Program Overview
Get to Know Our 100% Online Leadership Studies Bachelor's Degree
The B.S.I.S. in Leadership Studies at A-State is a great way to reach your goal of working in leadership. This 100% online interdisciplinary studies program combines multiple areas of study, giving you experience in communication, business topics and leadership development. Upon graduation, you will have a well-rounded understanding of what makes an impactful workplace leader.



The Interdisciplinary Studies Thematic leadership studies degree online curriculum focuses on expanding your knowledge, skills and interpretation of specific leadership theories, concepts, models and current professional issues and challenges. You are encouraged to develop your own philosophy and leadership style through various mediums both in and outside the virtual classroom. Emphasis is placed on self-awareness, effective communication, research, collaboration, diversity, integration and practical leadership applications through experiential learning.
This B.S.I.S. utilizes courses from communications, business and sociology to create a leadership-focused undergraduate degree. Choose from several areas of study and tailor this versatile degree to fit your specific career goals. You can also decide to take one course at a time or more, depending on your schedule, to complete your program faster.
Learn industry-relevant skills that employers seek:
- Leadership
- Communication
- Interpersonal skills
Prepare for careers like these:
- Organizational Development Manager
- Human Resources Professional
- Organizational Trainer
- Business Manager
- Sales Professional
- Leadership Coach
- Nonprofit Administrator
Projected Job Growth:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment in management to grow 5% through 2029.
Also available online at A-State:
You may be closer to graduation than you think!
A-State-approved credit for prior learning recognizes your previous accomplishments, reducing your tuition costs and time to graduation.
Tuition
Low Tuition Plus Financial Aid Packages For Those Who Qualify
A-State's online programs are affordable and convenient. You may also qualify for financial aid. Learn more.
The B.S.I.S. in Leadership Studies online program offers the same low, pay-by-the-course tuition to all U.S. residents. All fees are included in the total tuition.


Transfer your credits for lower tuition
Use our Tuition Estimator to see how affordable your degree could be. Slide the notch to the number of credits you've already earned—which may qualify for transfer credit—to get an estimate of what your degree might cost.
Transcripts sent from other colleges and universities will be evaluated, and accepted credits will be added to the student's A-State record. The Tuition Estimator is not a guarantee or predictor of the number of credit hours that will be accepted.
Per Credit Hour | Per Course | ||||
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U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total | U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total |
$236.00 | $40.00 | $276.00 | $708.00 | $120.00 | $828.00 |
Calendar
Jot Down These Key Dates and Deadlines
Our B.S.I.S. in Leadership Studies is a flexible online program featuring accelerated coursework and multiple start dates per year.
Next Start & Application Due Dates:


Term | Length | Course Begin | Course End | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Deadline | Last Day to Withdraw |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Summer 2023 | 5 wk | 05/30/2023 | 06/30/2023 | 05/15/2023 | 05/19/2023 | 05/25/2023 | 05/26/2023 | 06/19/2023 |
5 wk | 07/03/2023 | 08/04/2023 | 06/19/2023 | 06/23/2023 | 06/29/2023 | 06/30/2023 | 07/21/2023 | |
Fall 2023 | 7 wk | 08/21/2023 | 10/06/2023 | 08/07/2023 | 08/11/2023 | 08/17/2023 | 08/18/2023 | 09/22/2023 |
7 wk | 10/16/2023 | 12/08/2023 | 10/02/2023 | 10/06/2023 | 10/12/2023 | 10/13/2023 | 11/17/2023 | |
Spring 2024 | 7 wk | 01/08/2024 | 02/23/2024 | 12/15/2023 | 12/19/2023 | 01/04/2024 | 01/05/2024 | 02/09/2024 |
7 wk | 03/04/2024 | 04/26/2024 | 02/19/2024 | 02/23/2024 | 02/29/2024 | 03/01/2024 | 04/05/2024 | |
Summer 2024 | 5 wk | 05/28/2024 | 06/27/2024 | 05/14/2024 | 05/17/2024 | 05/23/2024 | 05/24/2024 | 06/14/2024 |
5 wk | 07/02/2024 | 08/01/2024 | 06/18/2024 | 06/21/2024 | 06/27/2024 | 06/28/2024 | 07/26/2024 |
Admissions
See the Qualifications For Admission to the Online B.S.I.S. Degree at A-State
A-State Online offers a streamlined admission process for both new students and transfers. Students who are interested in the B.S.I.S. in Leadership Studies online program should review and follow the requirements for admission below.
There are several paths to admittance at A-State:
- If you have 13 or more transferrable college credit hours, you would be admitted if you have a cumulative college GPA of at least 2.0 on previous college coursework
If you have 0-12 transferrable college credit hours and have been out of high school for five years or more, you would be admitted if you:
- Have a high school diploma or state-approved equivalent
- Have completed 12 or fewer earned college hours
- Have never enrolled as a student at A-State
Note: If you're admitted as a non-traditional first-time freshman, you may be required to successfully complete a predesignated curriculum of 12 hours (Certificate or Non-Degree). Upon successful completion, you will be transitioned to a degree seeking program.
