Applied Leadership Certificate

Rooted in the Simmons Leadership Philosophy, this academic certificate provides students with both leadership curricular content and applied leadership and reflection learning experiences to support students’ capacity to become effective leaders in any personal or professional environment they are in. Related coursework will focus on theories of leadership, personal leadership formation, inclusive leadership practices, and group dynamics.

Through a combination of reflection, training, application, and skill-building, students who complete this certificate will be able to apply their learning to active leadership roles while on campus in a way that prepares them to serve as leaders post-matriculation. The Applied Leadership Certificate completion will be noted on a students’ transcript.

Program Outcomes

• Transferable skills
• Learning in a community of peers
• Applied Leadership Experience
• Focus on growth as a leader in many dimensions
• Career Preparation
• Access to extra-curricular leadership opportunities

Co-Curricular Pathway Overview

• 13-Credit Hour Academic Certificate
• Provides students with both leadership curricular content and applied leadership and reflection learning experiences
• Through a combination of reflection, training, application, and skill-building, students who complete this certificate will be able to apply their learning to active leadership roles while on campus in a way that prepares them to serve as leaders post-matriculation.

Required Coursework

• Bus 244 Introduction to Leadership (4 credits): This introductory course examines foundational leadership theories while critically exploring how gender and racial identity shape leadership experiences across different contexts and industries.
• DEIJ Requirement (PLAN KCA, 4 credits): Courses with a DEIJ designation provide students opportunities to build skills in the areas of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice that can be deployed in organizations, professions, and society.
• Sim R01 Personal Leadership Formation (1 credit, 7 weeks): This course designed to help students develop an understanding of themselves as leaders by focusing on their core values.
• Sim R02 Interpersonal Leadership (1 credit, 7 weeks): This course will support students in developing essential interpersonal skills that are key to leadership development, including relationship management and communication.
• Sim R03 Leadership in Teams/Organizations (1 credit, 7 weeks): This course will provide a comprehensive exploration of essential skills needed for successful collaboration in team and organizational environments.
• Sim R04 Leadership in Communities (2 credits, 14 weeks): This final course equips students with the essential leadership skills to create a positive impact on society through service and justice.
• Applied Leadership Experience (0 credits): Students are required to serve (or make a plan to serve) in a leadership role as part of the certificate.

Examples of Applied Learning

• Bridge Mentor
• Resident Advisor
• Orientation Leader
• Betsy’s Friend
• Simmons Academic Mentor
• Team Leader (ASB, SWSG, Athletics)
• SGA - eBoard and Senate
• Wellness Ambassador
• Barbara Lee Fellowship
• Explore Peer Leader
• Peer Career Advisor
• Student Organization E-board
• Learning Assistant
• Bonner Leader
• Relevant work experience considered

Eligibility

• Open to all matriculated undergraduate students! If students cannot complete the certificate, they are still welcome to enroll in any of the Reflection courses.
• Current first-years and sophomores can complete the certificate in 4-6 semesters; Rising juniors can complete the program in 4 semesters.
• Expectation of applied leadership experience at Simmons
  • First years can join without any prerequisites. Second and third year students need to have had a leadership experience to be able to join. 
• Fill out the paperwork below if you are interested in joining:
  • Applied Leadership Certificate advising sheet
  • Declaration document