Undergraduate Certificate in Leader and Leadership Development

Academy Military Training (AMT) Academy Leader Development Program (ALDP)

In a partnership with the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), the Department of Counseling and Human Services offers a specialized undergraduate Leader and Leadership Development Certificate. The certificate is offered to selected Academy Military Training (AMT) Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) at USAFA. The Leader and Leadership Development Program is an executive education program to support USAFA’s AMTs as they prepare to educate, train, and inspire USAFA Cadets, as well as, to prepare the AMTs to excel as NCOs and SNCOs at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels of the Air Force. This unique program was identified through the existing partnership with USAFA in an effort to expand the training to non-commissioned officers. The certification links to the DCHS mission of service in this specialized educational area with USAFA as evidenced by the long-standing relationship created by the Air Force Officer Commanding Program.

This 15-credit intensive certificate program facilitates leader development skills, core leadership theory, critical thinking, enhances interpersonal effectiveness, broadens perspectives on coaching and mentoring, develops influencing skills, and improves the student’s ability to lead change and development among cadets. The certificate also helps AMTs better understand the student development, social-emotional, wellness and resiliency needs of college-age students.

The role of the AMT requires NCOs to be competent in mentoring, capable of leading, developing and supporting cadets through all aspects of cadet and military life, able to enforce standards, demonstrate nearly impeccable role-modeling, competent in supporting the squadron’s leadership team, and skilled in developmental counseling with cadets, individually and as a group. Students are tapped by the United States Air Force for admission to this highly selective program. Once enrolled, this intensive program features training with faculty from both the Department of Counseling and Human Services (UCCS), the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership (USAFA) and distinguished representatives from the Center for Character and Leadership Development (CCLD).

Application and Admissions Requirements

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Fall and Spring Intensive Courses - 15 Credit Hours

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