2025-2026 Academic Catalog

Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.

View Undergraduate Section View Graduate Section

Explore Programs

Explore programs to find a fit for you.

Search Courses

Explore courses by subject and keyword.

Previous Publications

Navigate to previous publications.

Leadership Studies (LDRS)

LDRS 1414 - Citizen Leadership (3 credits) 
Language, theories, concepts, and competencies associated with practicing effective leadership and social change and developing intercultural and global awareness.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 3 Reasoning in Social Sciences, 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
LDRS 1424 - Citizen Leadership Praxis (3 credits) 
Application of foundational knowledge of leadership, intercultural and global awareness, the social change model, and socially responsible leadership concepts toward a service-learning project.
Prerequisite(s): LDRS 1414 
Pathway Concept Area(s): 3 Reasoning in Social Sciences, 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
LDRS 2014 - Principles of Peer Leadership (3 credits) 
Theories and basic principles associated with being a positive influence on fellow students, identification of contemporary college student issues, leadership skills utilized to motivate peers in teamwork-based scenarios, leadership skills associated with human development, ethics, maintaining community, and conflict in decision making. May be repeated once for a maximum of 6 credits.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 3 Reasoning in Social Sciences, 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 6 credit hours 
LDRS 2964 - Field Study (1-19 credits) 
May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
Repeatability: up to 6 credit hours 
LDRS 2974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
LDRS 2984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
LDRS 3104 - The Dynamics of Leadership (3 credits) 
This course examines advanced leadership theories and leadership effectiveness in todays organizations.
Prerequisite(s): LDRS 1015 or LDRS 1414 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
LDRS 3304 - Elements of Team Leadership (3 credits) 
Develop effectiveness in leading, delegating, and communicating within a team environment. Emphasis on motivation of team members, emotional intelligence, ethical issues, team member dynamics, team management, and effective team processes.
Prerequisite(s): LDRS 1015 or LDRS 1414 
Pathway Concept Area(s): 3 Reasoning in Social Sciences, 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
LDRS 3954 - Study Abroad (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
LDRS 3984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
LDRS 4044 - Leadership Studies Capstone (1 credit) 
Culmination of comprehensive knowledge gained about leadership and social change throughout a students undergraduate career. Involves reflection on collegiate leadership experiences and coursework in the leadership and social change minor. Results in student development of an electronic portfolio (i.e., ePortfolio). Pre: Senior standing.
Prerequisite(s): LDRS 1015 or LDRS 1414 
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd) 
LDRS 4414 - Leading with Humility (1 credit) 
Teaches nature and origins of humility, traditional and modern understandings, connections to modern leadership theories/frameworks, application of humility to three dimensions: personal, relational, and community/cultural dimensions. Pre: Sophomore Standing
Pathway Concept Area(s): 3 Reasoning in Social Sciences, 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd) 
LDRS 4454 - Toxic Leadership (3 credits) 
Toxic leadership, impacts and outcomes on leaders, followers, and the organizational environment. Apply problem-based learning through case study analysis, critical thinking and decision-making, and cooperative methods mitigating toxic leadership actions. Explore ethical-based leadership principles. Pre: Sophomore standing.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 3 Reasoning in Social Sciences, 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
LDRS 4514 - Skills for Nonprofit Organizational Leaders (3 credits) 
Skills essential for leading nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit sector, governance, fundraising, financial administration, managing personnel, media communications, strategic planning, and leadership skills. Pre: Junior Standing.
Prerequisite(s): LDRS 1414 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
LDRS 4754 - Internship (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
LDRS 4964 - Field Study (1-19 credits) 
May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
Repeatability: up to 6 credit hours 
LDRS 4974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
LDRS 4984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
LDRS 4994 - Undergraduate Research (1-19 credits) 
Honors
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
LDRS 4994H - Undergraduate Research (1-19 credits) 
Honors
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course