Leadership and Management
As a student majoring or minoring in Leadership and Management, you will develop the skills and mindset for leading people, processes, and projects across all aspects of an organization. Study the effects of organizational change on managing people and achieving goals. To give you highly applicable, practical knowledge, we combine classroom studies with real project management work for a local organization. In addition to core business courses, you’ll take classes that teach you:
- Effective leadership from both individual and organizational perspectives
- The concepts and tools to establish an organization’s long-term vision and goals
- How to oversee and improve upon a company’s daily routines
- The role of the leader in leading organizational change and influencing systems
Our highly engaged faculty and small class sizes ensure that you receive plenty of individual attention, and your faculty advisor supports and guides your student journey. Forward-thinking, holistic, ethical leaders are needed in every organization, regardless of the industry. Prepare for your career in leadership at St. Thomas.
Program Overview
Course Requirements
All undergraduate business students are required to take liberal arts core curriculum courses, foundational and major-specific business courses, and allied courses from outside the College of Business in key areas such as economics, math, and statistics.
Leadership and Management Major Courses
The Leadership and Management minor is designed to provide majors from any discipline with an essential understanding of the skills and mindset for leading people, processes, and projects across all aspects of an organization. Students with a major in Leadership and Management or General Business cannot also receive a minor in Leadership and Management.
Four-Year Plan
Year 1
ACCT 100 Principles of Accounting I
BUSN 100 Business for the Common Good
ENTR 100 Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Begin allied courses in economics, math, and statistics
Year 2
ACCT 200 Principles of Accounting II
BETH 300 Ethical Principles in Business
BLAW 300 Law for Business Leaders I
BUSN 200 Business Learning Through Service
CISC 200 Intro to Computer Technology and Business Application
FINC 310 Core Financial Management
MGMT 200 Working Skillfully in Organizations
MKTG 200 Introduction to Marketing
OPMT 200 Operations and Supply Chain Management
STUDY ABROAD: Your second or third years are ideal for semester-long or short-term (January) international programs.
Years 3 & 4
As a junior and senior, you’ll take upper-level specialized courses specific to your chosen major, as well as business electives.
In addition to your major courses, you’ll also take interdisciplinary liberal arts courses in the throughout your four years.
Degree Awarded
Students who complete the required coursework receive a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Leadership and Management, or a Minor in Leadership and Management to complement their non-Leadership and Management major.
Tutoring
Your professor is always available to help you with your coursework. If you need extra help with your core courses in accounting, finance, or operations, free tutors are also available. Whether you’re stuck on an assignment or want help preparing for an exam, our tutors are always glad to work with you. You can schedule a 30-minute one-on-one appointment, or drop in during open hours.
Internships
St. Thomas maintains a large network of alumni and local business connections, which leads to real-world learning opportunities, internships and—oftentimes—employment after graduation. When you’re ready for an internship, the Career Development Center can help you find a position that supports your professional goals.
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
All undergraduate business students are required to take liberal arts core curriculum courses, foundational and major-specific business courses, and allied courses from outside the College of Business in key areas such as economics, math, and statistics.
Leadership and Management Major Courses
The Leadership and Management minor is designed to provide majors from any discipline with an essential understanding of the skills and mindset for leading people, processes, and projects across all aspects of an organization. Students with a major in Leadership and Management or General Business cannot also receive a minor in Leadership and Management.
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
Year 1
ACCT 100 Principles of Accounting I
BUSN 100 Business for the Common Good
ENTR 100 Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Begin allied courses in economics, math, and statistics
Year 2
ACCT 200 Principles of Accounting II
BETH 300 Ethical Principles in Business
BLAW 300 Law for Business Leaders I
BUSN 200 Business Learning Through Service
CISC 200 Intro to Computer Technology and Business Application
FINC 310 Core Financial Management
MGMT 200 Working Skillfully in Organizations
MKTG 200 Introduction to Marketing
OPMT 200 Operations and Supply Chain Management
STUDY ABROAD: Your second or third years are ideal for semester-long or short-term (January) international programs.
