Leadership and Social Change

Leadership & Social Change Minor

The Leadership and Social Change Minor (ILRM) offers students a theoretical foundation combined with the practical knowledge and skills necessary to lead in a complex global work environment. ILRM will be of interest to students planning to pursue a career in non-profit organizations, including governmental and non-governmental agencies with an agenda for social justice. The Leadership and Social Change minor embraces a commitment to diversity and an agenda for social change that crosses multiple program areas.

The Social Change Model:

Established in 1994, the Social Change Model approaches leadership as a purposeful, collaborative, and values-based process that results in positive social change. The model was built upon the following assumptions:

• Leadership is socially responsible; it impacts change on behalf of others
• Leadership is collaborative
• Leadership is a process, not a position
• Leadership is inclusive and accessible to all people
• Leadership is values-based
• Community involvement/service is a powerful vehicle for leadership

The model is sometimes called the “7Cs for Change” because it espouses seven values of leadership that occur on three dimensions with the goal of positive social change. Each dimension interacts with one another as shown in the model/graphic.

Admission Requirements for the minor:

The Leadership and Social Change minor is open to all Virginia Tech undergraduate students with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50. However, admission is competitive. Applications will be accepted each spring semester. The limit on the number of students admitted to the minor will be based on enrollment capacities in the two required courses:  LDRS 1015 and LDRS 4044.  Click here for the online application.

Completion Requirements for the minor:

The Leadership and Social Change minor requires satisfactory completion of course work from a leadership core and electives, social change electives, and a capstone project, for a total of 19 credit hours. At least six hours of course work need to be at the 3000 level or above. Specific selections and requirements within each area are provided within the check sheets for each graduation year. Links to current check sheets are posted in the right-hand column of this page.