Leadership and 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 careers in a variety of different fields including non-profit organizations, government governmental and non-governmental agencies, industry, and educational sectors.

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 2.50. We no longer require an application. If you are interested in adding the minor, please see the link to the right-hand column.

Completion Requirements for the minor:

The 19-credit-hour minor in Leadership and Social Change is a Pathways minor and includes a required 3-hour introductory course (LDRS 1414), 6 hours of leadership core electives, 9 hours of social change electives (3 credits from each of three groups: communicating individual values, understanding group values, and supporting community/societal values), and a required 1-hour capstone course (LDRS 4044). At least six hours of course work needs to be at the 3000 level or above. Additionally, no more than 50% of a student’s major coursework can count towards completion of the minor.

To add the minor, visit the link on the right-hand column and scroll down to the "Add or Drop Minor in CALS" button. On the right-hand column you will also find links to the official Pathways webpage of the Leadership and Social Change Minor, current check sheets, and contact information for faculty and staff members connected to the minor.