The mission of the Master of Science in Leadership Studies (MSLS) program is to prepare diverse learners to become effective, change-oriented leaders in an international society. The program uses distinctive and challenging curriculum that integrates theory with practice, personal success with service to others, and information technology with creativity, empathy, and democracy.
The Master of Science in Leadership Studies (MSLS) program prepares individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and interests into change-oriented leaders. As every industry and profession needs effective and ethical leadership, employers are increasingly targeting candidates that possess the capacity to take initiative, build and cultivate strong teams, orchestrate conflict, and promote innovation to serve organizational purposes. Using a collaborative, integral and holistic approach, this degree builds the skill set to think critically and analytically, learn communication skills that serve a diverse population, and develop the ability to lead change in increasingly global/complex environments. Drawing from work/life experiences, students will learn to frame problems, use systems thinking and plan strategic interventions. Students will acquire knowledge, skills and abilities through experiential learning and critical analysis.
To receive a Master of Science in Leadership Studies (MSLS), students must complete at least 54 quarter units of graduate work. A total of 13.5 quarter units of graduate credit may be granted for equivalent graduate work completed at another institution, as it applies to this degree and provided the units were not used in earning another advanced degree.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
Distinguish between multiple approaches to exercising leadership in order to harness collective talent, promote innovation and confront complex issues within organizations.
Interpret organizational dynamics, group dynamics, and engage in systems thinking to promote the development of a learning organization capable of orchestrating conflict, creating innovation, and adaptation.
Evaluate ethical issues and aid organizational members in creating an ethical culture appropriate to the organizational and/or global arena that supports operating in environments of diversity, uncertainty, and unpredictability.Discern between the functions of formal authority/power and the understanding of leadership and be able to apply diverse leadership skills, and utilize frameworks to serve organizational purposes.
