Associate of Applied Science in Technology and Leadership (Leadership Studies)

Hours: 60 On-Campus Online

About

The Associate of Applied Science in Technology and Leadership (Leadership Studies) program at Fort Hays State University facilitates the transition of military personnel into civilian leadership roles. This unique program awards up to 30 credit hours for military training, allowing service members and veterans to complete their degrees efficiently. With a focus on technology and leadership, students will gain valuable skills directly applicable to military and civilian careers.

Service members must complete 15 hours of core leadership courses and transfer credits to earn the AAS in Technology and Leadership (Leadership Studies). This program leverages research-based theories in leadership and technology, ensuring students receive a contemporary education that reflects the latest advancements in the field.

Why pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Technology and Leadership (Leadership Studies) at Fort Hays State University?

The AAS in Technology and Leadership (Leadership Studies) program at FHSU caters to the educational needs of active service members and veterans. Unlike other programs, this program offers significant credit for prior military training, enabling students to fast-track their education. This approach saves time and money while acknowledging the valuable skills and experiences gained during military service. Additionally, the program's flexibility in delivery, offered both online and on-campus, ensures students can balance their studies with their military and personal commitments.

Furthermore, the curriculum enhances technical and leadership capabilities, making graduates highly competitive in the job market. Including a Certificate in Leadership Studies can further enhance the employability of graduates, providing them with additional credentials highly valued by employers. With a focus on real-world applications and contemporary leadership practices, this program prepares students to excel in various roles within the military and civilian sectors.

Who is this program for?

This program is ideal for individuals seeking to leverage their military experience into a valuable academic qualification. The program caters to a diverse group of students, including:

Active service members looking to advance their careers
Veterans transitioning to civilian roles
Individuals seeking leadership positions
Those aiming to enhance their technical skills
Aspiring leaders in various industries

Real-World Applications

The AAS in Technology and Leadership (Leadership Studies) program provides practical skills directly applicable to military and civilian careers. Students gain hands-on experience through fieldwork in leadership studies, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. This experiential learning approach ensures graduates are well-prepared to handle the complexities and challenges of leadership roles in diverse settings.

In addition to leadership skills, the program equips students with advanced technical knowledge and leadership skills, which they can apply in various industries. Whether transitioning to civilian roles or advancing within the military, graduates will have the tools necessary to excel. The program's emphasis on strategic thinking, organizational dynamics, and effective communication further enhances its relevance, making it a robust choice for those who want to impact their professional lives significantly.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The curriculum is continuously updated to reflect the latest advancements and trends in leadership and technology. By incorporating current research-based theories, the program ensures students learn the most relevant and cutting-edge practices. This proactive approach to education helps students stay competitive in an ever-evolving job market, preparing them for future challenges and opportunities.

A dynamic, interactive learning environment exposes students to innovative leadership strategies and technological advancements. The program includes courses that address the latest trends in organizational leadership and technology integration. By staying ahead of the curve, graduates are well-equipped to lead confidently and adapt to changes in their field, making them valuable assets to any organization.

Hands-on Activities

Fort Hays State University emphasizes the importance of experiential learning in the AAS in Technology and Leadership (Leadership Studies) program. Students participate in fieldwork in leadership studies, providing them with real-world experience and practical skills. These hands-on activities bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring students can apply their knowledge effectively in their careers.

In addition to fieldwork, the program includes interactive projects and simulations replicating real-world challenges. These activities help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills essential for effective leadership. By engaging in these hands-on experiences, students are better prepared to take on leadership roles and excel in their professional endeavors.

What You’ll Learn:

Develop leadership skills
Gain advanced technical knowledge
Understand organizational dynamics
Apply strategic thinking
Enhance communication abilities

How You’ll Learn:

Online and on-campus options
Fieldwork in leadership studies
Interactive learning environments
Research-based curriculum
Flexible scheduling for military duties

Courses

The core curriculum covers a wide range of topics, providing a comprehensive education in both leadership and technology. Students must complete 15 hours of core leadership courses, which focus on developing advanced leadership skills and strategic thinking. These courses, supplemented by up to 30 credit hours awarded for military training, allow students to complete their degrees successfully.

