Bachelor of Science in Applied Leadership Studies
Bachelor of Science in Applied Leadership Studies
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Leadership Studies (BSLS) degree introduces and immerses learners in understanding leadership as a discipline and practice, while cultivating durable, 21st Century Skills that are in high demand. Courses are designed to bridge theory + experience + reflection, allowing learners to apply real-world experience to the classroom. Lessons learned can be immediately applied, building practical skills and knowledge for success in both the modern workplace and contemporary life.
An Individualized, Integrated Leadership Curriculum
Leadership is not just what you know - it's who you are. The BSLS develops the leader within through an integrative approach that focuses on the student, their life, and their leadership. The BSLS emphasizes integration at multiple levels: integrating the knowledge and experiences adult learners bring to the program, the integrated nature of leadership in practice, and the integration of learning experiences with real-world personal and professional goals. Paired with the top in-demand skills, the BSLS utilizes a leadership framework for developing leaders prepared to navigate today's dynamic environments.
The Five Cs of Leadership Framework:
- CHARACTER (who the leader is): Physical and psychological aspects of individual; self-awareness; self-management.
- COMMUNICATION (how the leader interacts): Sending and receiving information, verbally and non-verbally.
- CONNECTION (how the leader cultivates and manages relationships): Enabling groups to work together in meaningful ways.
- CONTEXT (when and where leadership occurs): Cultural, organizational, physical, and psychological environments in which one leads.
- CONTENT (what the leader knows): Knowledge, understanding, and skills to effectively lead.
Student Learning Outcomes
The BSLS curriculum is intentionally designed to observe, develop, and enrich program outcomes in our students. Throughout the program, students shape, articulate, and document their progress towards achievement of each Goal and Learning Outcome, independent of where, when, or how the learning was acquired.
All BSLS students upon completion of the program will:
- Explain the need for ethical, responsible leadership.
- Apply communication skills to influence the leadership process with a variety of audiences in various contexts.
- Demonstrate understanding of the interconnectedness between and within groups and organizations.
- Justify the importance of continuous development and lifelong learning in accomplishing personal and professional leadership development goals.
- Utilize leadership knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies (KSACs) to creatively solve real-world problems.
BSLS Contact Information
To learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Applied Leadership Studies Degree, contact Jessica Swisher, Assistant Director, Success Initiatives jswisher@unomaha.edu
BSALS Degree Requirements
To obtain a Bachelor of Science in Applied Leadership Studies, students must fulfill the university, college, and program requirements, including:
- A minimum of 120 credit hours, with at least 30 earned at UNO.
- A minimum of 30 credit hours in upper level (3000- or 4000-level) coursework; at least 12 credit hours in the major must be earned at UNO.
- Overall cumulative GPA of at least 2.00, calculated based on all coursework in the University of Nebraska (NU) system.
- Grades of C- or better are required in the University General Education MavEd courses and in major coursework (Foundations, Capstone, and Leadership Competencies and Context blocks).
TOTAL HOURS (MINIMIUM): 120
Bachelor of Science in Applied Leadership Studies Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS - 34 Hours Required | ||
| Minimum of “C-“required | ||
| Fundamental Skills | 15 | |
Writing - 6 hrs. | ||
| ENGLISH COMPOSITION I | ||
| COLLEGE RESEARCH AND INFORMATION LITERACY | ||
Oral Communication – 3 hrs. | ||
| PUBLIC SPEAKING FUNDS | ||
or CMST 2120 | ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE | |
Quantitative Literacy – 3 hrs. | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO MATHEMATICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL THINKING | ||
or MATH 1130 | QUANTITATIVE LITERACY | |
or MATH 1140 | QUANTITATIVE REASONING FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS | |
or MATH 1300 | COLLEGE ALGEBRA WITH SUPPORT | |
Data Literacy – 3 hrs. | ||
Select one from the following: | ||
| DATA LITERACY AND VISUALIZATION | ||
| ELEMENTARY STATISTICS | ||
Until Fall 2028, students can satisfy this requirement with an approved data literacy course, or any approved natural or social science general education course. | ||
| Breadth of Knowledge | 13 | |
Social Science – 3 hrs. | ||
Humanities – 3 hrs. | ||
Natural & Physical Science (must complete a lab) – 4 hrs. | ||
Arts – 3 hrs. | ||
| Individual and Social Responsibility | 6 | |
Cultural Knowledge – 3 hrs. | ||
Civic Knowledge and Engagement – 3 hrs. | ||
| MAJOR REQUIREMENTS - 36 Hours Required | ||
| **Course will satisfy UNO's General Education requirement | ||
| ^Course requires pre-requisite(s) | ||
| Foundations and Capstone Requirement | 6 | |
APLD 3000 | Leadership Foundations Seminar | |
APLD 4000 | Capstone Application Seminar | |
| APLD 3000 Applied Foundations Seminar will serve as the foundational course for the degree and APLD 4000 Applied Capstone Seminar will serve as the culminating experience of the degree, providing students with the opportuntity to develop, apply, and reflect on their leadership knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies at the beginning and end of the program. | ||
| Leadership Competencies Block | 12 | |
| All of the following: | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO INTEGRATED LEADERSHIP (^) | ||
| LEADERSHIP ETHICS IN PRACTICE | ||
| SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP (**) | ||
| STRATEGIC PLANNING | ||
| Leadership Context Block | 18 | |
| The 15 hours of credit may come from coursework to provide a breadth of knowledge or allow a learner to build a deep understanding of leadership in one area of focus. Recommended coursework can come from advisor approved courses focusing on the 5 C’s of Leadership: Content, Character, Communication, Connection, and Context or courses focusing on in-demand workplace skills and competencies: Analytical Reasoning, Applied Communication, Global/Intercultural Fluency, Innovation & Creative Thinking, Sales & Service Orientation, Teamwork & Collaboration, or Career Management. | ||
| Undergraduate minor or certificate coursework may be applied with approval. | ||
| ELECTIVES | ||
| Elective hours as required to reach a total of 120 hours | ||