Develop the skills to inspire, collaborate, and create change. The Leadership Minor at Michigan Tech prepares you to lead with confidence in any field or community.
Leadership isn’t just about holding a title — it’s about learning how to bring people together, solve complex problems, and make a meaningful impact. The Leadership Minor, an Essential Education Minor, gives you the tools, experiences, and mindset to do exactly that.
Students in the minor explore leadership from multiple perspectives: teamwork and communication, ethical decision-making, intercultural understanding, and systems thinking. Students are encouraged to pair the coursework with hands-on opportunities that let them put theory into practice — whether that’s through leading student organizations, guiding a design team in Enterprise, managing a service-learning project, or coordinating community partnerships. For example, past students have facilitated workshops for local nonprofits, worked with international partners on sustainability initiatives, and mentored peers across campus.
What makes this program stand out is its focus on authentic, experiential learning. You won’t just study leadership in the classroom — you’ll live it. The Leadership Minor encourages you to reflect on your own style and strengths, practice adaptability in real-world contexts, and graduate with a portfolio of experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead.
Why Minor in Leadership?
Leadership is in demand everywhere — in engineering firms, healthcare systems, nonprofits, startups, and global corporations. Employers seek graduates who can manage projects, build effective teams, and communicate across boundaries. No matter your career path, this minor shows future employers and collaborators that you are prepared to step up, take initiative, and make things happen.
Who Should Enroll?
The Leadership Minor is an excellent fit for students in any major who want to strengthen their ability to work with others and guide change. Engineering students may use the minor to hone project management and team-building skills. Business and economics majors can sharpen their organizational leadership and communication strategies. Students in health sciences, education, or social sciences will gain valuable insight into community engagement and ethical leadership.
Whether you see yourself leading a technical team, running a nonprofit, starting your own company, or becoming a changemaker in your community, this minor equips you with the skills and experiences to thrive.
What Courses Will You Take?
In the Leadership Minor, your courses will focus on building skills like decision-making, communication, team management, and ethics. You’ll also complete a 3-credit Essential Education Experience, where you put your leadership into practice through a hands-on project that creates meaningful change.
