Leader and Leadership Development Undergraduate Certificate

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

AMTC 3210 Characteristics of the Effective Leader

AMTC 3020 Lab in Developmental Counseling

AMTC 3280 Teams and Organizational Leadership

AMTC 3600 Leading Diversity

AMTC 4750 Mental Health Triage and First Aid

Advanced Certificate - Counseling and Human Services

The Department of Counseling and Human Services offers a 24 credit-hour, advanced, post master’s certificate for current school or clinical mental health practitioners. Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) are required to complete 20 continuing education hours per licensing cycle and school counselors who are on a graduate pay scale may use this coursework toward these requirements. Additionally, the four core courses (12 credits) align with current CACREP requirements for CACREP-accredited doctoral programs. Students may take between one to three courses per semester.

School Counselor - Endorsement Only

Students who have earned a CACREP-accredited master’s degree may be eligible to take five courses to complete the academic requirements for endorsement as a School Counselor in Colorado. An interview, transcript review, and specific steps for admission are required. It’s important to note that space is limited, and slots are only given to students if space in the cohort is available.