Bachelor of Science
Leadership Degree
Develop your strengths and learn how to empower others based on your unique leadership identity.
Leadership Degree
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 history. 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
Courses
What You’ll Learn
Graduates of the Bellevue University Bachelor of Science in Leadership Degree will be able to:
- Consider the multidisciplinary foundations of leadership studies in various contexts.
- Integrate leadership principles and research at the individual, group, and organizational levels of analysis.
- Apply leadership theories and models to diagnosis leader-follower issues and recommend appropriate ethical processes to address these issues.
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.
(Click a course name below to view course details) Unless noted, all courses are 4 credit hours.
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. 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
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.
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).
Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students with financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.
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.
Get credit for what you’ve earned.
Accelerate your path to earning a degree.
Thanks to our generous credit transfer policy, you can avoid retaking the classes you’ve already completed, and chip away at the credit requirements you need to complete your degree.
- Already have an associate degree? You could accelerate your bachelor's degree completion. Transfer your full associate degree or even your A.A.S.*
- You may be able to get credit for your military experience and training.
Finish Faster
*Acceptance of transfer credits is always subject to official transfer credit evaluation by Bellevue University.
Format
100% Online learning that works for your life and your goals.
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.
On-campus classes offered on a convenient schedule.
If you prefer an in-person learning experience, our Omaha-area campus offers classes that accommodate the working professional’s schedule.
Graduate with a built-in network.
Take one class at a time and get to know a consistent group of peers as you earn your leadership degree. The accelerated cohort path will allow you to share expertise from your varied backgrounds and gain knowledge that makes you a better professional.
Tuition & Financial Aid
It’s more affordable than you think.
Earning a degree is an investment in yourself, and we want to help you make sure it’s a wise one with a generous credit transfer policy and competitive tuition rates.
2024 / 2025 Academic Year
$449 Online Cost Per Credit $339 In-Class Cost Per Credit (Daytime Residential Only) $250 Military Preferred Cost Per Credit
(Additional fees may apply to individual courses within your major requirements)
Only pay for the credits you need.
Talk to us about our generous credit transfer policy so you can make more of the credits you’ve already earned count toward your degree.
Get help with financial aid.
Our counselors will guide you to find a financial aid plan that works for you. Explore all the ways to help pay for your degree.
Military Preferred (Active Duty and Spouses Only)
Degree-seeking active-duty members of the U.S. Military, National Guard, Reserve, and Coast Guard, and their spouses, with proof of status, are eligible for a special tuition rate of $250 per credit hour for all undergraduate, certificate, and certificate of completion programs as they work towards their degree. Not able to be combined with other special rates, Guild or Campus@Work funding.
You can afford to become the leader you want to be. We’ll help make it happen.
Admissions
Removing barriers to the education you deserve.
College is challenging, but getting in shouldn’t be. We have simplified our requirements for admission and we do not require entrance exam scores like the ACT or SAT—so you can get on track to achieving your goals. Here’s how it will go:
Prior to beginning the cohort-based online Leadership Degree, you must possess an associate degree or 60 semester hours completed with a grade of "C-" or higher from an accredited institution of higher learning. If you do not meet this requirement, speak with admissions about how you can build your credits directly with Bellevue University.
To be admitted to Bellevue University, provide proof of high school completion. We accept the following forms of documentation:
- Official high school transcript
- GED certificate
- Homeschool letter of completion
- Certificate demonstrating that the student has passed a state authorized examination recognized by the state in which it is awarded — equivalent to a high school diploma.
- Self-certification on application.
You’ll just need to complete the application and submit the following:
- Official high school transcripts or proof of high school completion
- If applicable, official transcripts from any college or university you previously attended
- A one-time $50 application fee
- Note:
- International students must provide a few extra documents. See international student bachelor admissions details.
- Students applying for a cohort-based major must possess an associate degree or 60 semester hours completed with a grade of "C-" or higher from an accredited institution of higher learning. If you do not meet this requirement, you can build your credits directly with Bellevue University.
Short on time? You can start the application and save your progress as you go. Start your application >
You'll just need to create an account and complete a pre-application to Bellevue University through Guild. Once you receive confirmation that your pre-application to Bellevue University has been approved, you'll need to complete the required steps to get fully accepted and registered. These include:
- Submitting transcripts from past institutions
- Completing the FAFSA, per your employer's benefit requirement
If you’re transferring from another institution of higher education, you must submit an official transcript from each accredited institution you previously attended. Here are a few details to note:
- A transcript can be emailed securely to [email protected] or by mail. It is required to be sent directly from the issuing institution to Bellevue University's Office of the Registrar to be considered an official document. Please check with previous institution for available sending options.
- Applicants who submit an official transcript which reflects a two-year degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution are not required to show proof of high school completion.
- Transcripts must be submitted even if credits were not earned at the previous institution or if transfer credit is not granted.
Ready to get started?
Reach out to admissions.
- Get your questions answered about the Leadership Degree
- Understand your financial aid and scholarship options
- Map out a schedule that fits with your priorities
