Education: Educational Leadership, Evaluation, and Organizational Development (LEAD)
Note: LEAD courses were offered under the ELFH subject code through spring 2020.
Subject-area course lists indicate courses currently active for offering at the University of Louisville. Not all courses are scheduled in any given academic term. For class offerings in a specific semester, refer to the Schedule of Classes.
500-level courses generally are included in both the undergraduate- and graduate-level course listings; however, specific course/section offerings may vary between semesters. Students are responsible for ensuring that they enroll in courses that are applicable to their particular academic programs.
Course Fees
Some courses may carry fees beyond the standard tuition costs to cover additional support or materials. Program-, subject- and course-specific fee information can be found on the Office of the Bursar website.
LEAD 110. Introduction to Leadership3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Description: The purpose of this course is to cover topics foundational to leadership. These topics include self-awareness and personal development, dealing with change and transition, and formulating a strategic personal vision. The course utilizes personal inventories, directed readings, and discussion to provide structured reflection about self-concept, development, and future action planning. This course is taught at the introductory level and requires active participation.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 220. Data Analytics in Organizations3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Description: The purpose of this course is to develop the knowledge, skill, and ability to manage, analyze, and present data needed to understand human dynamics in the organizational environment. By exploring different analytic techniques including how best to present information, the decision-making process can be more efficient and effective in time to decision making through understanding the meaning of the data. This course focuses on concepts of presenting data from initial concepts to final presentation. A variety of methods will be presented and discussed covering planning, data gathering, data validation, data analytics, and visual presentation, with an emphasis on presentation.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 256. Technology in Our World Today Level 1 - SB3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Description: This course prepares students to analyze the role of leadership in organizational technology initiatives by achieving micro-credentials and technology trophies/badges/certificates from various vendors such as: Microsoft, IBM, and Google, etc. This course is taught at the introductory level.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 257. Technology Industry Badges II3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): LEAD 256.
Description: This course prepares students to achieve micro-credentials and badges from Microsoft, IBM, and Google. It is intended for those seeking to enhance work ready skills using technology products and services. At least three advanced level badges must be achieved to pass this course. This course is taught at the advanced level.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 290. Occupational Courses2-42 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): 12 semester hours in the program courses with a B or better average in 4 courses.
Description: Vocational and occupational credit from accredited institutions such as universities, community colleges, and private and public schools accredited by agencies recognized by the National Commission on Accrediting.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 291. Occupational Learning2-48 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): 12 semester hours in program courses with a B or better average in the four courses.
Description: Credit may be earned by documenting learning from experience in a teachable occupation or family of occupations.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 300. Prior Learning Assessment3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): Provisional admission to the program, and extensive prior work experience and /or job related college credit.
Description: Introduces students to the process/product of documentation of workplace learning and assessment of their mastery of the program standards. Must be taken within the first year.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 301. Individual Strategies for Success3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Description: The purpose of this course is to introduce adult students to key UofL resources and programs, as well as introduce them to themes, strategies, and tools critical to successfully navigating their academic program. Particular emphasis is placed on reflection of students strengths and personal wellness, to develop an action plan for academic success in college, which can be adapted to seek success in any professional organization or company.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 308. Needs Assessment in Healthcare Organizations3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Description: This course examines conceptual foundations and practical techniques of organizational needs assessment in healthcare settings. Students apply structured needs assessment methods to investigate quality improvement, population and community health, operations, leadership, governance, and policy within the United States healthcare system. Emphasis is placed on constructing evidence-informed recommendations to improve healthcare collaboration, teamwork, and organizational outcomes.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 309. Project Management: Foundational Tools and Techniques3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Description: In this course, you will not only learn about project management but actively experience it by applying each concept to a project that is meaningful to them. Whether you bring an idea from your professional life or something personal you?ve been wanting to pursue, this course is designed to support you step-by-step as you turn that idea into a fully developed project.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 311. Organizational Analysis and Needs Assessment3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Description: Overview of strategies, tools, and skills needed to assess organizational problems, determine, apply, and evaluate interventions from both a leadership and management lens.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 312. Learning and Development Skills3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the College of Education and Human Development, or the Human Resources Management minor.
