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Degree Requirements 2023-2024*

Foundational Courses

The study of leadership requires an understanding of 1) a basic body of knowledge in leadership studies, 2) competence in understanding qualitative and quantitative research for the purpose of informing evidence-based practice, and 3) an ability to function and lead in an environment that is diverse and inclusive. To this end, the following three required courses are intended to lay a consistent foundation for the program:

ML 505 – Foundations of Leadership

Learning Outcome: Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of multiple theories of leadership and their strengths and weaknesses in contexts.

ML 514 – Evaluating Empirical Research

Learning Outcome: Demonstrate skills in assessing the reliability, validity and value of qualitative and quantitative research.

ML 560 – Cultural Competence and Effective Leadership

Learning Outcome: Explain different approaches needed for inclusive leadership in diverse contexts.

Requisite Courses

Choose at least one course from each requisite category: Personal Growth and Interpersonal Dynamics and Organizational and Community Context.

Personal Growth and Interpersonal Dynamics

Courses in this arena focus on individuals’ self-knowledge and well developed interpersonal skills enable a person to successfully work with a wide range of individuals at varying levels of an organization.

Learning Outcomes: Articulate self-knowledge of leadership strengths and weaknesses. Demonstrate interpersonal skills in interactions with peers and instructors that reflect understanding of leader follower dynamics.

ML 520 – Self-Identity and Values: Keys to Authentic Leadership

ML 538 – Communication Skills for Leadership

ML 548 – Coaching and Consulting

ML 575 – Constructive Conflict Resolution

Or a department-approved substitute

Organizational and Community Context

Leadership involves an ability to understand the nature of, and respond effectively to, the context of organizations as well as the environment that surrounds them in order to operate effectively.

Learning Outcomes: Articulate the key factors of organizational and community contexts and their impact on leadership. Incorporate these contexts in their analysis and evaluation of leaders and leadership.

ML 512 – Leadership in the Community

ML 531 – Dynamics of Change

ML 535 – Organization Theory and Leadership

ML 536 – Facilitating Organizational Change

Or a department-approved substitute

Elective Courses

The leadership process involves well developed skills in communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking, as well as increasing students’ self-confidence and risk-taking. Based on their interests and background, students will choose 5 elective courses that focus on their own professional development.

Learning Outcomes: Course specific outcomes that link to MA in Leadership model should be on each syllabus.

ML 511 – Creativity and the Problem-Solving Process

ML 530 – Ethics in Communication

ML 545 – Decision Making and Leadership

ML 563 – Leadership in a Global Society

ML 565 – Women and Leadership

ML 574 – Strategic Leadership

ML 577 – Universal Responsibility and Leadership: A Central American Experience

ML 598 – Independent Study

ML 599 – Topics

Integrative Course

This seminar provides a culminating learning experience for participants in the program who have completed all other degree requirements.  Students will deepen their understanding of the major leadership theories, advance their critical analysis skills, and synthesize their comprehension of the nature of leadership, how leadership is known, and how leadership manifests itself in practice.

ML 585 – Leadership Capstone: Integrating Theory and Practice


For a complete list of courses and descriptions, see the Course Description Search.

* Degree requirements are somewhat different for those who began the program prior to fall term 2019. Please contact the program director for information about previous requirements.