The Leadership in the Public Interest minor is an interdisciplinary minor designed to provide opportunities to study leaders and leadership concepts that are applicable to leadership, citizenship, and ethical decision making in a variety of contexts. This study will help students gain an understanding of the leadership process required to meet personal, professional, and civic challenges today. The Leadership in the Public Interest minor complements any academic major and provides formal learning experiences that can be supplemented by additional campus and community leadership experiences as part of the leadership development process.

The requirements for the minor are eighteen hours including

(a) Interdisciplinary Studies 101, Government and Foreign Affairs 101, Interdisciplinary Studies 395, and Interdisciplinary Studies 440;

(b) one course chosen from Biology 130, Philosophy 314, or Religion 225; and

(c) one course chosen from Business 222, 223, Economics 202, 217, 402, Government and Foreign Affairs 333, 442, History 180, 220, 260, 277, 301, 327, 328, 330, 333, Interdisciplinary Studies 320, 375, Music 335, 391, Philosophy 316, Psychology 208, 310, Rhetoric 210, or Theater 321.

Students electing to pursue this minor develop their course of study in consultation with their major advisor and the Director of the Wilson Center for Leadership in the Public Interest. Courses not on this list may count towards the minor, subject to approval of the Director of the Wilson Center for Leadership in the Public Interest.

Core curriculum courses may be used to satisfy the requirements for this minor.

updated 8/31/22

The Wilson Center for Leadership is an institution dedicated to producing the next generation of male leaders that are able to engage in civil discourse. In a time where a leader’s character is constantly called into question, the Wilson Center’s objective is to prepare men to rise above the daily temptations a leader may face. Without the advisement from the Wilson Center and its extensive network of connections and contacts, I would not have had the opportunity to intern on Capitol Hill for a United States senator. In addition, the center offers their young men many opportunities to experience leadership on the local, state, and federal levels, to interact with alumni who work on these levels, and allows them to build their own network. Finally, I know that long after I have left this beautiful campus, my faith, moral compass, ethical beliefs, and ability to civilly engage in public discourse will allow me to face every adversity armed with the skills and style forged at the Wilson Center.

Connor Francis '20