Leadership and organization studies is an interdisciplinary program that provides education for and about leadership, emphasizing education for life as well as preparation for work. The LOS program deepens students' awareness about what leadership really is (principles and practices) and what it is not (authority or position). Classroom learning and theory are supplemented with experiential exercises, case studies, and fieldwork so that students' actual capacities to be effective in real life situations are enhanced. This nationally-recognized program is particularly appropriate for students who care about people and the social aspects of organizations, who share a deep commitment to the ideal of service, and who are inspired to make a positive difference in the world through their work. Since the program is interdisciplinary and incorporates numerous GE requirements, it can be easily added as a minor tailored to a student's personalized educational and career goals whether in the profit, public, or non-profit sector.

In alignment with the university's general education requirements and objectives, the program develops six principal learning outcomes:

1. An understanding of leading as a way of serving (servant-leadership)
2. Written and oral communication ability
3. Critical thinking
4. An understanding of the broader social and historical forces which shape human behavior in organizations
5. An appreciation for human diversity and how to develop effective teams
6. Ethical practice and social responsibility

For more detailed information, see the following links:

Leadership and Organization Studies Major (Catalog years 2000–2007 only)
Leadership and Organization Studies Minor
Leadership Studies General Education Cluster

What Chapman University students and alumni are saying about the Leadership Studies Program:

"The Organizational Leadership program expanded my mind and career potential. I apply what I learned daily, personally and professionally. I am very thankful to Chapman, the Organizational Leadership staff and faculty, and my fellow O.L. peers for giving me a lifetime of valuable learning and experiences."
~ Erin (Rybacek) McAuley, Change Management Manager, CISCO Worldwide Manufacturing, BA Organizational Leadership, Class of 1998

"The main highlights [of the program] were the diversity, service learning, and team development. I feel like I learned important skills and developed a focus in my life and what is important to me. I also believe I've gained the skills to lead and develop teams, while understanding and appreciating the diversity (and skills) of others."
Anonymous, BA Leadership & Organization Studies, Class of 2007

"My most beneficial [experience was] when we went on retreats. It was something different about learning in that atmosphere. I remember that we went on a retreat with the graduate students and there was so much that I learned there that I would never have grasped in the classroom."
~ Cecilie Maeda, BA Organizational Leadership, Class of 2003

"The Leadership Program helped me develop into the person I am today. It not only helped me grow as a person, but enhanced my student life and athletic career while at Chapman University. It provides students with the necessary tools to become successful in life."
~ Casey Tom, BA Leadership & Organization Studies, Class of 2007 Former Captain of the Chapman University Football Team

"The skills that I acquired and honed in the program are exactly the ones that set me apart from other applicants for my current job. The ability to lead, inspire and work with people as a team to reach a goal is quite possibly the most rewarding part of my life."
~ Heidi Martin Quirk, BA Organizational Leadership, Class of 2001