Program Overview

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership

Overview

The Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead effectively in a variety of settings, including business, government, non-profit, and education. The program focuses on developing leadership skills that can be applied to real-world problems and challenges.

Program Details

• Credits: 45
• Duration: Fall or Spring terms
• Format: Online/distance fall, winter, and spring; On-campus evening courses at the WOU Salem Campus
• Technology Requirements: Computer with internet connection

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge and application of principles, theories, and concepts of leadership within organizational settings.
• Develop critical intellectual skills including: critical thinking and analytical reasoning; ethical reasoning; and communicative fluency.
• Apply teamwork, leadership, and communication skills to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrate integration of their knowledge and skills by engaging with and responding to civic, social, environmental and economic challenges at local, national and global levels.

Admission Requirements

• Application Fee: $60
• Transcripts: Evidence of completion of a four-year baccalaureate degree (or international equivalent) from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative B average (equivalent 3.00 on a U.S. 4.00 grading scale) on the most recent baccalaureate degree.
• Current Resume: Saved as a PDF with first and last name in the title.

Curriculum

• Fundamental Skills: 3 credits
  • WR 630 Professional Writing and Research
• Adaptive Leadership: 15 credits
  • OL 612 Conflict Management
  • OL 614 Leading for Creativity and Innovation
  • OL 631 Fundamentals of Leadership
  • OL 632 Building Effective Teams
  • OL 633 Organizational Communication
• Enabling Leadership: 15 credits
  • OL 613 Human Behavior in Organizations
  • OL 619 Strategic Change and Organizational Development
• Elective Credits: 9 credits
  • Consult with advisor for elective options
• Executive Leadership: 12 credits
  • OL 611 Ethics in Leadership
  • OL 615 Strategic Leadership
  • OL 622 Critical Thinking for Leaders
  • OL 690 Leadership Action Project

Exit Evaluation

• Portfolio: Students must complete a portfolio to receive their degree.

Faculty

• David Foster: Professor
• Paul Disney: NTT Instructor
• Jessica Murfin: Partnership Specialist/Adjunct Instructor
• Sarah Sheldrick: NTT Instructor
• Steven Winegar: NTT Assistant Professor
• Keely Killpack: NTT Assistant Professor
• Marianne Bradshaw: NTT Instructor

Program Design

The Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead effectively in a variety of settings. The program is divided into four areas: Fundamental Skills, Adaptive Leadership, Enabling Leadership, and Executive Leadership. Students must complete all four areas to receive their degree.

Certificate Options

• Adaptive Leadership Certificate: Equips leaders with the knowledge and competencies needed to lead effectively within complex adaptive systems (teams).
• Enabling Leadership Certificate: Equips leaders with the knowledge and competencies needed to effectively lead multiple teams within an organization.
• Executive Leadership Certificate: Equips students with the critical capabilities and skills needed to assume top-level leadership positions.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Term: September 1st
• Spring Term: March 10th

Graduate Student Assistant Positions

• Application Deadline: March 1st for priority processing
• Description: Graduate Student Assistant Positions offer a valuable opportunity for student employment, providing a compensation package comprising both salary and tuition remission. These positions involve the performance of research or teaching services to the University, contributing to students’ academic and professional training and development.