The purpose of the Graduate Certificate in Leadership Studies is to build foundational knowledge of the history, theory, and practice of leadership with a focus on ethical decision making and understanding of the dynamics of power in doing the work of leadership. The primary objectives are to offer graduate students and working professionals tools and techniques to better understand and navigate leadership opportunities within professional and community environments, and to respond efficiently and effectively to the demands of a changing social, cultural, and political landscape while doing the work of leadership.
Admission to Graduate Studies
An applicant seeking to pursue graduate study in the College may be admitted as either a degree-seeking or non-degree seeking student. Policies and procedures of Graduate Studies govern the process of Graduate admission. These may be found in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog.
Please consult the Departments & Programs section of the online catalog for information regarding program-specific admissions criteria and requirements. Special admissions requirements pertain to Interdisciplinary Studies degrees, which may be found in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog.
Graduate Admission
Any applicant seeking to pursue a graduate certificate in Leadership Studies must submit an online application. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Please see the Admission to Graduate Study policy for information on admission requirements.
New Applicants
Applicants who are not already enrolled in a KU graduate program should include the following materials in their application to the certificate program.
- A statement of purpose outlining their interest in the Leadership Studies graduate certificate
- Copy of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
Non-native speakers of English must meet English proficiency requirements.
Current KU Graduate Students
Applicants already in a KU graduate program must be in good standing with their home department to be eligible for admission the certificate program. Current KU graduate students should include the following materials in their online application:
- A statement of purpose outlining their interest in the Leadership Studies graduate certificate
- A letter of support from their faculty advisor or the Director of Graduate Studies in their home academic unit
Contact
Visit the Institute for Leadership Studies website for more detailed information about the application process.
Students are required to complete 12 credit hours across 4 online courses.
Required Courses (6 hours)
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| LDST 710 | History and Theory of Leadership Studies | 3 |
| LDST 720 | Leadership Ethics | 3 |
Mastery of Leadership Skills and Methods (3 hours)
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| |
| LDST 715 | Leadership, Equity, and Inclusion | 3 |
| LDST 730 | Managing the Work of Leadership | 3 |
| LDST 760 | Leadership and Communication | 3 |
| LDST 769 | Special Topics in Leadership Skills and Methods: _____ | 3 |
Understanding of Critical Leadership Contexts and Communities (3 hours)
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| |
| LDST 690 | Special Topics in Leadership Studies: _____ | 3 |
| LDST 740 | Leadership and Power | 3 |
| LDST 799 | Special Topics in Leadership Contexts: ____ | 3 |
Alternative elective options can also be found on the program website. All elective courses should be chosen in consultation with an advisor.
