Leadership Studies
College of Business
Location: Lincoln, Crete, Online
Degree Type: Undergraduate
The Leadership Studies Degree program is taught by faculty and instructors who are directly in the field in leadership positions. Students start on a similar path as other students. They learn theory to start, but after the first course, their course structure changes dramatically. Students engage in groups with simulated problems in their second course. Challenges in a business or non-profit, or potential a scenario where they are working through something completely new (like being in space!).
After these simulated experiences, students complete a civic engagement opportunity in their culminating leadership course. Most of these opportunities are with non-profits in the local community, letting students see how they can enact real change in their communities and beyond.
Leadership Studies Minor
Leadership Studies Certificate
Special Features
Special Scholarships with the Directions Program.
Under the helpful links category is the Directions scholarship! Incoming first-year residential students have the chance to apply for one of 40 coveted spots in the Directions cohort. Directions students receive a yearly $1,000 scholarship, live in suite-style housing, meet with a peer-mentor, take leadership courses, and complete community service projects across their 4 years at Doane.
The Leadership Studies program offers both a minor and certificate. For students, this offers flexibility not only to focus on leadership, but also additional minors.
The Leadership Studies minor and certificate can be completed entirely online, although students have the option to complete several courses with an in-person component as part of the directions cohort.
Faculty and Staff
Skills Development
Roughly ¼ (26%) of 2023 Leadership Studies graduates go into a graduate program after earning their Bachelor’s degree. Graduate programs include nursing, school psychology, and biological sciences.
91% of graduates in 2023 say they use more analytical, creative, and effective thinking skills when considering issues and problems.
91% of graduates in 2023 say they communicate in a manner that is more purposeful, context appropriate, and conveys a clear message.
96% of graduates in 2023 say they are better able to articulate the knowledge and skills needed for future personal and professional development.
Job Placement
78% of graduates in 2023 were not seeking employment (i.e., they are employed, in graduate school, etc.)
Jobs of 2023 graduates:
- Operations Manager
- Senior Investment Associate
- Technology Assurance Associate
- Human Resource Manager
Places of Employment for 2023 graduates:
- KPMG
- RBC Wealth Management
- Reliant Transportation
- Scoular Grain Marketing
- TMCA
- Ironhide Construction
2023 graduates will work in Nebraska and Iowa
The Doane Difference
When asked, "What one thing significantly helped your ability to complete your Doane experience?" students answered:
- "Being able to build a relationship with my professors."
- "The helpfulness of all staff from instructors to administrators. All are very encouraging and willing to help."
- "Having the appropriate resources when I needed. Someone was always available and quick with responding and/or helping with any question I had."
Skyler Kelley
Students engage with multiple courses to widen their understanding and experiences as a leader. Students engage with community members, community leaders, and their own leadership style, changing that style through a variety of activities and theories. In Leadership 101, students reflect on their previous and current experiences as a leader, developing their own leadership philosophy that matches their desired degree or future career.
Students are asked to reflect on their own personal and professional leadership lens as they complete activities within the program. This allows them to blend their work in other classes, as well as in extracurricular activities to become better leaders.
In Leadership 201, students engage with multiple high-ranking leaders within the community, such as non-profit directors and city mayors to gain perspective on local issues. In turn, they use these experiences to reflect on their own pathway, and how they can become effective leaders in their personal and professional lives.
Our department knows students are seen as leaders from day one on campus. Between academics, athletics, and co-curricular activities, students have to consistently rely on Leadership in their personal, professional and academic lives. In Leadership 401, students go out into their communities and engage in a service project. Students lead their groups to help better the community and build their leadership abilities.
Students engage with multiple courses to widen their understanding and experiences as a leader. Students engage with community members, community leaders, and their own leadership style, changing that style through a variety of activities and theories. In Leadership 101, students reflect on their previous and current experiences as a leader, developing their own leadership philosophy that matches their desired degree or future career.
Students are asked to reflect on their own personal and professional leadership lens as they complete activities within the program. This allows them to blend their work in other classes, as well as in extracurricular activities to become better leaders.
In Leadership 201, students engage with multiple high-ranking leaders within the community, such as non-profit directors and city mayors to gain perspective on local issues. In turn, they use these experiences to reflect on their own pathway, and how they can become effective leaders in their personal and professional lives.
Our department knows students are seen as leaders from day one on campus. Between academics, athletics, and co-curricular activities, students have to consistently rely on Leadership in their personal, professional and academic lives. In Leadership 401, students go out into their communities and engage in a service project. Students lead their groups to help better the community and build their leadership abilities.
