Minor in Leadership Studies Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Minor in Leadership Studies?
The Minor in Leadership Studies is an interdisciplinary minor open to all undergraduate students at the University of Illinois. The focus is on the study of leadership theory and its application in real-world situations. It draws from the fields of social psychology, philosophy, organizational development and administration, communication, and educational theory and aims to enhance our understanding of the social and organizational processes that influence effective leadership across diverse contexts.
What are the curricular requirements of this minor?
This is a 17-18 credit hour minor in which students will take three required courses, two electives and one capstone course. The curriculum is outlined below:
Required Courses:
AGED 260: Introduction to Leadership Theory
AGED 380: Leadership in Groups and Teams
PSYC 455: Organizational Psychology
AGED 480: Collaborative Leadership (Capstone Course)
Elective Context Courses (choose two from this list):
AGCM 430, AGED 230, AGED 340, AGED 360, AHS 365, BADM 310, BADM 311, CMN 321, CMN 414, ENG 315, ENG 498, FAA 391, GE 361, GE 462, JOUR 250, KIN 239, PHIL 436, PS 304, PS 453, RST 200
Because leadership is practiced differently depending on the setting, students can choose to focus on leadership scholarship from a variety of contexts (e.g., business, non-profit/service, agriculture). Therefore, students will choose elective courses offered across academic colleges from a set of courses approved by a Faculty Advisory Committee for this Minor.
What academic unit is responsible for administration of the Minor in Leadership Studies?
The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES).
How do I sign up for this minor?
Students in good academic standing who have already declared a major and have completed at least 30 credit hours are eligible. You must complete the “Statement of Intent to Pursue a Campus-Approved Minor” form. Download and complete this form and submit it to the College of ACES Academic Programs Office, 128 Mumford Hall. You must complete the Statement of Intent by day 10 of the semester in which you plan to graduate. It is recommended that you complete the Statement of Intent as soon as you have decided this minor is right for you to avoid courses not being available to you at the time you need them.
If I have not yet declared a major, can I still take courses in the Minor?
Yes! Start with AGED 260 which offers multiple sections every semester. Then take AGED 380 or one or more of the elective courses. Once you have declared a major and have earned at least 30 credit hours, you can complete the Statement of Intent for the minor and continue completing the requirements
How is the Minor different from the Leadership Certificate or the i-programs in the Leadership Center?
A significant emphasis within the Minor is the study of leadership theory, while the emphasis of services within the Leadership Center is successful leadership practice.
While the Leadership Certificate requires one (1) course focused on such theory, every Minor-approved course will do so. The Minor will also include a cross-campus Faculty Advisory Committee to ensure academic rigor. while ne
Who can I contact if I have questions about the minor?
Lisa Burgoon, Program Coordinator for the Minor in Leadership Studies
College of ACES
290 Illini Union, Illinois Leadership Center
1401 West Green Street
Urbana, IL 61801
Email: burgoon@illinois.edu
Phone: 217-333-0604
Who is currently on the Minor in Leadership Studies Faculty Advisory Committee?
- Michael Loui, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering (chair)
- Lisa Burgoon, Program Coordinator, College of ACES (ex officio)
- Shirley Faughn, Visiting Lecturer, Communication, College of LAS
- Kim Graber, Associate Professor, Kinesiology and Community Health
- Christopher Span, Associate Professor, College of Education
- Laurie Kramer, Associate Dean and Professor, College of ACES (ex officio)
- Kristi Kuntz, Assistant Provost for Undergraduate Education
- David Lange, Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Geoffrey Love, Assistant Professor, Business Administration
- Robert Steltman, Executive Assistant Dean, College of LAS
- David Rosch, Assistant Professor, College of ACES
- Daniel Newman, Assistant Professor, College of LAS
- Marian Stone, Assistant Dean, College of FAA
- Sara Thompson, Director, Illinois
Leadership Center (ex officio)
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