- If you have 0-12 transferrable college credit hours and have been in high school within the last 5 years, you would be admitted if you have one of the following:
- 3.0 cumulative high school grade point average (or GED test score equivalent), OR
- 19 minimum ACT super score or minimum 990 combined SAT super score, OR
- Class rank in the top 20% of your graduating class
Submitting your application takes three easy steps: filling out the application, submitting your documents and paying the application fee.
- When completing the online application, select 100% online student and then complete all the steps on the online application.
- Pay $30.00 non-refundable application fee.
- Submit all official college transcripts.
- Submit official high school transcripts (if applicable).
- Submit official ACT/ SAT test scores (if applicable).
Note: If you have 0-12 transferrable college hours, test scores will still need to be submitted for reporting purposes to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE); however, they are not needed for an admission decision. Accuplacer test scores are an acceptable alternative to ACT/SAT scores.
If you have any questions along the way, call us at 866-621-8096 866-621-8096, and we'll be happy to help answer questions.
Additional Information
Submit all documents to:
A-State OnlineP.O. Box 2520
State University, AR 72467
Fax: 870-972-3548
Email: [email protected]
For Non-US Postal Mail Overnight Delivery Only:
Academic Partnershipsc/o Central Receiving
2713 Pawnee St.
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Courses
See What You'll Learn in the Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Program
To earn your Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in Leadership Studies, you need to complete 120 credit hours of coursework. The program includes 35 credit hours of general education courses, 18 credit hours of interdisciplinary studies core courses, 45 credit hours of leadership studies courses, 6 credit hours of experiential learning and 16 credit hours of electives. Students can finish faster by transferring previously earned credit hours. Transfer credit hours will be evaluated during the admission process.
Core Requirements:
These courses must be taken to complete your degree.
IDS 2013: Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to the concept of interdisciplinary study, exploration of research and career possibilities for IDS majors, and composition of individualized program of study.
IDS 2023: Introduction to Service Learning
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to principles of service learning and the Social Change Model of Leadership to promote personal learning, social growth, and civic responsibility. Students participate in a community-based project as determined by the instructor of record.
IDS 3013: Critical Thinking in the Profession
Duration: 14 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Exploration of the role of critical thinking in a range of professional settings through reading, writing and communication using technology, professionally-prepared materials, and statistical charts. Basic overview of the research writing process is included. Prerequisites, ENG 1013, and ISBA 1503 or CS 1013.
IDS 3023: Advanced Service Learning
Duration: 14 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Course integrates academic objectives with service experiences to foster student learning, personal and social growth, and civic responsibility. Students establish expectations and responsibilities to address a campus or community need in partnership with the community-based service project. Course theme determined by instructor at time of instruction. Prerequisites, IDS 2023.
IDS 4013: Seminar in Professional Development
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Capstone experience is designed to ensure BSIS students meet their individualized educational goals upon graduation. Students will develop and articulate employment skills for each area of study and enhance workplace skills including professional-level reading, writing and communications. Open to any student with senior-level standing (90 or more earned college credits).
IDS 4023: Leadership in the Profession
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Independent study of a specific problem in a professional setting relevant to one or more of a student’s BSIS emphasis areas. Student will present a formal plan of action using solutions grounded in leadership theory. Prerequisites, ENG 1013, IDS 3013, and ISBA 1503 or CS 1013.
Leadership Studies Requirements:
These courses must be completed to earn your degree.
COMS 2243: Principles of Argumentation
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Principles of logical reasoning used in advocacy, analysis, use of evidence, inductive and deductive reasoning.
COMS 3243: Principles of Persuasion
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Theory and practice of persuasion as an instrument in motivating human conduct.
COMS 4243: Interpersonal Communications
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Emphasis on increasing student's capacity for openness, sensitivity, and objective appraisal.
COMS 4253: Intercultural Communication
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Identification of barriers and breakdowns to communication among cultures.
COMS 4263: Organizational Communication
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Dynamics and theories of communication within an organization.
LAW 2023: Legal Environment of Business
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to the fundamental elements of the Anglo American legal system and its common law origins. The scope of the course will include the application and operation of the legal system in the remedy of business disputes, the development and operation of the court system, and the regulation of American business and industry by the United States government.
MGMT 3143: Human Resource Management
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Functions and problems involved in personnel management with emphasis placed upon recruitment, selection, management development, utilization of and accommodation to human resources by organizations. Prerequisite, MGMT 3153
MGMT 3153: Organizational Behavior
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course is an interdisciplinary analysis of the relationships of individuals and groups within the context of the organization, blending concepts drawn from psychology, sociology, philosophy and communication theory with basic managerial concepts.
MGMT 3613: Leadership
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Leadership processes and application at the organization, group, and individual levels. Emphasis on team activities. Prerequisite, MGMT 3123 or MGMT 3153.
MGMT 3123: Principles of Management
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course is an overview of foundational management principles, including internal and external assessment and planning, organization structure and design, leadership and motivation, and decision and control processes.
