Overview
The Certificate in Leadership Studies is an academic program coordinated by Leadership & Community Engagement and sponsored by the Department of Communication Studies. It is open to any undergraduate student regardless of major.
Why complete an academic certificate?
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, among the top ten qualities sought by employers are communication skills, motivation, teamwork, leadership, interpersonal skills, flexibility/adaptability, integrity, and analytical/problem solving skills; all of which are key components of leadership development.
In a complex, global society, the need for sound leadership has become increasingly important. The assumption of a leadership role requires more than just a portfolio of leadership skills. Leaders need to have vision and strong teamwork to work with others to affect positive change in their communities (both local and afar).
Leadership is best taught not solely in one single class, but rather over time and in multiple environments. Students will have the opportunity to study not only leadership skills, but theory and the leadership process. Students will develop critical leadership thinking skills which will afford them the ability to put leadership into practice.
Students electing the Certificate in Leadership Studies may be enrolled in any undergraduate major. In addition to completing the standard core and required track courses for their majors, students must complete 18 hours of coursework. These courses may also count toward requirements of your major, if applicable.
Courses within the Certificate program focus on leadership, communication, ethics, and group processes.
Requirements
Communication Studies
Three required courses:
- Communications 3135: Leadership Theory and Group Dynamics (3)
- Communications 3136: Leadership, Service and Ethics (3)
- Communications 4410: Internship in University Leadership (3)
Ethics
One course from the following:
- Philosophy - Professional Ethics 2175 (3)
- Philosophy - History of Ethical Theories 3219 (3)
- Philosophy - Ethics 3221 (3)
- Philosophy - Business Ethics 3231 (3)
- Political Science - Law, Justice & Morality 3175
Electives
Two courses or 6 hours from the following:
- Aerospace 3101 – Leadership Studies (3)
- Aerospace 3102 – Leadership Studies II (3)
- Communication - Small Group Communication 2105 (3)
- Communication - Interpersonal Communication 2107 (3)
Internship
The final piece of the Certificate program is completion of COMM 4410: Internship in University Leadership (3).
In order to complete this requirement, students must attend the Communication Studies-sponsored orientation the semester prior to enrolling in the Internship course. Internships must be approved by Leadership & Community Engagement.
Various internship opportunities are available on campus. These internships may be done as service or for a small stipend as available from the internship sponsoring department.
Our staff will assist you in coordinating an internship which meets your needs and fits your interests.
How do I enroll?
Contact Michael Maksymowski at mmaksymo@charlotte.edu to discuss the Certificate. You’ll need to bring a copy of your transcripts to the appointment. Our staff will assist you in planning a strategy to complete the course requirements.