About the Leadership Certificate
The Leadership Engagement Certificate provides KU undergraduate students with an introduction to leadership theories and practices while helping students make connections between classroom learning and leadership activities.
Throughout this program you will:
- Be introduced to leadership theories and ideas
- Gain experience applying what you learn in your leadership classes to your campus community and beyond
- Develop a personal statement of purpose
- Recognize from various experiences how self-management and engaging others play a role in the leadership process
Complete a certificate by taking leadership courses, participating in a KU leadership experiences, and completing reflection questions. Once completed, the Leadership Engagement Certificate is printed on your official KU transcript to acknowledge the unique experience.
Program Learning Outcomes
At the end of this program, students should be able to:
- 1. Describe leadership theories/ideas
- 2. Illustrate how leadership theories/ideas can be used
- 3. Apply theories/ideas to leadership activities
- 4. Recognize from experiences how self-management plays a role in leadership
Students will be able to do at least one of the following:
4.a) Identify personal values
4.b) Identify relationships between personal values and leadership actions
4.c) Identify own strength and weaknesses
4.d) Evaluate personal responses to challenging or intimidating situations - 5. Recognize from experiences how engaging others play a role in leadership
Students will be able to do at least one of the following:
5.a) Recognize the value of others’ perspectives/interpretations
5.b) Seek input from others
5.c) Work cooperatively with others when problem solving
5.d) Work cooperatively with others when decision making
Student who complete the Leadership Certificate and would like to continue their leadership journey, are encouraged to apply for the Leadership Studies Minor (LSM).
Completing the certificate requires a combination of classroom learning, experiential learning, and written reflection.
- LDST 20, 202, or 203 HN (total of 3 credits): This course sequence is required for the Leadership Certificate. Through LDST 201, 202, or 203 students are introduced to different kinds of leadership theories concepts. The class sequence also focuses on adaptive leadership, which defines leadership as a process, requiring active engagement.
- Elective class (3 credits): The elective can be a leadership class relevant to a student’s major offered by a professional school or academic department OR a course with content applicable to organizational leadership, non-profit and community leadership, social justice or diversity.