Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership

Kurt Takamine, Ed.D., Interim Dean, Business and Professional Studies

Janet Cooper Jackson, Ph.D., Associate Dean, Business and Professional Studies

Glenn Worthington, Ed.D., Associate Dean, Business and Professional Studies

Tracy Gibson, Ed.D.

Keith Hilton, Ph.D.

All organizations whether military or civilian, profit or non-profit, public or private, small or large business, health, educational or religious rely on leadership to accomplish their respective goals. A number of trends accelerating in the new century are increasing the need and demand for organizational leadership. New advances technological, social, and political are being unleashed at blinding rates of speed. Experts agree that these advances are causing a tidal wave of change, requiring organizations to continuously update and refine their approaches, structures and technologies to achieve ever greater levels of quality, effectiveness, efficiency and flexibility.

The Master of Arts degree program in Organizational Leadership (MAOL) features an award-winning approach which appreciates the leader's challenge in these turbulent times. It is a state-of-the-art curriculum in leadership theory and practice, providing education not only about leadership, but also for leadership. The MAOL prepares students to take full advantage of leadership positions within their chosen organizations, enabling them to make a powerful and positive difference in their world of work.

The focus of the MAOL program is on the development of the people and conceptual skills which are essential to success at all levels of administration. Through our student-centered, largely "hands-on" approach to learning, students in organizational leadership have the opportunity to:

• Leadership: Create a personal philosophy of leadership.
• Assessment: Analyze organizational behavior using a theory based approach.
• Research: Apply research findings to address organizational issues.
• Systems: Evaluate personal and organizational effectiveness using systems thinking principles.
• Ethics: Create a personal ethical decision making model.
• Teaming: Apply team building techniques to workplace activities.
• Change: Apply change management strategies to practical situations in organizations.

The MAOL is dedicated to the principles of "servant leadership" and facilitating organizational transformation within a values-centered framework. The program is therefore best suited for mid-career professionals committed to bringing about positive changes in the world of work, community, and society as a whole. Because of its interdisciplinary nature, the program can be customized according to the student's interest through articulations with other programs (e. g., human resources, health administration, education, administration, voluntary/nonprofit leadership, criminal justice, etc.), as well as individuals starting or leading their own enterprises.

The MAOL consists of 36 credits of coursework, including 12 credits in electives, and 3 credits in a leadership capstone seminar, in which students synthesize and apply what they have learned.

A 6-credit Executive Certificate in Public and Non Profit Leadership, 15-credit Graduate Certificate in Organization Development, and 15-credit Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership are also offered.

Admission to the Program and Prerequisites

Admission to the program may be achieved by completing the following requirements:

1. Satisfactorily fulfill graduate admission requirements for University College as stated in the catalog. (See the Graduate Admissions section.)
2. If the student uses Option Two in the CUC graduate admissions requirements, submit passing scores from one of the following standard admission tests:

   Graduate Record Examination (GRE): achieve the required minimum scores on two out of three of the subsections of the GRE or score at or above the 60th percentile on any one of the Graduate Subject Tests. (Minimum score for quantitative or verbal sections is 450. Minimum score for analytic writing is 4.5.)

   Miller Analogies Test (MAT): achieve a minimum scaled score of 400.

   Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT): fulfill the formula GMAT + (GPA x 200) > 1000.

3. Option 4: submission of a portfolio of evidence that shows adequate preparation for graduate studies. The portfolio will contain: writing samples that show graduate level communications and analytical skills; a detailed resume showing professional development and achievements; awards; professional recognition; letters of reference from persons who can attest to the applicant's ability to do graduate level work; and a letter of explanation detailing the reasons the student believes he or she is a good candidate for the graduate program. If the portfolio meets substantive approval of the reviewers, the applicant may be invited for an interview. (See Graduate Admissions.)

Transfer of Coursework

A maximum of 9 semester credits may be accepted in transfer toward electives in the MAOL degree program. (See Academic Policies and Procedure section.)

In addition to university policies concerning transfer of coursework, the MAOL program will accept transfer of military coursework which meet the following requirements:

1. Course requested for transfer must include an official transcript or copy of ACE evaluation which verifies graduate-level work;
2. Coursework must be letter graded or provide verification of completion at a grade of "B" or higher;
3. Coursework must be comparable to program requirements (if marginal comparability, a written statement of rationale must be provided); and,
4. Military coursework will be accepted in transfer as fulfilling prerequisite and elective requirements only.

Specific Requirements for the Degree

The MAOL consists of five segments. The first segment consists of 12 credits related to the theoretical foundation and philosophical underpinnings of organizational leadership; the second segment consists of 9 credits related to putting leadership into practice; the third segment consists of 12 credits of electives; the fourth is an integrative capstone course (3 credits); and the fifth is a comprehensive examination.

Also see:

Certificate in Organizational Leadership

Certificate in Organization Development

Executive Certificate in Public and Nonprofit Leadership