What You'll Learn
You’re ready to take on more responsibility, to lead others and make an impact for good – at your workplace and in your community. Calvin’s interdisciplinary Applied Leadership degree completion program will equip you to lead those around you with skill and insight, opening the doors to higher level career opportunities.
By taking classes in business as well social sciences, you’ll understand the why behind how people behave, the how behind organizational success, and the who that you want to be as an emerging leader. Through your coursework – which is both broad and deep – you will be equipped with tools to understand the value of the diverse range of people on your team as well as the societal structures underpinning all organizations.
If you’ve started a degree but not finished it and find yourself ready for the next step in your career, complete the Applied Leadership program to be equipped as an influential change maker.
What Makes This Program Great
- Degree completion program designed for adults who started a degree (around 60 credits already completed) and are ready to finish it
- Leadership focused to help adults progress in their careers to positions of leading others well
- Pairs knowledge of societal structures and human behavior with business skills
- Scheduled to work around family and job responsibilities, with a mix of online courses and evening classes on campus alongside a cohort of students
- Faith-based perspective that emphasizes the value of each person and the call to servant leadership
Snapshot
Course Format
Hybrid: weekly evening class on campus. Online during the summer.
Learning Model
Cohort based, take major courses together with a community of learners.
Average Completion Time
2.5 years when transferring with 60 credits.
Cost Per Credit
$575 (rate for 2025-26). Financial aid and scholarships available.
Application Deadline
Rolling admission, but the deadline to apply is two weeks prior to the start of fall term.
Credit for Prior Learning
Earn credit for learning acquired outside the classroom. Ask your advisor how.
Ready to learn more?
Schedule an appointment with Abbie to discuss your individualized degree completion plan, or complete the request information form and we'll get in touch with you.
Program Requirements
Foundational Courses (6 credits)
SOC 151 - Sociological Principles & Perspectives
PSYC 151 - Introductory Psychology
Understanding Human Behavior & Work Context (16)
BUS 201 - Management & Organizational Behavior
SOWK 350 - Human Behavior & Social Environment
SOC 250 or SOC 231 - Diversity and Inequality in the United States, Intercultural Communication
ENTR 202 - Design Thinking
Management & Leadership Foundation (18)
HRM 301 - Human Resource Management
COMM 265 - Leadership Communication
MGMT 342 - Servant Leadership and Transformation
BUS 205 - Project Management
GCS 391 - New Course - CCEQ
Career Preparation (take 1 course)
GCS 300 - Career Exploration
GCS 380 - Internship
FAQs
A bachelor’s degree will prepare you to work in a variety of occupations because of the critical thinking, writing, and reading skills you will gain.Â
With an applied leadership degree, you can better position yourself to take the next step in your career. Sample careers and projected salaries do not guarantee actual salary or job growth, but provide samples based on research from :Ìý
Fundraising Manager
- Median wages in Michigan = $106,730Â
- Projected growth in Michigan (2020-2030) = 11%Â
- Projected annual job openings (2020-2030) in Michigan = 180Â
Human Resource Manager
- Median wages in Michigan = $136,350Â
- Projected growth in Michigan (2020-2030) = 10%Â
- Projected annual job openings (2020-2030) in Michigan = 360Â
Training and Development Manager
- Median wages in Michigan = $102,250Â
- Projected growth in Michigan (2020-2030) = 10%Â
- Projected annual job openings (2020-2030) in Michigan = 60Â
Compliance Manager
- Median wages in Michigan = $125,490Â
- Projected growth in Michigan (2020-2030) = 1%Â
- Projected annual job openings (2020-2030) in Michigan = 1,460Â
Operations Manager
- Median wages in Michigan = $97,140Â
- Projected growth in Michigan (2020-2030) = 12%Â
- Projected annual job openings (2020-2030) in Michigan = 6,550Â
Give us a call at 616-526-6231 or email continuingstudies@calvin.edu. We’ll begin with an intake appointment where we review your transcripts, hear about your goals, and build a customized plan. If our programs sound right for you, apply!
You can visit calvin.edu/admissions/apply and start your application. Beforehand, we encourage you to get a few things together—send your unofficial transcripts to continuingstudies@calvin.edu and meet with an advisor.
Students may begin in the fall or the spring semesters. You’ll work with your advisor to determine the best time based on your transfer credits and life circumstances.
Course Sequence (Fall 2025-Summer 2026)
| DATES | TYPE | TIMING | COURSE | TITLE (CREDITS) |
Fall 2025 | ||||
| Sept 1-27 | General education | Tuesdays, 6 - 9:30 p.m. | ASC 111 | Academic Transitions (2) |
| Sept 29-Oct 25 | General education | Tuesdays, 6 - 9:30 p.m. | CORE 100 | Community and Commitments (2) |
| Oct 24&25 | Elective | Fri 6-9:30 & Sat, 8 - 5 | GCS 170 | Intro to Youth Mental Health First Aid (1) |
| Oct 17-Dec 20 | General education | Tuesdays, 6 - 9:30 p.m. | HIST 225 | England (4) |
SPRING 2026 | ||||
| Jan 19-Mar 14 | Applied Leadership major | Wednesdays 6-9:30 p.m. | BUS 201 | Management & Organizational Behavior (4) |
| Mar 14&15 | Elective | Fri 6-9:30 & Sat, 8 - 5 | GCS 170 | TBD (1) |
| Mar 16-May 9 | Applied Leadership major | Wednesdays 6-9:30 p.m. | SOC 250 | Diversity & Inequality in the U.S. (4) |
SUMMER 2026 | ||||
| May 11-July 4 | General education | Online | REL 121 | Biblical Literature & Theology (4) |
| July 6-Aug 29 | General education | Online | IDIS 101 | World Language & Culture: An Introductory Exploration (3) |
