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online bachelor's degree of leadership

Focus on the ethics and application of leadership theories and practices.
Summer term classes start in June.

Connect in person with faculty and peers.

Earn your degree on your schedule

$459 per credit hour.

$250 military preferred cost per credit

127 total credit hours.

dig deep and grow your ability to inspire and lead.

In the on-campus or online Leadership degree program, you will explore a multidisciplinary approach to the study and practice of leadership – ranging from business and social science to psychology, philosophy and current events. As a leadership major, examine leaders and the process of guiding and inspiring a team, then use what you learn to recommend or apply appropriate ethical solutions in contexts relevant to your career.

Take one course at a time in an on campus or online leadership degree.

Transfer in with an associate degree (or at least 60 credits from a previous institution), and have the option of earning your leadership degree as part of an accelerated cohort.* The cohort offers a simplified study experience that involves registering once for courses at the beginning of the program and taking one course at a time with the same group of peers online—having more collaborative experiences and graduating with a stronger network to start your career.

Gain business leadership insights from expert faculty and a diverse group of peers.

In the accelerated cohort, the bachelor’s degree in leadership is enriched by the perspectives of classmates from different backgrounds. Together you’ll examine and discuss topics like:

  • Leadership and ethical decision-making
  • Appropriate application of personal power and influence
  • Social dynamics between leaders and followers
  • The importance of interpersonal and group dynamics
  • What makes communication effective

what you'll learn.

In this program, you’ll develop the self-awareness, communication skills, and leadership principles needed to lead effectively in personal, professional, and community settings.

upon graduation, students will be able to:
  • Define personal beliefs, behaviors, skills, and traits relative to prevailing studies of leadership.
  • Formulate guiding principles for personal, professional, and societal leadership roles.
  • Examine how various academic fields and disciplines interrelate with the study of leadership.
  • Develop interpersonal communication skills beneficial to leadership.
  • Cultivate intrapersonal skills for leadership.
Take the next step to advance your career.

Awards

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Bellevue Stories
Students in Bellevue University’s Bachelor of Science in Leadership (LDR) program learn that leadership should not be equated with position or title or wealth or fame, as often such factors result in a person thinking a leader deserves accolades just because. Rather, at the moment a leader believes they “deserve” anything is the moment that person begins to DE-serve others and thus ceases to be a leader. True leadership comes from the intentional day-to-day efforts of the individual who seeks to lead by serving others rather than being served.
Dr. David P. Byers, Professor

Leadership degree courses

Current students please login to BRUIN and select “Academic Progress” for your curriculum requirements.

Requirements (40 credit hours)

The courses in this cohort program are designed to be taken in order as listed. Their prerequisite is acceptance to the Leadership Accelerated Degree Completion Program.

This course prepares students for success in their academic and professional careers. The foundation for learning is established for professional skill development through practical experience. The foundation for learning is established for professional skill development through practical experience, a focus on communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and citizenship. Learner strengths are assessed and analytical, relational, and resilience skills are developed.

This course serves as an introduction to the leadership major by focusing on definitions of leadership, leader traits, leader behaviors, and the leadership process. These topics will provide a framework for the application of leadership theories and concepts to real life situations.

Focuses on developing leadership skills by exploring such topics as self-concept, self-esteem, personal values, time and stress management, conflict resolution, and gender issues. Self-assessments and personal reflection assignments will encourage students to examine leadership strengths and areas for development in self and others.

Examines how attitudes and actions in the workplace are influenced by personality, emotion, organizational structure, power, and politics. Classic research and writings on motivation, organizational culture, conflict, and group decision making will be used to inform the discussion and analysis of common issues in organizational behavior and performance.

Investigates the pressing ethical issues and decision-making problems facing contemporary leaders across all types of groups, organizations, and professions. Emphasis is on ethical approaches to problem solving, communication, and leading others. The impact of various leadership styles and situational factors on organizational ethics will also be presented.

Classic psychological studies of leadership will be presented to examine leader identity, influence, and the effects of power on leader personality and follower behavior. Special attention will be given to the mental states and social situations that cause followers to listen to leaders and take on the leader's vision as their own.

Using case studies from corporate and non-corporate settings, this course will analyze how extreme work teams and extreme individual leaders use successful leadership behaviors in situations that fall outside the norm.

Presents predominant global leadership theories and frameworks for applications in cross-cultural leadership situations. Topics include values and culture in organizations, power distance, individualism and collectivism, ethical standards in global leadership, and uncertainty avoidance.

This course integrates predominant leadership theories within case study analyses of notable military, religious, civil-rights, and business leaders. Through debate and discussion of the case studies and application of leadership theory, students will gain the knowledge to develop their own case studies to be used as a leadership development and training tool in groups or organizations.

Previous course material and learning insights will be applied to a portfolio project and presentation focused on a contemporary leadership issue in a group, organization, community or area of expertise.

Kirkpatrick Signature Series Requirements (9 credit hours)

In addition to the Major Requirements, all Bellevue University students must complete the Kirkpatrick Signature Series.

This course focuses on the political and philosophical traditions of the American republic, especially as embedded in the ideals, values, traditions, founding documents, and institutions of the United States , and considers how these traditions relate to individual citizenship and global society. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours

This course focuses on the creative tensions that exist between the forces of tradition and change as the country undergoes social, cultural, and political change. It considers the manner in which change can renew the vitality of a republic. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours

This course examines civic engagement in relation to individual freedoms and responsibilities. It fosters engaged citizens, empowered to effect positive change. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours

37
40
50

Integrative General Education Credits

Major Requirements Credits

Elective Credits

= 127 total credits*

General Education Courses

Take general education courses that do more than fill a requirement. At Bellevue University, these courses build foundational skills that apply to any career—critical thinking, qualitative reasoning, and ethical leadership. And, you can take courses individually or in course clusters, which connect three courses around one theme, building skills as you go.

About general education requirements >
Elective Courses

Our broad selection of electives allows you to select courses related to your major or expand your perspective in other areas of interest.

University Accreditation

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission ( hlcommission.org ), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students receiving financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.

Accreditation Information

This program is considered a non-licensure degree/certificate program and is not intended for those seeking licensure or the practice of licensed profession. This program may be relevant to multiple occupations that do not require licensure and was not designed to meet educational requirements for any specific professional license or certification.

*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.

learn on your own time, from anywhere.

Our flexible online courses are designed to bring quality learning into a format that fits your schedule, without sacrificing meaningful faculty feedback and collaboration with peers across the country. Stay on track with the help of your Student Coach — with you from day one to graduation.
Flexible schedule.

Study on your own time with courses designed to fit your busy life—whether you're working, raising a family, or serving in the military.

Reliable technical support.

Access 24/7 tech support to keep you connected and focused on learning, no matter where you are.

Dedicated online student support.

From coursework access and connectivity issues to tutoring and resume assistance, we've got you covered.

Engaging online learning.

Enjoy interactive courses designed for real-world application, with multimedia content, discussions, and hands-on projects.

nonprofit with national recognition

Whether you’re preparing for your next promotion or changing careers to better support your family, we offer more than 80 career-focused programs with 100% online and flexible learning options tailored to your needs.

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Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll Seal
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2024 Best Colleges For Vets Badge - Military Times Award

grow with faculty who’ve been where you are.

Learn from experienced educators who have established careers across diverse fields of study. Our instructors have worked with both prominent institutions and innovative organizations from around the world. Through their expertise, students will gain valuable insights and develop essential concepts and skills in their area of study.

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