Leadership and Professional Studies

Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Welcome to Leadership and Professional Studies

  

The Leadership and Professional Studies Department offers three distinct types of learning: a Bachelor of Science in Leadership Studies focused on leadership and management development, a certificate pathway program for community college students supporting degree completion, and the LeaderU Challenge, a competency-based initiative designed to prepare professionals to navigate change with confidence.

 Group of students using laptops sitting at a long table

Our Goal

We want to provide students with the necessary performance leadership tools to help them succeed in their future career. The curriculum will help students build on their academic success and life skills and help them transfer these skills into the community. Students will build their brand by learning self, team, and organizational leadership concepts. Students are expected to participate in community service, be a positive role model, network, and manage their reputation.

The Leadership Studies degree works for those who want a degree plan that best fits their career choices in management. In partnership with FranklinCovey®, the world’s most trusted leadership development company, the Leadership Studies degree is made up of an essentials management course, five leadership courses and four professional development courses that will enhance your career goals. The management and leadership courses are offered as hybrid courses in a 8-week term.

Certificate Program

The Leadership and Professional Studies Department has also formed an innovative partnership with Lamar State College-Orange where LSCO students may continue their education toward the Bachelor of Science in Leadership Studies from LSCO campus. (More partnerships to come!)

LeaderU Challenge: Navigating Change with Confidence (Professional Development)

The LeaderU Challenge is designed to develop essential leadership competencies for thriving in a changing environment. It emphasizes how leaders can leverage technology to augment human skills, drive ethical adoption, and foster resilient teams amid a rapidly evolving workplace. Each professional development competency is is organized into four key categories that allow you to earn Lamar University course credit and a FranklinCovey Certificate: Personal Leadership, Personal Effectiveness, Winning Culture, and Strategic Execution.

History

  • The Leadership Studies program was developed in partnership with FranklinCovey®, the world’s most trusted leadership development company, which works with Fortune 500 companies and global clients. The program was implemented for Fall 2025 semester during the 2025-2026 catalog year. The Department of Leadership Studies houses the Bachelor of Science in Leadership Studies and Bachelor of Science in University Studies. The Leadership Studies degree is offered on-campus as a hybrid program. 

Program Goals

  • Increase number of Franklin Covey Leadership Certificates awarded to Leadership Studies majors
  • Create Leadership Portfolio for Personal and Professional Presentation
  • Optimize Networking Opportunities and Experiences  
  • Develop Leadership Studies as a Field of Study 

What Can You Expect?

  • Learn to adapt and grow principle-centered leadership skills by engaging directly with peers, challenges, and real-world scenarios.

  • Cultivate and refine lifelong habits to help navigate complex individual, team, and organizational challenges.

  • Learn and practice servant leadership and coaching through classroom, campus, and community engagement.