Years 3 & 4
As a junior and senior, you’ll take upper-level specialized courses specific to your chosen major, as well as business electives.
In addition to your major courses, you’ll also take interdisciplinary liberal arts courses in the throughout your four years.
Degree Awarded
Degree Awarded
Students who complete the required coursework receive a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Leadership and Management, or a Minor in Leadership and Management to complement their non-Leadership and Management major.
Tutoring
Tutoring
Your professor is always available to help you with your coursework. If you need extra help with your core courses in accounting, finance, or operations, free tutors are also available. Whether you’re stuck on an assignment or want help preparing for an exam, our tutors are always glad to work with you. You can schedule a 30-minute one-on-one appointment, or drop in during open hours.
Internships
Internships
St. Thomas maintains a large network of alumni and local business connections, which leads to real-world learning opportunities, internships and—oftentimes—employment after graduation. When you’re ready for an internship, the Career Development Center can help you find a position that supports your professional goals.
Learning to Lead
During their time at St. Thomas, our students gain crucial leadership experience from professors, supervisors and mentors. After school, that experience translates into exceptional managerial skills.
Leigh Borgeson ‘16
Katie O'Connor '21
As a Leadership & Management and Marketing major, Katie found many connections with her peers and professors which gave her many experiences to learn and grow. These connections led to positions at the Ronald McDonald House Charities, Get Bizzy Inc, and her current position as an Associate Consultant at Pioneer Management Consulting. During her time at St. Thomas, Katie took on multiple leadership positions within the Opus College of Business including serving as a Student Facilitator for the Business 200 course, executive committee positions for Delta Sigma Pi, the Business Fraternity on Campus, and was a captain on the Women’s Tennis Team. Her experience within Opus helped her develop critical skills and experiences to help drive her success post-graduation.
Jessica A. Drewiske, JD, MBA '11
Career Opportunities
The Leadership & Management concentration sets students up for success in leadership development rotation programs at various companies. Typical Leadership & Management jobs also include:
- Business Analyst
- Project Manager
- Leadership Development Associate
- Management Consultant
- Business Development Manager
FACULTY AT THE FOREFRONT OF PRACTICE AND THEORY
Mary Slack
Mary Eisele Slack’s goal is to give students knowledge and skills they can apply in their jobs. Slack has more than 20 years of corporate experience in training, administration, course development, and project management.
Rama Hart, PhD
Rama Hart's research focuses on global/virtual team communication and relationships, leading and navigating organizational change, and issues of inclusion and equity in workplaces. She participates in the university, community and organizational initiatives focusing on equity, diversity and intercultural competence.
Kevin Henderson, PhD
Kevin Henderson is passionate about sparking student interest in the topic of management and developing their communication and critical thinking skills. His research interests include psychological contracts, turnover, job satisfaction, managing your boss, and the use of social media in selection.
GHR Fellows Program
GHR Fellows receive:
- Full tuition and fees for four years (and may, pending demonstrated financial need, receive grant funds that cover room and board at St. Thomas)
- A fully funded J-Term study abroad experience
- Professional coaching and mentorship
- Networking opportunities with Fortune 500 business executives and community leaders
Fauth Business Scholarships
The Opus College of Business awards this competitive scholarship to incoming students who intend to major in Business. Each year, up to four $10,000/year scholarships are awarded.
Learning Through Service: Business 200
We believe that businesses need to be socially responsible in the communities where they operate. All undergraduate business majors and minors are required to complete BUSN 200, a zero-credit, tuition-free course that includes 40 hours of community service and a series of reflective seminars. This service learning helps you grow into a highly principled global business professional, and an effective and ethical leader who’s prepared to make positive contributions in both your profession and community.
St. Thomas Career Services
The experts in the Career Development Center can help you find internships, develop job hunting skills, and put you in touch with business leads—both alumni and St. Thomas connections in the broader Twin Cities business scene. We can help you:
- Clarify your strengths and how they relate to majors and career fields
- Map out a career plan
- Create your résumé and prepare for interviews
- Look for internships and jobs
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.