Leadership isn't a single skill you master in one class. It's a journey of continuous growth. We've mapped a path to help you develop into a confident leader ready to make a difference.
Whether you're a first-year student finding your footing or a senior preparing to launch your career, we offer courses, experiences, and connections to support your leadership development.
Start strong with a first-year foundation
Chancellor's Leadership Class (LEAD/JOUR 1060, 1 credit hour). Since 1980, the Chancellor's Leadership Class has helped first-year students become confident communicators, develop self-awareness, and build people skills to prepare you to lead. Application required. Learn about the Chancellor's Leadership Class.
College Success Seminar (SSC 1150, 2 credit hours). Begin your Mizzou journey with a course designed to help first-year students succeed academically, socially, and personally. Connect with campus resources, build habits of self-awareness and resilience, and develop a foundation for your college and leadership journey. Learn about the College Success Seminar.
Build your skills in upper-level Novak courses
Ready to dive deeper? Our core courses blend proven leadership principles with hands-on practice. Work in Leadership Development Teams (LDTs), tackle real-world challenges, and learn frameworks you'll use throughout your academic and professional career.
Courses include strategic communication leadership, entrepreneurial leadership and innovation, coaching yourself, and organizational culture and leadership. All courses are 3 credit hours and fulfill requirements for the Minor in Leadership and Service.
View detailed course descriptions.
Add leadership to your degree
Minor in Leadership and Service. Add depth to any major with this interdisciplinary minor that combines leadership theory and practice with service learning. The minor is open to students in any college and complements any degree plan. View minor requirements and enrollment details.
For Honors College students
We offer 1-credit-hour Honors courses that explore leadership through focused topics such as leading with purpose in an AI-driven world and applying critical thinking to leadership decisions.
View current Honors course offerings.
Learn by doing
Leadership happens in the real world. That's why we offer programs outside the classroom to help you learn and grow.
Industry Mentoring Program. Upper-level students enrolled in Novak courses can meet with faculty, alumni, and industry leaders to receive guidance and input on their career plans. We match students with professionals in their specific industry or area of interest.
Industry Trips. Visit top companies for immersive, interactive experiences including workshops, tours, networking, career coaching, and résumé reviews. Past trips have included visits to organizations like Google, VML, and Fleishman-Hillard.
Service-Learning and Volunteer Opportunities. Partner with nonprofit organizations on strategic consulting projects and apply your knowledge and skills to help organizations solve problems and address challenges.
Join a lifelong network
Your leadership journey doesn't end at graduation. The Novak alumni network connects more than 500 graduates across 30+ states who stay involved through professional networking, alumni meetups, the annual Novak Leadership Speaker Series, and mentoring current students. Learn more about the alumni network.
Your personalized path
Every leader's path is unique, but here's how many students progress through our programs:
- First Year: Chancellor's Leadership Class or Honors leadership courses
- Sophomore: Declare minor + begin upper-level Novak courses
- Junior: Strategic communication leadership and/or innovation courses
- Senior: Service-learning projects + industry trips
- Alumni: Leverage network and credentials for career advancement
Ready to start?
- Explore your options. First-year student? Apply for Chancellor's Leadership Class. Upper-level? Browse our course offerings for next semester.
- Talk to us. Have questions about adding the Leadership Minor to your degree plan? Email us and we'll point you in the right direction.
- Get connected. Apply for the Industry Mentoring Program, sign up for industry trips, or get involved in service-learning. View programs
- Build your legacy. Stay connected after graduation through the alumni network, professional networking, and opportunities to mentor current students. Alumni page