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Leadership Education Standards

The following standards equate to an NLA-approved institution in the field of leadership education:

Curriculum Design:

A comprehensive and well-structured leadership curriculum that covers a wide range of relevant topics, such as strategic leadership, organizational behavior, ethics, communication, and decision-making.
Clear learning objectives and outcomes for each course or program, aligned with the development of essential leadership competencies.
Integration of both theoretical and practical components, including case studies, simulations, experiential learning opportunities, and real-world application of leadership principles.
Management-related coursework may sometimes be necessary to provide students with a broader understanding of organizational processes and practices. However, the management coursework of a leadership degree should not exceed 30% of the overall.

Core Leadership courses must be met:

Bachelor's Degree Program: Around 40-50% of the coursework should focus specifically on leadership principles and related topics. This includes foundational courses on leadership theory, leadership history, organizational behavior, communication, decision-making, ethics, etc.
Master's Degree Program: The core coursework in a master's program should heavily emphasize leadership principles and related topics. Approximately 60-70% of the coursework should be dedicated to core courses covering advanced leadership theory, organizational change, leadership ethics, global leadership, leadership development, and other specialized leadership subjects.
Doctoral Degree Program: The emphasis on leadership coursework must reach approximately 70-80% of the coursework and include advanced leadership courses, including in-depth studies of leadership theories, research methods, advanced organizational behavior, leadership in complex systems, and emerging trends in leadership.
Elective Courses or Concentrations: The bulk of elective courses or concentration areas should allow students to delve deeper into specific areas of leadership, such as sports, strategic, organizational, healthcare leadership, non-profit leadership, etc.
Research/Capstone: The remaining 10-20% should be dedicated to a research project, thesis, or capstone experience that demonstrates the application of leadership knowledge and skills.
Research and Dissertation: A significant portion of the program, around 20-30%, is dedicated to research and the completion of a dissertation. The program must also ensure contributions to the body of knowledge in leadership specifically.

Special Note: If the program aims to prepare students for roles requiring significant managerial responsibilities, a higher percentage of management coursework may be appropriate. Therefore, it may be wise to encourage the student to enter a management-based program.

Faculty Qualifications and Expertise:

Qualified and experienced faculty members with advanced degrees in leadership or related disciplines. Preferably a leaderologist (I or II), verified or not.
Demonstrated expertise in leadership theory, research, and practice.
Ongoing professional development to ensure currency with the latest trends and advancements in leadership theory and practice.

Assessment and Evaluation:

Robust assessment methods to evaluate student learning outcomes, such as exams, projects, presentations, and reflective assignments.
Regular program evaluation and continuous improvement processes based on feedback from students, alumni, employers, and other stakeholders.
Alignment with recognized accreditation standards or quality assurance frameworks specific to leadership education.

Industry Partnerships and Experiential Learning:

Collaboration with leadership industry leaders, organizations, or non-profit entities to provide students with opportunities for real-world leadership experiences, internships, or projects.
Encouragement of networking opportunities and exposure to leaders in various sectors through guest lectures, seminars, or conferences.
Recognition and incorporation of emerging trends, technological advancements, and global perspectives relevant to leadership practice.

Research and Scholarship:

Encouragement of faculty and student research in leadership studies, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
Publication opportunities and dissemination of research findings through conferences, journals, or other scholarly outlets.
Engagement with the broader leadership community through participation in conferences, forums, or collaborative initiatives.

These standards provide a starting point for criteria that an institution must meet to be considered an NLA-approved institution in leadership education. These criteria are reviewed and refined as necessary.

Updated: 5/29/23