The Attallah College of Educational Studies' Master of Arts in Leadership Development (MLD) program can be completed in 2 years. Through interdisciplinary learning experiences, the MLD program educates leaders to build equitable and just communities in schools, institutes of higher education, and other organizational settings.
Admissions
Chapman's MLD program admits a new cohort each fall. We are now accepting applications for the Fall 2024 Cohort.
The Priority Application Deadline is: February 1, 2024.
*To be considered for fellowships, you must submit by the priority application deadline.
Coursework
MLD students take six (6) core classes and four (4) electives taught by faculty and experts in their field. Students can choose from a series of interdisciplinary electives or a three-course series with a higher education or K-12 leadership focus. The MLD program culminates in a year-long capstone course sequence, where students partner with local organizations and departments on campus in a leadership project. See our MLD Capstone webpage for a list of recent alumni capstone projects.
Career Pathways
Each MLD student completes one of three content and career focus areas: (1) higher education leadership, (2) K-12 leadership, or (3) an interdisciplinary focus, which includes coursework in nonprofit leadership, civic engagement, and social justice leadership.
Our MLD alumni have successful careers in a variety of fields and organizations including: higher education administration, student affairs, DEI in corporate settings, nonprofit leadership, government agencies, human resources, and teacher leadership in K-12 leadership focus.
“The benefits from the MLD program continue to unfold in both my personal and professional life. Each course I took in the program was impactful because the professors themselves are inspiring examples of leadership in action. The program provided me with the skills to critically approach challenges in my work with a social justice lens. I gained tremendous insights regarding organizational change through the opportunity to support an amazing local organization for my capstone project. I was even offered a job after completing the capstone! The MLD program caters to individuals with a wide variety of professional interests, which in turn contributes to a rich and diverse learning experience."
“Enrolling in the MLD program is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I learned invaluable lessons, both from the world-class faculty and from my cohort, that helped shape me into a better leader, a better manager, and a better person. I am also tremendously thankful for the opportunity to create an individualized program that was meaningful for me as a working professional and to be able to implement my learnings immediately with my team.”
“I chose the MLD program because it placed an emphasis on developing others around oneself. Leadership is highly valued within society, but the ability to develop leaders around you is the crucial piece lacking at times. By focusing on my interpersonal, leadership development skills I can create more equitable spaces for those in need.”
“The Masters of Leadership Development at Chapman University satisfied my purpose of making a difference in this world while providing me the skills to find my path and help me grow into my potential as the change-making leader I am! I could not have chosen a better program even if I had designed it myself. Not only has the Masters in Leadership Development allowed me the space to grow and be challenged as an individual, it has provided me with the skills I need to make my dreams become a practical reality. Because of the Masters of Leadership Development, I know that I will make a difference and fulfill my purpose of being the biggest contribution to our society that I can be.”