Majoring in Leadership: Issues of Consistency and Credibility

The field of Leadership Studies struggles with issues of consistency and credibility. Based on prior surveys of undergraduate leadership majors, it is evident that the field is not unified. Other multidisciplinary fields of study, which have more defined elements (e.g. Women’s Studies and African American Studies), are not burdened with the need to constantly define and/or defend their curriculum. This discussion presents the argument that increasing consistency among programs could lead to increased credibility as a field and a foundation moving leadership degree programs forward

Majoring in Leadership: A Review of Undergraduate Leadership Degree Programs

The purpose of this qualitative study was to compare and contrast the leadership major in identified programs from universities in the United States. This was done in an attempt to develop a foundation for the leadership discipline. Utilizing interviews, surveys, websites, and evaluation of school materials as data sources, an initial list of 70 schools was narrowed to 15 upon examination of their academic curricula. A thorough evaluation of these 15 leadership degree programs was then conducted. Noticeable differences included varied school sizes, host departments, and credit hour requirements. Other inconsistencies included the focus of the program, the major scholars evident within the curricula, and the disparity between theory versus skill development. Recommendations include further study of other leadership programs across the nation, examination of leadership graduates in the workforce, and collaboration among leadership programs nationwide