Description: Development of curriculum relevant to specific job requirements in occupations. Includes development of analyses, measurable performance objectives, lesson designs and course materials.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 313. Team Dynamics & Effectiveness3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Description: This course examines theories and practices related to group dynamics, team effectiveness, and collective performance within organizational settings. Students analyze how team development, psychological safety, belonging, communication patterns, leadership behaviors, decision-making processes, and knowledge-sharing practices influence team learning, adaptability, and organizational performance. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based approaches to team facilitation, feedback and continuous improvement, hybrid and virtual teamwork, inclusive participation, and collaborative problem solving. Students apply course concepts to evaluate and enhance team effectiveness in support of organizational goals and workforce success.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 314. Cultural Leadership Competencies in the Workplace - P1, SB3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Description: This course examines how organizational systems and structures shape expectations for leadership behavior, professional conduct, and workplace effectiveness. Students will explore operational models to analyze how internal governance, decision-making processes, and communication strategies influence team dynamics and organizational performance. Through applied analysis, the course emphasizes leadership approaches to navigating policy, accountability, and workplace challenges across varied organizational settings.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 315. Supervised Work Experience Internship3-24 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Description: Includes job skills and knowledge, management-worker-union relations, supervised instruction, conferences and evaluations.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 316. Instructional Strategies and Group Facilitation Techniques3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the College of Education and Human Development.
Description: Develop instructional design strategies and group facilitation techniques for education and work place initiatives. Teach critiqued lessons to communicate knowledge and skills needed for successful work force advancement.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 324. Organizational Policies and Culture3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Description: This course examines workplace culture in relation to the development and operation of workplace systems, analyzing how policies and procedures influence professional behavior, accountability, and workplace effectiveness across varied organizational contexts. Particular emphasis is placed on organizational design and change, with a focus on how evolving policies and systems shape conduct, leadership practices, and team dynamics.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 330. Special Needs and Technical Education3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the College of Education and Human Development.
Description: A study of curriculum, methods, and facilities modifications necessary to meet the needs of disadvantaged and handicapped learners.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 332. Measuring and Evaluating Effectiveness3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the College of Education and Human Development.
Description: Theories and procedures involved in assessing the effectiveness of instructional programs and learning in the cognitive, psychomotor and affective domains.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 340. Talent Acquisition and Development3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Description: People are a key competitive advantage in organizations. This course provides you with an overview of the elements that go into a successful staffing strategy. The course provides an introduction to such key topics as human resources planning, job analysis, recruitment, assessment, selection and final hiring decision. We will review various staffing tools and techniques examining issues of reliability, validity, legality, and fairness. The course also will look at designing and executing employee career development programs.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 341. Managing Projects in the Workplace3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Description: Overview of techniques used in managing work projects.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 360. Higher Education in the United States - P1, SB3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Description: The purpose of this course is to consider the purpose(s) of higher education over time in the United States, including the tensions that related to the structure and diverse roles of higher education in society. It examines different roles higher education plays for individuals and societies, offering opportunity for student self reflection, and considers the often inequitable pathways to and outcomes of higher education.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 390. Advanced Occupational Courses2-18 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): 12 semester hours in the program courses with B or better average in the 4 courses.
Description: Upper level vocational credit from accredited institutions such as colleges and universities, both private and public, and other agencies recognized by the National Commission on Accrediting.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 391. Advanced Occupational Learning2-18 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): 12 semester hours in the program courses with a B or better average in 4 courses.
