M.A. in Organizational Leadership
Program Overview |
Admission Requirements |
Application Process
Program Overview
The M.A. in Organizational Leadership stresses innovative and humane approaches to management with attention to the needs and performance of people. The purpose of the program is to help professionals develop the knowledge, perspectives, and skills necessary to lead people and organizations for effective performance in a changing global environment. The program provides broad, managerial preparation for leadership positions in private, nonprofit and public organizations and places equal emphasis on analytical and interpersonal skills.
Structure
A cohort of 15-20 students moves through the program together. A team of two to three instructors who facilitate the online learning and the monthly weekend community sessions leads each semester cluster of seven credits. Although each semester’s cluster of activities includes three course titles, the actual delivery integrates the content to resemble the actual interconnectedness and complexity of the work encountered by managerial leaders.
Delivery
The program combines monthly weekend class meetings on Friday evenings and Saturdays with online sessions and individual study. Over five semesters of intense study, five clusters of skills and knowledge are examined, creating a contemporary organizational leader.
- Mindsets - An introductory 1-credit course provides students with technology proficiency and an understanding of the program design.
- Semester I: The Learning Manager reflects on individual experience, preferences, and attitudes to build a growing awareness of how a manager influences outcomes with personal style and skills.
- Semester II: The Connected Manager builds the relationships and connections essential for successful organizations.
- Semester III: The Global Manager understands and maneuvers among the cultural economic, political legal, ethical and social spheres that influence work.
- Semester IV: The Strategic Manager considers both the art and science of analysis, and the holistic and technical skills and thinking needed for day-to-day operations and setting direction.
- Semester V: The Adaptive Leader creatively synthesizes and applies leadership principles to promote positive change.
Download a program brochure (PDF)
Degree Requirements
OL601
Managing Mindsets
Cluster I: The Learning Manager: 7 credits
OL611
OL612
OL613
Leadership Theories and Styles
Critical Thinking and Research
Personal and Professional Ethics
3 credits
2 credits
2 credits
Cluster II: The Connected Manager: 7 credits
OL621
OL622
OL623
Collaboration and Conflict
Communication Strategies
Team Building
2 credits
3 credits
2 credits
Cluster III: The Global Manager: 7 credits
OL631
OL632
OL633
Cultural Perspectives
Social and Legal Responsibility
Economic and Political Contexts
2 credits
2 credits
3 credits
Cluster IV: The Strategic Manager: 7 credits
OL641
OL642
OL643
Decision Making
Stratetig Thinking
Knowledge and Information Management
2 credits
2 credits
3 credits
Cluster V: The Adaptive Leader: 7 credits
OL651
OL652
OL653
Creativity and Innovation
Change Management
Capstone Symposium
2 credits
2 credits
3 credits
Total:
Click on the courses below to expand their descriptions.
OL601 Management Mindsets (1)This course outlines the approach and thematic elements of management on which the program is based and begins to build the learning community. Self-directed learning strategies to integrate the management of the learning contexts and processes for program success are emphasized. Technology and communication tools are introduced.
OL611 Leadership Theories and Styles (3)This module focuses on theories and styles of leadership and the ways in which outcomes are influenced through increased awareness of personal style and skills.
OL622 Communication Strategies (3)This module focuses on communication tools, techniques, and strategies for effective negotiation, advocacy, and collaboration.
OL623 Team Building (2)This module focuses on team building through techniques and practices in coaching, mentoring, and creating motivation.
OL631 Cultural Perspectives (2)This module focuses on cultural and spiritual influences that impact organizations and effective decision-making through increased awareness of cultural and contextual communication.
OL632 Social and Legal Responsibility (2)This module focuses on legal and ethical stewardship of an organization within a contextual environment and on increased awareness of social responsibility and global citizenship.
OL641 Decision-making (2)This module focuses on analysis of organizational issues and the impact of ethics on decision making through the use of statistical data, financial data and problem- solving models.
OL642 Strategic Thinking (2)This module focuses the creation of socially responsible organizational missions and goals and on strategic thinking through the application of strategic management principles.
OL651 Creativity and Innovation (2)This module focuses on creativity and innovation and on the trends in technology and science that influence creative and innovative leadership.
OL652 Change Management (2)This module focuses on change and on the skills and strategies to address its impact on organizations and their missions.
OL653 Capstone Symposium (3)This module focuses on integrating the knowledge, skill and experience from all management and leadership coursework through research, writing and presentation of a capstone project.
Program Staff
MA in Organizational Leadership - Adjunct Program Assistant Professor, Program Director, MA in Organizational Leadership