Welsh Leadership Development Program

The Welsh Leadership Development Program (WLDP) is a one-year, comprehensive curriculum for developing selected Majors in the US Air Force and US Space Force for the important responsibility of leading a cadet squadron at the United States Air Force Academy. Upon completion, participants qualify for a Master's degree from the College of Education at UCCS.

This training program was piloted in 1999, formalized in 2003, and is a sustained collaboration between the UCCS College of Education and the United States Air Force Academy.
 

This inclusive program includes graduate curriculum, fieldwork, ongoing and topical colloquia, and personal and professional assessments designed to support coaching and leadership development. This degree program facilitates 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 job description of a Squadron Commander, from COCI 36-3522, requires officers to be competent in mentoring, capable of leading, teaching, and evaluating cadets through all aspects of cadet and military life, able to enforce standards, demonstrate nearly impeccable role modeling, competent in guiding the squadron's leadership team, and skilled in working with cadets, individually and as a group.

Students are tapped by the United States Air Force and United States Space Force for admission to this select program. Once enrolled, this one-year program features training with faculty from both the College of Education (UCCS) and the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership (USAFA).

For details on program coursework, please visit the Academic Catalog.

All students in the Welsh Leadership Development Program will participate in a comprehensive exam process during the third semester (spring) of their graduate program. The comprehensive exam process will consist of three parts: multiple-choice exam, written essay exam, and oral exam.

General Coaching and Leadership Knowledge
Courses covered:

• Theories of Motivation and Behavior Change
• Group Dynamics and Group Leadership
• Introduction to Research and Statistics
• Characteristics of an Effective Leader
• Leader and Leadership Development

Specialty Knowledge and Skills related to Working with USAFA Cadets
Courses covered:

• College Student Development
• College Teaching and Learning
• Career Development
• Mental Health, Wellness, and Prevention
• Teams and Organizational Leadership

Self-awareness and Personal Growth Related to Coaching and Leadership
Courses covered:

• Laboratory in Developmental Coaching
• Elective courses in the College of Education
• Field Experience and Command Preparation

To learn more about the general application process, please visit the program's Admissions page.

Additional resources for Admissions:

• Tuition Rate
• Cost of Tuition Estimator
• Financial Aid
• Scholarships