Description: Credit may be earned by documenting learning from experience in a teachable occupation or family of occupations.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 410. Fundamentals of Healthcare Human Resource Management3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Summer
Description: This course focuses on the use of human resource management strategies to address workforce challenges in healthcare settings. Students differentiate and integrate core HR functions to examine their impact on employee performance and organizational effectiveness. Emphasis is placed on judging the effectiveness of HR practices using performance data and organizational constraints and generating integrated workforce plans that align staffing, recruitment, compensation, and performance management with organizational goals in healthcare settings.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 411. Human Resource Fundamentals3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Description: Overview of roles in the field of resource management in context of the overall field of HRM, the relationship to workplace performance improvement, and roles and competencies required in workforce leadership.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 412. Coaching and Communication Skills for Talent Management3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Description: This course addresses knowledge, skills, and dispositions for workforce leaders in talent management, career development and coaching strategies to maximize performance and goal attainment at individual,group and organizational levels.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 413. Effective Engagement and Coordination in Healthcare Settings3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Description: This course examines how healthcare professionals can successfully manage differences in backgrounds, communication styles, and expectations among patients and staff. It covers practical strategies for fostering clear communication, understanding various needs and preferences, and delivering patient-centered care. Emphasis is placed on maintaining professionalism and promoting collaborative work environments.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 414. Teaching Career and Technical Education3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the College of Education and Human Development.
Description: A study of teaching practices as they apply to beginning teachers. Emphasis on practical procedures needed to succeed in teaching.
Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 415. Organizational Change in Healthcare3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Summer Only
Description: This course develops procedural and strategic competencies for leading and implementing organizational and process-level change in healthcare settings. Students apply change management frameworks to analyze how leadership, organizational behavior, governance, and the United States healthcare system influence change initiatives. Emphasis is placed on implementing strategic planning processes, evaluating organizational culture, and designing comprehensive change management plans that drive sustainable improvement and adapt to evolving healthcare environments.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 416. Principles of Healthcare Leadership and Management3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Description: This course provides a foundation to healthcare leadership and management within the context of the United States healthcare system. Students apply principles of management, ethics, governance, and organizational development to analyze how leadership shapes healthcare organizations and outcomes. Emphasis is placed on evaluating stakeholder priorities and environmental conditions.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 420. Conflict Management3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Description: The purpose of the course is to provide students with an understanding and practical application of conflict management theories and concepts as they apply to organizations and between individuals. Students will explore factors contributing to conflict, assess styles, and make recommendations for mediation and third-party interventions as conflict management strategies.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 424. Organizational Partnership and Community Engagement3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Description: An exploration of organizational partnership processes and its effect on the community. A keen focus is on community engagement to foster the needs of marginalized communities in the workplace and external community. (3hrs)
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 425. Promoting the Employee Experience and Talent Retention3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Description: This course addresses knowledge, skills, and dispositions for workforce leaders in promoting the employee experience and other talent retention drivers, in the context of strategic human resource and talent management objectives.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 430. Healthcare Finance and Accounting3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Description: This course focuses on the use of financial and accounting principles to support decision-making in healthcare organizations. Students will interpret and differentiate financial statement data, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, to examine organizational performance. Emphasis is placed on analyzing financial statements, judging organizational financial condition, and generating data-informed recommendations related to revenue management, cost control, and long-term sustainability in healthcare settings.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 431. Healthcare Information Management3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Description: This course examines the management of health information systems within healthcare organizations, focusing on workflows, data governance, system implementation, and regulatory compliance. Students differentiate and analyze health information processes, including data management, record systems, and information workflows, to examine their impact on organizational performance. Emphasis is placed on judging system effectiveness, privacy and security risks, and generating implementation and improvement plans that support data quality, compliance, and decision-making in healthcare settings.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 432. Healthcare Quality Evaluation3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Description: This course examines the evaluation of quality improvement and patient safety initiatives in healthcare organizations through the lens of strategy formulation and implementation, quality assessment for patient care improvement, operations assessment and improvement, and statistical analysis and application to knowledge application. Students apply quality improvement methods to critically analyze organizational performance, evaluate process improvement approaches, and design evidence-based strategies to improve care delivery, patient safety, and healthcare outcomes.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 433. Healthcare Law and Ethics3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Summer
Description: This course examines legal and ethical principles in healthcare and their role in professional practice and organizational decision-making. Students differentiate and analyze legal requirements, ethical dilemmas, and stakeholder perspectives to examine their impact on patients, providers, and healthcare organizations. Emphasis is placed on judging complex cases by evaluating competing interests and applying legal and ethical frameworks to develop and defend well-reasoned decisions in healthcare settings.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 434. Project Management in Dynamic Environments: Agile and Hybrid Practices3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Description: This course explores adaptive project management approaches used in rapidly changing organizational environments. By analyzing business case studies, students examine integrating Predictive (waterfall), Adaptive (Agile), and Hybrid project delivery methods and learn how to tailor project approaches based on project complexity, stakeholder needs, uncertainty, and organizational constraints. Through applied simulations and real-world scenarios, students develop practical skills for selecting, implementing, and evaluating Agile and Hybrid project management approaches across diverse organizational settings by applying them to realistic case studies.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 435. Technology Enabled Project Management3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Description: Through hands-on technical exercises and strategic analysis assignments, students design, configure, and document complete project management technology solutions. They develop competence in evaluating platform capabilities, implementing digital collaboration frameworks, and leveraging automation and data analytics to enhance project performance. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to select, implement, and optimize technology-enabled solutions that support initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and closing projects in a range of organizational contexts.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 440. Program Exit Experience - CUE3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): Admitted to College of Education and Human Development.
Description: Capstone experience, includes supervised professional work experience related to student's program and professional goals, and a program exit portfolio with program reflection paper.
Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 442. Organizational and Individual Change Management3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Description: Focus on the reasons for and causes of change management in organizations and individuals, and professional and personal competencies to support change
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 450. Healthcare Leadership - CUE3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of all previous CBE Healthcare Leadership courses.
Description: The course includes a Culminating Experience reflection, a Program Exit Portfolio, and a Capstone Project.
Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 460. Adult Learning and Diversity3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the College of Education and Human Development.
Description: An overview of the theories and principles of adult learning and diversity with an emphasis on their application to the education and helping professions. Applications of career planning and talent management.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 474. Using Productivity Tools3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Description: Overview of applications of microcomputers and electronic media systems for instruction and management. Emphasis is placed upon use of general purpose integrated computer software. Current issues involving technology use for training/instruction and work/classroom/school management will be the focus for the course.
Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 475. Leading and Learning Technologies3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Description: Introduction and application to the leading and learning technologies in organizations as they apply to, including but not limited to, metric dashboards, artificial intelligence, human resources/project management, training and development, and social media.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 478. Workplace Ethics and Human Resources Law3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Description: Study of human resources law and application of ethical perspectives at individual, group, organizational, and societal levels, as they apply to leadership and talent management. Includes examination of social responsibility
Note: Students cannot earn credit for both LEAD 478 and LEAD 578.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 490. Leadership and Management3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Description: Introduction and application to the management functions of planning, organizing, leading and controlling as they apply to leadership of workplace learning and performance.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 496. Seminar3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Description: The investigation of special problems in training and development.
Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 498. Special Topics in Organizational Leadership & Learning3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Description: To enable students to gain knowledge, skills, and competencies on topics related to organizational leadership. Provides advanced study on selected topics or emerging issues related to leading, managing, influencing and understanding people, processes, and positions within organizations.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 522. Promoting Workplace Health, Safety, and Security3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Description: This course addresses knowledge, skills, and dispositions for workforce leaders to promote healthy and safe workplaces. Both physical and psychological health, safety, and security concepts are explored, from compliance and workplace climate and leadership perspectives. Special emphasis is placed on emerging issues and the development of skills to promote workplace health, safety, and security.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
LEAD 578. Workplace and Information Ethics3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Description: Study and application of ethical perspectives at individual group, organizational, and societal levels,as they apply to leadership in workplaces and management of organizational information. Includes examination of social responsibility.
Note: Students cannot earn credit for both LEAD 478 and LEAD 578.
Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
