Mandatory Four-Year Leadership Development Certification Program

The Leadership Development Certification Program is a four-year program encompassing California Maritime’s six pillars of leadership:

• Corp of Cadets

• Watch Standing

• Academics

• Professional Development Training

• Orientation

• Living/Learning Environment

As the cadets progress through each year at CMA, the overarching focus evolves through the following areas: 

Followership → Direct Leadership → Indirect Leadership → Executive Leadership

Upon successful completion of the four-year program, a cadet will receive a Leadership Development Certificate presented to them at commencement.

• Click on the following link to access a certification checklist:  Certification Checklist

Eligibility:  This program is mandatory for all students in the Corps of Cadets.  Through a cadets four years at CMA, the cadets are required to successfully complete each component of the certification program.  This completion is documented in an individual training record.  In order to advance within the Corps of Cadets, a cadet must complete the requirements for each year.  The program commenced with the Class of 2009. 

Learning Outcomes:

• Member of the Corps of Cadets

  • Students will be able to understand the responsibility to be where they are suppose to be when they are suppose to be there.

  • Students will be able to understand the need to prepare for the dress requirements of one’s work environment while presenting a professional appearance.

  • Students will be able to understand maintain the norms of a professional person.

  • Students will be able to understand through dialog and discussion of a more theoretical approach to leadership skills and ethical values.

• Watch Standing

  • Students will be able to understand and participate in an increasing level of responsibility and accountability from followership as a Fourth Class to leadership as a First Class.

• Academics

  • Students will be able to understand the components of leadership theory and practice.

• Professional Development Training

  • Students will be able to understand issues pertinent to their professional and leadership development.

  • Students will be able to understand issues pertinent to their social responsibility.

  • Students will be able to understand issues pertinent to social justice.

  • Students will be able to understand issues pertinent to learning and training styles for today’s students.

  • Students will be able to identify their type indicator and understand how they relate to others.

  • Students will be able to understand their leadership potential and design and implement plans to improve.

• Orientation

  • Students will be able to understand the dynamics of participating and working within a team.

  • Students will be able to understand issues pertinent to their social responsibility.

  • Students will be able to understand issues pertinent to social justice.

  • Students will be able to understand and apply the requirements of the Corps of Cadets, including Corps organization, uniforms and grooming, watch standing, and the conduct system.

  • Students will be able to understand issues pertinent to their social and professional development.

• Living & Learning Environment

  • Students will be able to learn tolerance in a communal environment; to respect others’ rights and privileges; to live independently; to team build; and to live in a safe environment complete with socially stimulating activities.

• Overall Leadership Learning Experience

  • Students will be able to display an improved understanding and ability with highly desired skills, including self-awareness, communication, critical thinking, motivation, and visioning and goal setting.