Master of Arts in Leadership (Accelerated Program) College of Professional Studies

The Master of Arts in Leadership (MLDR) Program utilizes an adult learning format, and is comprised of courses and assessments that encourage individual thought, synthesis of group contribution, and assimilation of practical and theoretical teachings. Its mission is to combine leadership philosophy, derived from great leaders and their writings, with concepts and theoretical models of organizational leadership. The ultimate goal of this graduate degree is closely tied to its mission, in that students will develop and recognize their own unique style, role and general philosophy of leadership. The program is offered in class and online.

Mission & Philosophy

In this program leading to a Master of Arts in Leadership, the students delve deeply into the subject of leadership, looking at it from a variety of perspectives. The aim of the program is to assist students in gaining a comprehensive understanding of leadership and a recognition of individuals who display leadership qualities, and to significantly develop those qualities in themselves. The ideas of historical leaders are examined through scholarly research, biographies, and original writings from the leaders themselves. Current issues of leadership are explored from the perspectives of organizational theory, organizational behavior, theories and principles of management, social psychology, and individual psychology, with predominant application to the students' own organizations, social milieu, and the world.

The Program Experience

Small classes facilitate both individual attention and stimulating discussions. The program experience balances case analysis, discussion through threaded email, and various experiential techniques. Work experience is an integral part of the program, providing current problems, future objectives, and research questions for immediate application of the most current concepts from weekly reading assignments.

Program Characteristics

  • The program is delivered in an accelerated format and lasts approximately 16 months.
  • Students join a group of approximately 20 students working together for the duration of the program.
  • One credit hour is earned each term through work on a directed leadership project. Each student's research is directed by an assigned faculty member during the final three terms of the program.
  • The 9 credit hours per term qualify students as full-time. Therefore, based upon the previous year's income, students may be eligible for financial aid.

Curriculum

Term One
LDR 601 Concepts of Leadership and Power
LDR 611 Leadership in Formal Organizational Systems
LDR 681-1 Leadership Project

Term Two
LDR 621 Strategic Communication and Information Leadership
LDR 631 Team and Group Dynamics
LDR 681-2 Leadership Project

Term Three
LDR 641 Leadership Models for Organizational Psychology and Behavior
LDR 655 Quantitative Decision Making Methods for Leaders
LDR 681-3 Leadership Project

Term Four
LDR 661 Advanced Human Resource Leadership and Management
LDR 671 Leadership Strategy and Policy
LDR 681-4 Leadership Project