Leadership and Learning Innovation
Bachelor of Science
Quick Facts
Top 1%
of all Higher-Ed
Institutions
- Center for World University Rankings, 2024
#1
In Best Value Among
Arizona's Public Universities
- Payscale, 2024
The Bachelor of Science in Leadership and Learning Innovation equips students with the tools to lead strategically, think critically, and drive meaningful change across educational, organizational, and community settings. Rooted in a justice-oriented framework, this interdisciplinary program blends theory and practice to prepare students for diverse careers in nonprofit work, youth services, government, and outreach initiatives.
Students gain real-world experience through hands-on internships with local, national, and international organizations, building professional skills while applying classroom knowledge in impactful ways. Core courses explore topics such as organizational leadership, informal learning environments, youth development, and inclusive education, offering a broad yet focused foundation in leadership and learning.
The program also offers two Accelerated Master's Pathways, allowing eligible students to begin graduate coursework in Educational Psychology or Sport and Recreation Leadership during their senior year and complete a master’s degree just one year after earning their BS.
With its flexible structure and emphasis on practical application, the BS in Leadership and Learning Innovation empowers students to become innovative problem-solvers and equity-driven leaders in today’s evolving professional landscape.
If you currently work in educational, developmental, or nonprofit environments, you may be eligible to apply your employment as internship credit for up to 12 upper-level units toward your degree. The Leadership and Learning Innovation program allows you the freedom to focus on your areas of expertise, such as experiential learning, policy/advocacy programs, and more.
View detailed information for the Community Education emphasis
View detailed information for the Leadership for Equity, Access and Success in Education emphasis
*Residents of some U.S. Territories may not be eligible. Please see our Eligibility & State Authorization page for more information.
The curriculum for this program includes:
This course discusses how colleges and universities market to and recruit students, make decisions about providing various academic and social experiences to students, and how leaders within these institutions are selected and why they make or don't make the decisions they do.
An exploration of what makes non-school learning environments powerful and how we can catalyze cross-setting learning. Sociocultural theories of development, as well as place-based and person-centered learning theories, will serve as a conceptual framework for exploring these settings and experiences.
This course discusses cultural practices, schooling, privilege, and marginalization that shape youth developmental pathways. Discussion topics include youth studies research, listening deeply to young people's perspectives, youth learning in diverse communities and communities-of-practice, independence/ interdependence, voice, participation, and civic engagement.
This course is an introduction to historical, legal, pedagogical, and social issues underlying services in special education and rehabilitation. It provides an overview of the characteristics of persons with exceptionalities and disabilities as well as the services available.
Outcomes
Skills
Earning your Bachelor of Science in Leadership and Learning Innovation will build core skills, including:
- Communication
- Digital literacy
- Educational innovation
- Formal & informal learning strategies
- Instructional design
- Leadership
- Social and cultural understanding
Potential Career Paths
The BS in Leadership and Learning Innovation prepares you for a wide variety of career paths. Some examples include:
