Final Project Options

At or near the completion of the course work for the Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL), students are required to develop and carry out an in-depth study of some aspect of leadership or a leadership related topic. This study affords the student the opportunity to “tie together” what has been learned from the study of leadership in the course work and course-related activities. There are four alternatives. All use a P/N grading system.

See the final project guidelines for details.

Plan A: Thesis/LAP Option (Classic Classroom students)
Students who select the Thesis/LAP Option are required to develop and carry out an in-depth study of some aspect of leadership or a leadership-related topic. This research-based study gives the student the opportunity to “tie together” what has been learned from the study of leadership and course-related activities.

The principal distinction between the thesis and the Leadership Application Project lies in their underlying orientation. A thesis has a more theoretical orientation, while the Leadership Application Project is based on practical application. Both require similar rigor and preparation. For either alternative the student must register for ML 592 and 593.

Core Courses for Plan A (4 courses)

• ML510 Visions of Leadership (1)
• ML514 Research Methods (1)
• ML592 Thesis/LAP Consultation I (1)
• ML593 Leadership Research Seminar II (1)

Plan B: Non-Thesis Option (Classic Classroom students)
An alternative to the thesis is the successful completion of two major papers. The first of these papers will be written in conjunction with ML 580. The second paper will be written while enrolled in ML 597 Non-Thesis Independent Project. The independent research projects approved each year will be presented in an annual colloquium.

Core Courses for Plan B (4.0 courses)

• ML510 Visions of Leadership (1)
• ML514 Research Methods (1)
• ML580 Colloquium on Contemporary Theories of Leadership (1)
• ML597 Non-Thesis Independent Project (1)

Plan C: Comprehensive Exam (Classic Classroom students)
The third completion option involves one paper, written in conjunction with ML 580 (as in Plan B) and a Comprehensive Exam Seminar (ML 589). This seminar must be taken as the final course in the program. This course is taken on a pass/fail basis, and when the course and examinations are successfully completed, it will satisfy the program requirements.

Core Courses for Plan C (4.0 courses)

• ML 510 Visions of Leadership (1)
• ML 514 Research Methods (1)
• ML 580 Colloquium on Contemporary Theories of Leadership (1)
• ML 589 Comprehensive Exam Seminar (1)

Plan D: Action Research Option (Integrated Hybrid Cohort students)
An alternative to the thesis is the successful completion of two major papers. The first of these papers will be written in conjunction with ML 580. The second paper will be written while enrolled in ML 588 Action Research Project.

Core Courses for Plan D (4.0 courses)

• ML510 Visions of Leadership (1)
• ML514 Research Methods (1)
• ML580 Colloquium on Contemporary Theories of Leadership (1)
• ML588 Action Research Project (1)