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Academics

The Leadership Minor consists of 4 (3 credit) core courses, all of which are required to complete the program:

*Registering under PA or EDPA will get you into the same class.

PA 1961W /EdPA 1301W (Personal Leadership in the University)

PA 3961/ EdPA 3302 (Leadership in the Community)

PA 3971/ EdPA 3402 (the Field Experience)

PA 4961W / EdPA 4303W (Leadership in the World)
+ 5 credits of Electives

Class Descriptions and Instructions:

• PA 1961W /EdPA 1301W (Personal Leadership in the University) is the first core course in the minor sequence. Typically, students of freshman and sophomore status register for this course, however, any student who plans to pursue the Minor, even those who are juniors or seniors, must complete this course before registering for PA 3961/ EdPA 3302.

• In this required first course for the Leadership Minor students examine their own views of leadership, explore the differences between personal and positional leadership, study the characteristics of other student leaders within the University and learn about becoming an effective personal leader.

• PA 3961/ EdPA 3302 (Leadership in the Community) is the next course in the sequence. This year should also be dedicated to expanding your leadership/service/ involvement. We encourage you to study abroad!

• In this course, students examine leadership from a multidimensional and multicultural perspective. Students critically examine their own perceptions about leadership, explore multiple leadership theories and philosophies, and apply knowledge through experiential leadership contexts such as Public Achievement. Students work in teams on a group-selected leadership project.

• PA 3971/ EdPA 3402 (the Field Experience). THIS IS WHEN YOU DECLARE THE MINOR! This is a very exciting and individualized course that allows students to gain real-world leadership experience through a semester long leadership project.  You will lead middle and high school students through their own Public Achievement projects.

• In this course students apply and integrate leadership theory in a leadership experience grounded within the community. Working with an adviser, students lead high school and middle school school students through their own Public Achievement projects. Students are challenged to think critically about their leadership roles, their personal and professional leadership, and the overall concept of leadership.

• PA 4961W / EdPA 4303W (Leadership in the World) is the final capstone course for the Leadership Minor and can be taken anytime after you complete the field experience.

• This course is the capstone academic experience in the Undergraduate Leadership Minor sequence. The focus is on learning that has been developed in earlier leadership courses: leadership theory, community building, social change, and interdisciplinary approaches to complex global issues. Students critically examine issues from a global and systems perspective.

• To complete the minor, students must take 5 credits of elective leadership courses. Elective courses must expose and challenge students to explore the concept of leadership and must meet the identified learner outcomes of the minor. One elective course must be 3000-level or above. ANY study abroad experience will count as your 5 credits of electives regardless of the study abroad credit load. To view a list of current electives please click on the link below.

• Elective List
• If you do not see a course on this list that you believe should count as an elective, please e-mail us at lead@umn.edu and we will review the class with you. In your email please attach the syllabus and a one page description explaining why this course should be added.