Majoring in Leadership: Issues of Consistency and Credibility

Uncovering common elements among undergraduate leadership degree programs

“…Potential participants were identified from the list of programs provided by Greenleaf et al (2017), listings in the National Clearinghouse for Leadership Programs and programs identified from members of the Association of Leadership Educators (ALE). Further, the researchers conducted internet searches using key words related to bachelor's degree programs in leadership to find additional programs not listed in the other sources.…”

“…Martin and Allen (2016) stated that this interdisciplinary approach to the study and practice of leadership results in an inconsistent approach to scholarship in the field. It is further reflected by the fact that major degree programs in leadership education vary greatly in title, discipline placement and credit hour requirements (Greenleaf, Kastle, Sramek, & Brungardt, 2018). Despite these inconsistencies, there are an increasing number of institutions offering bachelor's degrees and minors in leadership (Leupold, 2019;Diallo & Gerhardt, 2017).…”

“…While Brungardt et al (2006) offered an examination of courses based on broad based categories, very little research explores the similarities in coursework regardless of which discipline houses the program. Brungardt et al (2006), sought to examine common program outcomes and themes among 15 organizational leadership major programs and subsequent work by Greenleaf, Kastle, Arensdorf, Whitaker, and Sramek (2017), studied the nature and scope of leadership programs at 45 institutions.…”

“…Specifically, Brungardt et al (2006) examined program outcomes and themes as well as categorized curriculum offerings into six categories: (1) theories/history; (2) skills/behaviors, (3) context courses; (4) issues courses; (5) practicum; and (6) support courses) of 15 programs. In comparison, Greenleaf et al (2017) primarily focused on the title of majors and degree type.…”

“…Building upon the work of Brungardt et al (2006) and Greenleaf et al (2017), this study examined undergraduate degree programs at 63 institutions. This research also found commonalities in specific course offerings required for degree completion.…”