Public Leadership Minor

The Minor in Public Leadership will allow students to examine pressing issues (the global environment, democratization and human rights, crime and the penal system, diversity and affirmative action, poverty and inequality, and the quality of public education) facing leaders and will direct students to think critically about the viable solutions needed to solve problems which require effective leadership for the public good. In order to meet this need, the School proposes a Minor to engage students in learning about leadership for the public good and effective citizenship. Additionally, the Minor will serve as a feeder for the School’s graduate program.

What is required within the Public Leadership Minor?
Requirements:15 approved credits, at least 9 of which are 300- or 400-level. All courses taken for a minor must be completed with a minimum grade of C-. A minimum C (2.00) cumulative grade point average across all courses used to satisfy the minor is also required. Notes: No more than 6 credits may overlap between your major and the Public Leadership Minor, unless otherwise approved by your major. Additionally, courses completed in one minor may not be used to satisfy the requirements in another minor.

At least 3 credits from one of the following Anchor courses:
PUAF 201 Leadership for the Common Good; (3 credits): Two hours of lecture and one hour of discussion/recitation per week. This course is designed to provide undergraduate students an introduction to leadership theory and civic studies and a chance to practice a core set of practical skills relevant to various kinds or leadership, such as transformational and collaborative leadership.

PUAF302 Leadership: Philosophy, Policy and Praxis; (3 credits): Leadership as a search for meaning, identity and purpose are explored. Also introduces major philosophical traditions, from the ancient world to the modern one, and encourages students to ground their leadership interests and aspirations in a disciplined process of self-reflection, critical thinking and inquiry.

The remaining 12 credits will be split among two signature courses and two elective courses. A credit-bearing experiential learning option for which a grade is earned, e.g., internship, study abroad, research project, etc. can count as part of the remaining 12 credits. The experiential learning option must be linked to public leadership and approved in advance. Click here to view the list of approved courses.

Any questions? Stop by our office hours 10:00 to 3:00, Monday and Thursday, at 1118B Taliaferro Hall or email plminor@umd.edu

How do I apply?

1. Complete the application, save it, and email it to plminor@umd.edu.

2. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.