Major topics covered in the program include organizational dynamics, advanced technical knowledge, strategic communication, and leadership theory. The flexible and relevant curriculum caters to the specific needs of service members and veterans. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications, the program ensures graduates are well-equipped to succeed in various professional roles.

LDRS 300: Introduction to Leadership Concepts

This course engages students in exploring historical and contemporary leadership theories, concepts, and issues through presentations, group activities, and hands-on exercises. Students will develop a deeper understanding of leadership and its practical applications.

LDRS 302: Introduction to Leadership Behavior

This interdisciplinary course introduces students to the tasks, strategies, and skills of effective leadership, blending theory with practical application to develop personal and organizational leadership abilities.

LDRS 310: Field Work in Leadership Studies

This interdisciplinary course focuses on current issues in collaborative leadership, helping students understand its nature and key tasks. Students will identify a relevant issue or problem and apply their leadership skills by developing and implementing a community project.

Discover the full Associate of Applied Science in Technology and Leadership (Leadership Studies) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Graduates are well-prepared for various rewarding career paths. This program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in military and civilian roles, opening numerous opportunities for professional advancement.

Military Leadership Roles

Graduates can take on leadership positions within the military, overseeing teams and managing projects. These roles require strong strategic thinking and organizational skills developed through the program's curriculum.

Civilian Management Positions

The leadership and technical skills gained from the program are highly transferable to civilian management roles. Graduates can pursue careers in various industries, managing teams and driving organizational success.

Technical Specialist

With advanced technical knowledge, graduates can work as technical specialists in information technology, engineering, and project management. These roles involve solving complex scenarios and implementing technological solutions in real-world situations.

Organizational Consultant

Graduates can also become organizational consultants, advising companies on leadership strategies and technology integration. This career path requires a deep understanding of organizational dynamics and practical communication skills.

Project Manager

As project managers, graduates can oversee projects from conception to completion, ensuring objectives are met on time and within budget. This role requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and problem-solving abilities, all of which are emphasized in the program.

Admission Requirements

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,055.95* (on-campus) or $3,975.75* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related Programs

Fort Hays State University offers several related programs that can complement or enhance the AAS in Technology and Leadership (Leadership Studies). These programs provide additional opportunities for specialization and further education:

FAQ

MPS in Organizational Leadership

Our Associate of Applied Science in Technology and Leadership (Leadership Studies) program is available online and on campus, allowing flexibility to accommodate different schedules and needs.

How many credits can students transfer from military training?

Up to 30 credit hours can be awarded for military training, allowing students to complete their degree more quickly and cost-effectively.

What career prospects are available after graduation?

Graduates can pursue various leadership roles within the military or civilian sectors, including management, technical specialist positions, and organizational consultancy.

How does the Associate of Applied Science in Technology and Leadership (Leadership Studies) support military personnel?

This program offers flexible scheduling, credits for military training, and a curriculum designed to enhance leadership and technical skills, making it ideal for service members who must balance studies with their duties.

Are any specific certifications included in the AAS in Technology and Leadership (Leadership Studies)?

Yes, the program includes a Certificate in Leadership Studies, providing additional credentials that can enhance career prospects and professional development.

Information about the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology

The School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology at FHSU offers a diverse range of programs designed to prepare students for meaningful and impactful careers in law enforcement, leadership, and the social sciences. Through an integrated, interdisciplinary approach, students develop critical skills that equip them to address complex societal challenges and become effective leaders and professionals.

The Criminal Justice programs provide both online and on-campus options, focusing on areas such as law enforcement, corrections, and the legal system, with a strong emphasis on leadership, ethics, and integrity. Leadership programs cultivate essential organizational and interpersonal skills through interactive coursework and hands-on internships, supported by initiatives like the Leadership Studies Association and the VALUE program. Sociology programs explore human behavior, social structures, and community issues, encouraging analytical thinking and research-based problem-solving.

Together, these programs create a robust and collaborative educational environment that promotes cross-disciplinary learning. Students are empowered to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader society. Whether focused on justice, leadership, or social change, students in the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology gain the knowledge and experience needed to make a lasting impact.

Student Organizations

While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.

