Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership

Kurtis Takamine, Ed.D., Interim Dean, Professional Studies

Janet Cooper Jackson, Ph.D.

Edward Funk, D.S.L.

Tracy Gibson, Ph.D.

Keith Hilton, Ph.D.

Alexis Olds, Ph.D.

George Timberlake, Psy.D.

Glenn Worthington, Ed.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 graduate program in organizational leadership 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 master's degree in organizational leadership 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.

Our focus in organizational leadership 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, participants in organizational leadership have the opportunity to:

• develop their capacity for reflective practice, generating ever deeper levels of insight and self-awareness regarding their specific capabilities and limitations as a leader;
• develop the commitment and ability to marshal creatively and with integrity the forces of human interdependence and diversity in organizations toward the articulation and attainment of common objectives;
• learn how to inspire a clear, mutual vision, one which thoughtfully and respectfully integrates and aligns individual and organizational aspirations for sustained performance and continuous improvement;
• learn how to apply systems thinking to critically and mindfully assess the current reality in organizations;
• explore new strategies for leading organizational change and development, approaches which emphasize congruent and ethical action, inclusionary practices, collaborative teamwork, and shared leadership.

The program in organizational leadership 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 students' 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 Masters of Arts in Organizational Leadership (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, 18-credit Graduate Certificate in Organization Development, and 15-credit Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership are also offered. Please contact the organizational leadership program coordinator at your location for more information.

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 Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL) degree program. (See Academic Policies and Procedure section.)

In addition to university policies concerning transfer of coursework, the organizational leadership 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 programmatic 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.

Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership

The graduate certificate program in organizational leadership allows students to achieve a firm grasp of contemporary leadership theory and practice. It is designed for individuals in leadership positions who wish to enhance their ability to lead.

The 15-credit program is designed to enhance a leader's conceptual and interpersonal skills, allowing them to include value-centered, service-driven leadership in their everyday operating philosophy and style. Students in the certificate program develop a heightened awareness of their capabilities and limitations and a corresponding commitment to uniting one's organizational colleagues around the creation and attainment of a common vision.

Admission to the Certificate Program

Admission to the certificate program is granted to individuals who meet the standards for admission to a graduate program. Students who wish to pursue a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership may use the credits in this certificate program, providing that the admission requirements for the MAOL program are met.

Specific Requirements

The certificate is awarded upon successful completion of all coursework (15 credits) with an overall grade point average of 3.0. No transfer credits may be used. All course prerequisites must be completed.

Graduate Certificate in Organization Development

The graduate certificate program in organization development allows students to achieve a firm grasp of contemporary organization development, change theory and practice. It is designed for individuals serving as or who intend to serve as consultants, and wish to enhance their ability to facilitate organizational effectiveness.

The 18-credit program is designed to address conceptual and practical skills, allowing participants to anchor their consulting practice to a value-centered, systems-driven approach. Through a practicum, students in the certificate program develop a heightened awareness of their role as active participant in the consulting process and a corresponding commitment to uniting one's organizational colleagues around the creation and attainment of real and sustained change leading to improved organizational effectiveness.

Admission to the Certificate Program

Admission to the certificate program is granted to individuals who meet the standards for admission to a graduate program. Students who wish to pursue a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL) may use the credits in this certificate program, providing that the admission requirements to the MAOL degree program are met.

Specific Requirements

Students are expected to attend professional association meetings such as Organization Development Network during their course of study. Students are also expected to complete an approved practicum project within an organizational setting.

The certificate is awarded upon successful completion of all coursework (18 credits) with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above. No transfer credits may be used. All course prerequisites must be completed.

Executive Certificate in Public and Nonprofit Leadership

The executive certificate in public and nonprofit leadership is a 6-credit graduate-level program intended for executives, managers and other professionals from the non-profit, public or civic sectors who wish to enhance their ability to lead volunteers. In a situation where participation cannot be demanded or extracted, the importance of inspiring commitment through the power of mutual influence (as opposed to the power of one's position) becomes paramount. That is the essence of voluntary leadership.

The certificate is awarded upon successful completion of OLCU 621 and OLCU 626 with a 3.0 grade point average or higher. Students who wish to pursue further graduate study in organizational leadership may use the above credits, providing the appropriate admissions standards are met.

Admission to the Certificate Program

Admission to the certificate program is granted to individuals who meet the standards for admission to a graduate program. Students who wish to pursue a Masters of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL) may use the credits in this certificate program, providing that the admission requirements for the MAOL program are met.