, choose four electives from across the college, and complete an approved practical experience.
The Leadership Minor Coordinator may approve additional leadership-related courses to fulfill elective requirements.
Introductory Course
Begin with one introductory course worth three credits. LEAD 200: Introduction to Leadership has no prerequisite and includes a service experience with reflection, allowing you to explore leadership concepts through practical activities.
Choose one:
- BADM 160: Management
- LEAD 200: Introduction to Leadership
Theory Electives
Choose four theory electives totaling 12 credits. At least three courses must be at the 300 level or above, and at least two must come from outside your major. Some courses have prerequisites established by their respective departments.
Examples of approved electives include:
- BADM 366: Team Facilitation
- PSYC 335: Organizational Psychology
- PHIL 322: Business Ethics
- POSC 323: Political Psychology
- SOWK 355: Community Organizing
- AMGT 375: Arts and Culture Leadership
See the Leadership Minor catalog for the full list of approved electives.
Application Course
Complete three credits of approved leadership application coursework, typically during your junior or senior year. Most application courses require junior standing, and students may take no more than one internship or practicum per semester.
Application course options include:
- LEAD 300: Service Leadership
- LEAD 395: Leadership Practicum
- LEAD 540: Leadership Internship
- BADM 440: Advanced Leadership
An approved internship in another department or a qualifying upper-level course may also fulfill this requirement. Consult the Leadership Minor Coordinator before selecting an alternative.
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FAQs
A: No. The Leadership Minor is an 18-credit academic program that appears on your college
record and includes coursework in leadership theory and practical application. The
Greylock LEAD Academy is a separate leadership development opportunity. You can explore
both, but participation in the academy does not automatically fulfill the minor's
academic requirements.
A: You may be able to complete both minors, subject to MCLA's rules for declaring multiple
minors and counting courses toward more than one program. Some business courses appear
in the Leadership Minor curriculum. Meet with your academic advisor and the Leadership
Minor Coordinator to determine how the requirements would apply to your academic plan.
A: Volunteer work and student government involvement may provide relevant leadership
experience, but participation alone does not automatically earn academic credit. The
Leadership Minor includes approved application courses such as Service Leadership
and Leadership Practicum. Speak with the Leadership Minor Coordinator about opportunities
to connect your campus or community leadership activities with an eligible course.
A: Yes. The Leadership Minor is designed to complement different majors, with electives
in subjects such as psychology, political science, arts management, and social work.
You'll study leadership concepts and apply them in practical settings. These experiences
can be useful if you're interested in coordinating projects, managing teams, or taking
on responsibilities within your chosen field.
A: It's best to begin planning early in your undergraduate studies. You can take an
introductory course first, then select theory electives that fit your major and academic
schedule. Because several electives have prerequisites and most application courses
require junior standing, meeting with your advisor early can help you complete the
18-credit minor alongside your degree.
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