MS.ORLD - MS Organizational Leadership

Developing 21st Century Purposeful Leaders

The Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) is designed to address the needs and challenges of 21st century organizational leaders. Today’s organizations have multifaceted and immersive relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, and communities. Consequently, there is a need to develop leaders with critical 21st century business skills and with the ability to lead purposefully at the individual, group, organizational, and societal levels. Within this context, a successful leader must improve the bottom line, while responding to the needs and values of stakeholders.

The program advances leaders who will be able to:

• Integrate organizational behavior and leadership theory to effectively address issues related to talent management.

  • Example: Develop proficiency in building a culture of trust and managing performance of diverse groups.

• Utilize principles, theories, and methods of leadership and management to address issues related to organizational effectiveness.

  • Example: Learn the keys to successful change management and the use of data for better decision-making.

• Master written, oral, and analytical expression to communicate effectively.

  • Example: Learn to apply strategic and persuasive communication practices to solve organizational problems.

• Assess, practice, and apply managerial and leadership skills to positively impact an organization and society.

  • Example: Become a purposeful leader who has a sustained positive impact on the organization and society.

• Integrate ethical concepts, principles, and theories in management.

  • Example: Learn the role of ethical behavior as a cornerstone to leadership effectiveness and societal contribution.

The program begins with an immersive assessment of 21st Century Leadership Skills. This one-credit course (MGMT 633, Assessment of 21st Century Leadership Skills) is taken at the beginning of the program concurrently with another course and serves as an opportunity for students to be self-reflective regarding their current leadership skills in advance of the transformation ahead. Students then progress through leadership and management courses exploring the self, the team, the organization, and society. At the end of the program students complete a one-credit course (MGMT 639, Reflection on 21st Century Leadership Skills) to determine what skills they have developed or strengthened and in what areas they may need further development. They also create a plan to continue their growth as leaders after completion of the MSOL. Assessments will be conducted at the onset and prior to completion of the program.