The Minor in Leadership Studies

The CSLD utilizes a cross-disciplinary approach to leadership education at URI. Leadership is an ever changing discipline with theoretical roots in education, psychology, business, communication studies and in human development.  Therefore, our approach to teaching leadership within the leadership minor has to be unique.

At URI, we are among only a handful of colleges and universities in the nation that offer a Minor in Leadership Studies.  Ours is worth taking a look at because we offer:

Access: Any student, in any major, can enroll in an introductory course.

Approach: All courses utilize a variety of teaching methods but ultimately include some form of experiential learning, practical application, and reflective learning.

Achievement:  Employers, now more than ever, are seeking candidates with exceptional skills in the areas of interpersonal and group management, problem solving, critical thinking and effective communication.  We can help with all of the above.

Advising:  Our staff, advisory board members, and alumni are available to work with students and groups throughout the year.  Let us get to know you, and your strengths, in order to get you on the right path at URI.

Ultimately, we seek to bridge these areas – through research and education, training, developmental opportunities, and experiential learning opportunities – in order to offer each student an individualized approach to leadership development.

Undergraduate students at URI may declare a minor in Leadership Studies once they have successfully completed an introductory course (see core requirements below). Students are encouraged to their major academic advisor of their declared minor to assist in the advising process. Enrollment occurs after an advising appointment with a CSLD staff member, who will serve as a minor advisor, and facilitate students progress through the minor and help ensure that minor requirements are fulfilled.

Requirements may be satisfied by completing 18 or more credits related to leadership. Twelve of the 18 required credits must be at the 200 level of instruction or above. A course grade of "C" or better must be earned in each graded course. At least 12 of the credits must be earned at URI. Please see the full description below.

All seniors graduating with the Leadership Studies minor are required to meet with the current Assistant Director prior to their last semester at URI in order to complete the minor audit form. An audit form must be filed in your academic dean's office and are available in the CSLD office.