Science Leadership Scholars Program

Faculty from the Jepson School of Leadership Studies and from the sciences in the School of Arts and Sciences offer a program for students interested in the study of leadership in science-related fields. The goal of the program is to provide students with the opportunity to study leadership in the context of scientific pursuits, the ethical challenges associated with the way science is conducted, and the impact that science has on the global community.

The faculties invite interested students to apply for the Science Leadership Scholars Program. The deadline for this application is September 24 of the student's sophomore year. To qualify, a student must plan to pursue a leadership studies major or minor, as well as a major or minor in one of the following sciences: Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Cognitive Science (Major), Computer Science, Data Science & Statistics (Minor), Environmental Studies, Geography, Mathematical Economics, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology or complete the pre-health track.

Application information is available for interested students from the associate dean for student and external affairs in the Jepson School. Consideration for the program requires a recommendation from both a leadership studies faculty member and a science faculty member.

To complete the Science Leadership Scholars Program, students will:

  • Work closely with program advisors on course selection.
  • Attend and participate in program activities, including lectures and field trips.
  • Complete a one-semester, 1-unit, independent study in leadership studies or in the sciences. This is typically completed during senior year. This project will build upon and integrate the student’s work in science leadership. (Alternatively, program participants may meet this requirement by incorporating the project into a senior thesis.)
  • Complete the major or minor in leadership studies.
  • Complete a major or minor in the sciences: Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Cognitive Science (Major), Computer Science, Data Science & Statistics (Minor), Environmental Studies, Geography, Mathematical Economics, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology or complete the pre-health track.

Upon completion of the program, students will be recognized during commencement weekend for their engaged learning and substantive exposure to the practical and theoretical aspects of science leadership. Along the way, they will have opportunities to interact with, and learn from, science leaders, as well as to understand the role of leadership and ethics within the scientific community.

The Science Leadership Scholars Program is a co-curricular program, not a major, minor, or concentration. As such, it will not be noted on student transcripts or in the commencement program.