Leadership and Social Change Minor

The Leadership and Social Change minor introduces students to the academic study of leadership and provides them with interdisciplinary skills to solve complex societal issues at the local, national, and international levels. While engaging in the study of leadership, students will also learn about the Social Change Model of Leadership Development created specifically for college students. This model helps students understand themselves (individual values), how to work with others (group values), and how to better serve their communities (society values). In this process, students will not only learn about leadership but will also answer the question: leadership for what?

For more information, email Dr. Austin Council.

Why do it?

What field, major, discipline or career doesn’t need leadership? Students completing the Leadership and Social Change minor will leave Virginia Tech with skills and experiences that prepare them to lead across a variety of domains. Through the exploration and application of the language, theories, ethics, and competencies of leadership, as well as intentional time spent reflecting and developing these areas, students will be well positioned to effect change within both their personal and professional communities. Connected to the larger university goals, the Leadership and Social Change minor pushes students to embody the Virginia Tech motto of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Check out the student podcasts below to hear about what you will do and learn in the minor:

• Valluri, Computer Engineering Networking and Cybersecurity, 2023
• Zumbro, Marketing Management, 2023
• Petrulis, Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2023
• Deegan, Psychology, 2023
• Wilkes, Sports Media and Analytics, 2023
• Kothari, Computer Engineering, 2023
• Waters, Multimedia Journalism, 2023

Who is it for?

The Leadership and Social Change minor is open to students from all majors, particularly those seeking to lead or serve others as an agent of change in their future academic, professional, and/or civic life.

Requirements

The 19-credit-hour minor in Leadership and Social Change includes a required 3-hour introductory course, 6 hours of leadership electives, 9 hours of electives in social change elements (3 credits from each of three groups: communicating individual values, understanding group values, and supporting community/societal values), and a required 1-hour capstone course.

To add the minor, visit this link and scroll down to the "Add or Drop Minor in CALS" button.

This minor is hosted by the Department of Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education in collaboration with numerous departments across Virginia Tech.