SOC 3353: Minority Groups
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Examines race, ethnicity and other bases for minority status in society, focusing on social inequality and the social construction of minority and majority group statuses and relations.
STCM 4603: Crisis Communication
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
An investigation of communications during crises, focusing on public relations, advertising and other persuasive efforts by institutions, corporations, movement leaders, and citizens to describe, persuade and shape human interactions with their environment during a crisis.
UC 480V: Special Problems
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Individual problems in Leadership Development arranged in conjunction with the instructor.
UC 1103: Introduction to Leadership Development
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Course examines leadership theories and the role of self-understanding in effective leadership.
UC 3023: Seminar in Advanced Leadership Development
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Course integrates leadership theories, styles and experiences. Students will study leadership issues in current events and refine their personal leadership philosophy.
Experiential learning is required. Students may seek national exchange and study abroad opportunities, internships, independent studies, foreign languages, or cultural studies courses to fulfill six hours of this requirement.
Students must take 16 credit hours of electives to satisfy the 120 credit hours required for this program. Courses may be chosen with the assistance of an advisor and per your degree plan. Electives can come from any courses offered so long as prerequisites are met.
Students must take the following courses.
First-year course - Students must take the following Making Connections online course. If you transfer in more than 12 credit hours, you will not be required to take the Making Connections course. You may replace that 3-hour course with a 3-hour elective course.
UC 1013: Making Connections
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Required course for all first semester freshmen. Course content is centered around the skills and knowledge needed to be a successful ASU student, including academic performance, problem solving, critical thinking, self-management and group building skills, university policies and other relevant issues.
Departmental Option Course Requirement:
This 3-hour course for the degree plan is chosen by the department, not the individual student.
COMS 1203: Oral Communication
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on the theory and practice of communication in interpersonal, small groups and public speaking contexts, emphasizing proficiency in message organization, delivery, and critical thinking.
Communication Requirement:
Students must complete 6 credit hours of the following courses.
ENG 1003: Composition I
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Study and practice of fundamentals of written communication, including principles of grammar, punctuation, spelling, organization, and careful analytical reading. Prerequisite, with grade of C or better, for ENG 1013.
ENG 1013: Composition II
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Continues the practice of ENG 1003 to develop further the skills learned in that course. Based on reading and discussion of various types of writing, the students’ essays will provide practice in different kinds of rhetorical development, including research and documentation.
Mathematics Requirement:
Students must complete 3 credit hours of the following courses or any higher-level math course.
MATH 1023: College Algebra
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices, and miscellaneous topics. No credit given if taken following MATH 1054.
MATH 1043: Quantitative Reasoning
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Quantitative Reasoning Quantitative reasoning as the approach to understanding relationships using mathematical and algebraic methodologies. Contemporary topics will be used to identify, analyze, generalize, and communicate quantitative relationships.
Arts and Humanities Requirement:
Students must complete 6 credit hours of Arts and Humanities courses.
ENG 2003: Introduction to World Literature I
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to the analysis and interpretation of literary works from several historical periods ranging from early civilizations through the Renaissance.
ENG 2013: Introduction to World Literature II
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to the analysis and interpretation of literary works from several historical periods ranging from the Renaissance to the present.
MUS 2503: Fine Arts – Music
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to music for the listener who has had no formal musical training or experience. A study of musical styles and composers and their cultural and historical contexts.
Social Sciences Requirement:
Students must complete 9 credit hours of Social Sciences courses. At least one course must be selected from POSC 2103, SOC 2213 or HIST 2773.
POSC 2103: Introduction to US Government
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
The constitution, government, and politics of the United States.
SOC 2213: Principles of Sociology
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Human society and social behavior.
PSY 2013: Introduction to Psychology
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Study of the important scientific, principles of individual human behavior from biological, cognitive, social, and behavioral perspectives.
Life Science Requirement:
Students must complete 4 credit hours of Life Science courses, including one course and one lab.
BIO 1003: Biological Science
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
The major characteristics and processes of life emphasizing the human organism. Promotes understanding of diversity and unity among living organisms with focus on ecological interactions and responsibilities of people within their social and natural environment. Lecture three hours per week. Special course fees may apply. Must be taken with BIO 1001.
BIO 1001: Biological Science Lab
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 1
Laboratory, must be taken with BIO 1003. There will be a fee when purchasing the LabKit. Please visit the tuition and fees page for pricing.
Physical Sciences Requirement:
Students must complete 4 credit hours of Physical Science courses, including one course and one lab.
CHEM 1043: Fundamental Concepts of Chemistry I
Duration: Varies | Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to selected fundamental concepts including dimensional analysis, mole concept, atomic and molecular structure, nomenclature, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, intermolecular interactions, gases, mixtures, kinetics, equilibrium and acid base chemistry. Fall, Summer.
CHEM 1041: Fundamental Concepts of Chemistry Lab
Duration: Varies | Credit Hours: 1
Special course fees apply. Prerequisite or co-requisite of CHEM 1043. Fall, Summer.