M.A. in Organizational
Leadership

BUS-505 Research Methods

An examination of research methods available for the 21st century organization and statistical concepts useful for data-driven decision making. Focus is placed on the systematic process of collecting, analyzing and interpreting research articles and data to answer a specific research question. The course will also introduce students to basic descriptive and inferential statistical tools within the context of a business related problem.

MGT-532 Organizational Leadership

A survey of current literature on the topic of leadership. A foundation of research and theory is laid to form the context for more specific topical study throughout the program. Special emphasis is placed on the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values in servant leadership.

MGT-531 Organizational Behavior and Change

The study of the behavior of individuals and teams within organizations based on current management theory. Emphasis is given to understanding, predicting, motivating and changing work-related behaviors in organizations. Key topics include organizational structure, understanding culture, power, diversity, leadership and communication within the organization.

MGT-542 Organizational Decision-Making

An opportunity to explore decision-making models within organizations for the purpose of improving problem-solving and individual performance within the context of working with, supervising and leading others. A specific emphasis in this course is on biases, unconscious judgments, cognitive blind spots and other limitations that mediate, moderate or impede effective decision-making within personal and professional contexts. Research, theories and models are presented to help improve organizational decision-making.

MGT-536 Managing and Maximizing Diversity

A study of the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and maximize the potential of an increasingly diverse workforce. Emphasis is placed on the benefits of a systematic and systemic approach to assessment, measurement, design and implementation of a sustainable diversity initiative. Students identify values and beliefs about people who are different from themselves and develop specific leadership strategies for managing a diverse workforce.

MGT-543 Team Leadership and Conflict Management

A course with an emphasis on research, theories and models that help learners understand and more effectively use strategies for improved leadership within a team-based context. Because it is inextricably tied to the challenges of working in teams, interpersonal conflict is investigated as part of the necessary leadership behavior that comes from working with and for others in addition to supervising and managing people and projects. Practical strategies are emphasized for improving leadership and conflict management.

BUS-661 Business Law for Managers, Supervisors and Organizational Leaders

An examination of the legal environment and its effect on business decisions and operations. Contracts, commercial and consumer law, and ethical awareness in corporate life are studied, along with guidelines for executive actions that produce a moral organizational culture.

MGT-638 Human Resource Leadership

A focus on current issues in the field of human resource management emphasizing legal issues, career development, job definition and job qualification. Labor/management conflict from behavioral and institutional viewpoints is also examined.

MGT-640 Employee Development and Performance Management

This course focuses on supervisory responsibilities of developing employees through the entire performance management process, which includes coaching and caring for others, developing those for whom one is responsible, and the utilizing an appraisal process that includes feedback, expectations and evaluation.

FIN-644 Budgeting and Financial Resource Management

A study of the key accounting and finance principles that provide managers with a better understanding of the financial aspects of organizations. Topics include interpretation and analysis of financial statements, budgeting, time value of money and investment alternatives.

MGT-639 Strategic Leadership

An in-depth analysis and evaluation of corporate and business strategies. Students are expected to demonstrate that they have the ability to integrate the various disciplines in the program and practical management experience for the purpose of solving a management and leadership problem through case analysis and critique. Topics include crafting an executive strategy, managing diversification, global market competition and analysis of resources and competitive position.

MGT-540 Organizational Leadership Capstone

An opportunity for students to synthesize information received throughout the degree program, create a leadership development plan for immediate and future use, and assess the impact of their personality and emotional intelligence (EI) on leadership performance. A distinctive feature of this class will be an assessment geared toward identifying each student’s EI and a coaching session with a certified EI coach who will help the students identify leadership strengths and opportunities for growth.