Leadership Studies Certificate

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Leadership Studies Certificate

Learn to lead and make change

Through K-State's leadership studies certificate, our innovative faculty will challenge you to exercise leadership in the moment. You will not find a typical classroom experience. Instead, you will build confidence in your ability to create change and inspire diverse groups of people to work together for a common good.

With smart planning, you can often achieve the certificate through courses already required by your academic major, resulting in very little additional investment.

2025 Leadership Studies Study Abroad Opportunities

K-State in Italy: Business, Leadership and Fashion | May 20-June 21, 2025
K-State in Ireland: Sports and Leadership | Aug. 10-24, 2025

What classes will I take?

Check out course descriptions below or download the PDF.

LEAD 212: Introduction to Leadership Concepts (or LEAD 251 for Honors)

3 credit hours

Work to understand leadership competences, theories and frameworks to further your self-awareness, values and purpose. We will engage in a collaborative learning community to exercise socially-responsible leadership.

LEAD 350: Culture and Context in Leadership

3 credit hours

Leadership behavior and practice varies across cultures and contexts. You will unpack cultural identity, life experience and world views on leadership relationships. We will practice inclusive leadership through advocacy for social change. LEAD 350 also offers a study abroad option in Orvietto, Italy. Learn more.

LEAD 405: Leadership in Practice

3 credit hours

Through practice, we will work to understand the process of facilitating change in self, others and systems. You will develop the capacity to exercise leadership to make progress on personal and community issues.

LEAD 450: Capstone in Leadership Studies

3 credit hours

In this capstone course, you will integrate and apply learning from the minor within your major area of study; how will you make ethical decisions every day in your personal and professional life? We will focus on personal values and current events, analyzing them through the lens of ethical dimensions of leadership.

Elective courses

3 credit hours

In addition to the four courses above, select a minimum of three credit hours from a list of elective courses that complement your academic major.

Learn more, next steps

Visit our frequently asked questions page to learn more about the requirements and declaring the certificate.

Current students
If you have questions about the coursework, visit our advising help page for more information. You can also set up an appointment with a Staley School advisor by calling our main office at 785-532-6085 or emailing leadership@k-state.edu.

Prospective students
If you're interested in scheduling a campus visit, contact the Office of Recruitment and Admissions to request a campus tour that includes the Staley School of Leadership. Schedule your visit online or call 785-532-6250.

Transfer students

K-State accepts leadership coursework as equivalent credit for leadership classes.

Most intoduction to leadership (200, 212, 213) courses are accepted for Transfer Equivalency.
Other leadership courses can be evaluated and applied as credit toward a leadership studies credential (the leadership studies certificate, the nonprofit leadership certificate, etc.).

Visit the K-State Transfer Equivalency website for details, or email leadership@ksu.edu for questions.

K-State Salina Students

Leadership development

in a 15-credit-hour certificate