Criminal Justice Club: Open to students majoring, minoring, or pursuing a certificate in Criminal Justice, as well as those majoring in Criminalistics, the Criminal Justice Club offers career-focused opportunities for service, networking, and social engagement. The club meets weekly during the academic year, with activities that vary each semester based on student interests. Volunteer options are available through local groups such as:
Delta Tau Omega: Students in the Criminal Justice Club have an opportunity to join the FHSU chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association, Delta Tau Omega. Membership in this organization allows students to participate in regional and national conferences, where they can engage in a variety of competitions, including written exams, mock crime scene investigations, physical agility tests, scholarly research poster presentations, and national research paper and scholarship contests. To remain active in the organization, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in their criminal justice coursework.
Sociology Club: Open to all students and majors, the Sociology Club promotes research on topics aimed at improving the community. The club actively collaborates with both the FHSU campus community and residents of Hays, hosting student engagement events and participating in a variety of community service projects. Its mission is to foster a deeper interest in sociology while highlighting the discipline’s importance in understanding society and enhancing the human condition.
Alpha Kappa Delta: Sociology majors may be eligible for membership in Alpha Kappa Delta, the honor society for sociology. This organization promotes academic excellence and fosters scholarship and fellowship among undergraduate and graduate students. To qualify for membership, students must have junior standing, a minimum 3.0 GPA in sociology, and at least 12 completed credit hours in sociology coursework.
Leadership Studies Association: The Leadership Studies Association provides students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills by building meaningful relationships, engaging in skill-building activities, and applying leadership in real-world settings. The organization encourages student growth through a variety of events and activities designed to foster personal and professional development.

Additional Information

Criminal Justice Centers

National De-escalation Training Center:

In August 2020, Fort Hays State University’s Criminal Justice Programs and University Police partnered with the National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) to become the Region 2 Central Region Training Center. As a designated regional center, FHSU offers the only Level 3 de-escalation training currently available in the United States.

Level 1 training includes traditional de-escalation techniques grounded in procedural justice.
Level 2 provides basic crisis intervention strategies.
Level 3 enhances both traditional de-escalation and crisis intervention methods by incorporating rapid personality identification.

The NDTC De-escalation: Principles & Practice course is an evidence-based program that has been shown to increase officer confidence in applying de-escalation techniques when working with the public.

FHSU facilitates all three of NDTC’s training modalities, including an 8-hour online training, a two-day, in-person training, and a comprehensive 32- to 40-hour train-the-trainer program. Supported by substantial federal funding, these training opportunities are available to agencies at little to no cost. In addition, scholarships may be available to help agencies enroll officers in the online course.

NDTC training is approved by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS), and certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST).

Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence:

Located within the Criminal Justice Programs at Fort Hays State University, the Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-Based Violence functions as a regional hub for collaborative research and community service. Its mission is to alleviate the barriers faced by survivors, promote economic independence, and empower survivors to embrace new opportunities with freedom and confidence.

The Center commits to providing sustainable support aimed at helping survivors break the cycle of violence and transform from victims/survivors into social entrepreneurs.

Focusing on gender-based violence in rural areas, the Center facilitates cross-disciplinary research that explores its causes and effective control measures. It leads collaborative networks of researchers committed to applying evidence-based approaches and identifying best practices to address gender-based violence within rural communities.

Additionally, the Center fosters academic-community partnerships through service-learning, research, assessment, education, and policy development, all designed to enhance the well-being and resilience of rural populations.

VALUE Program:

The Voss Advanced Leadership Undergraduate Experience (VALUE) is a year-long program designed to cultivate promising undergraduates into effective agents of change. It offers a combination of curricular and co-curricular experiences across three specialized tracks: corporate leadership, civic/nonprofit leadership, and scholarship/leadership research.

CNN Heroes Advisory Board:

The Sociology Programs focus on creating real-world impact through projects aimed at supporting those in need. A key initiative involves collaboration with CNN Heroes, individuals nationally recognized for their outstanding contributions to nonprofit organizations. The CNN Heroes Advisory Board, made up of these distinguished leaders, offers students valuable guidance and insights drawn from their successful experiences in the nonprofit sector.

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