Leadership Studies Minor
Office: 324 McEwen Hall
(716) 673-3260
Angela McGowan-Kirsch, Coordinator
Email: Angela.Mcgowan-Kirsch@fredonia.edu
Dr. Jennifer Hildebrand, Director of Curriculum & Special Programming
(716) 673-4267
Email: hildebra@fredonia.edu
Website: https://www.fredonia.edu/academics/colleges-schools/college-liberal-arts-sciences/interdisciplinary/leadership-studies
The Leadership Studies Minor is an interdisciplinary program that allows students to engage with leadership theory, practice, and application across various disciplines. Designed to meet the evolving needs of students preparing for leadership roles in diverse professional environments, the minor requires 19-21 credit hours, including coursework and practical experience. The program blends foundational leadership concepts with real-world learning through internships.
Goals of the Leadership Studies Minor:
- Introduce students to a comprehensive understanding of leadership theories, concepts, and practices, emphasizing critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and emotional intelligence.
- Provide students with hands-on experience through internships and project-based learning opportunities that foster applying leadership principles in real-world settings.
- Offer a robust selection of electives focusing on key leadership competencies, including communication, cultural competency, collaboration, and critical thinking.
- Prepare students to be ethical, responsible, and visionary leaders who can navigate complex global issues and lead diverse teams.
This minor offers students a dynamic and flexible pathway to developing essential leadership skills that can be applied in various professional and civic contexts.
Minor Requirements
Core Courses:
| LEAD 201 | Advanced Leadership Development | 3 |
| | | |
| COMM 365 | Communication and Leadership | 3 |
| | or | |
| LEAD 365 | Communication and Leadership | 3 |
| | | |
| LEAD 490 | Internship in Leadership | 1-6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 7-9 |
Electives:
Additionally, students must complete twelve (12) credits selected from the following competencies. They must select one course from each competency (nine credits); the final course can come from any competency (three credits). Of the courses they select, three (nine credits) must be at the upper level. Only two courses (six credits) can come from courses with the same prefix.
Competency One:
Communication, Writing, & Interpersonal Skills (3 credits)
The Communication, Writing, and Interpersonal Skills competency focuses on developing the ability to articulate ideas clearly, listen actively, and engage in meaningful dialogue with diverse audiences. It also highlights the role of emotional intelligence in understanding and managing one's own emotions and recognizing and responding to others’ emotions. This helps students build positive relationships, foster empathy, and enhance leadership effectiveness.
Competency Two
Teamwork, Collaboration, and Problem-Solving/Critical Thinking (3 credits)
The Teamwork, Collaboration, and Problem-solving/Critical Thinking competency emphasizes working effectively in teams, valuing diverse perspectives, and resolving conflicts constructively to achieve shared goals. It also develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills, enabling students to analyze complex situations, evaluate options, and implement solutions based on evidence and reasoning.
| COMM 336 | Introduction to Business Communication | 3 |
| PSY 347 | Organizational Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 365 | Social Development | 3 |
| SPMG 330 | Leadership and Management in Sport | 3 |
| SOC 116 | Introductory Sociology | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Competency Three
The Cultural Competency, Adaptability, and Ethical Reasoning competency focuses on adapting to new challenges, thinking creatively, and applying ethical principles to decision-making with integrity. It also emphasizes developing visionary thinking and an appreciation for cultural diversity, enabling students to navigate and engage with individuals from various backgrounds while inspiring others toward shared goals.
Competency Elective
One course chosen from any competency area
NOTE:
- Students may count no more than 3 credits from their major program to the minor in Leadership Studies.
- Students must complete the minor with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all classes taken for the minor.
- A minimum of 12 credit hours must be completed at Fredonia.
- New courses or special topics courses may be credited toward the minor with approval from the coordinator.
Total Credit Hours: 19-21