KU expands leadership studies offerings with 2 new online certificates


LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas has expanded its leadership studies offerings with two new online certificates through the Institute for Leadership Studies (ILS). Beginning in spring 2019, the ILS, which currently houses a leadership studies minor and leadership engagement certificate as well as several other programs and initiatives, began offering an undergraduate online certificate in leadership strategies and applications and an online graduate certificate in leadership studies. The new certificates are designed to address demand from employers for leadership, communication and conflict management skills that extend beyond typical management approaches.

“We are very excited to offer these two new certificates, which equip students to develop an effective capacity for leadership within their work and community systems,” said Mary Banwart, ILS director.

The online undergraduate leadership strategies and applications certificate introduces students to principles of effective and ethical leadership, as well as leadership tools and processes, to help navigate shifting cultural landscapes where issues of diversity, generational differences and changing definitions of “the workplace” demand effective and ethical responses. Students will explore a variety of perspectives of ethical decision-making and behavior, strategies for effective interpersonal communication and conflict management, and leadership theories and practices.

To receive credit for the undergraduate certificate in online leadership strategies and applications, students must complete 12 credit hours in five required courses, which are offered in eight-week sessions across a minimum of two academic semesters. Interested students who are not already attending KU must have a minimum of 60 transferable credit hours and at least 24 transferable hours with a 2.50 cumulative college GPA or higher to be admitted into the KU online program.

Students who complete the online graduate certificate in leadership studies will build their foundational knowledge of the history, theory and practice of leadership with a focus on ethical decision-making and understanding the dynamics of power in doing the work of leadership. The primary objectives are to offer graduate students and working professionals tools to better understand and navigate leadership opportunities within professional and community environments. Focus will be placed on helping professionals respond to the demands of a changing social, cultural and political landscape. Interdisciplinary, theoretically focused and research-based, this online certificate addresses workforce demand for professionals skilled in problem-solving, working with others, cognitive flexibility and emotional intelligence. Students must complete 12 credit hours across four required online courses to receive credit for ILS's graduate certificate in leadership studies.

Applicants must meet admission requirements outlined in the existing College Online policies in order to be admitted into the graduate certificate in leadership studies and undergraduate online leadership strategies and applications certificate programs.

The Institute for Leadership Studies supports KU’s mission of educating students who can effectively engage in the process of leadership with innovative, interdisciplinary academic programs. Through the ILS these academic programs are collaboratively designed to educate and prepare students to make a difference from where they are with what they have, developing the courage and leadership skills to ignite positive change.

For more information, visit the Institute for Leadership Studies website.

The Institute for Leadership Studies is part of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the heart of KU. As the broadest, most diverse academic unit at KU, the College is home to more than 50 departments, programs and centers, as well as the School of the Arts, School of Literatures, Languages & Cultures, and School of Public Affairs & Administration.

Thu, 05/02/2019

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Aspen Grender

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Aspen Grender

School of Education & Human Sciences