Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (Credit Hour)

Mission

The mission of the MAOL program is to provide students with an innovative theory to practice-oriented leadership program of study based on excellence and flexibility that creates lasting value and relevance for evolving leaders and their organizations.

Program Learning Outcomes

The focus of the MAOL program is on the development of the people and conceptual skills which are essential to success at all levels of administration. Through our student-centered, largely "hands-on" approach to learning, students in organizational leadership will:

• Leadership: Assess an organizational issue from multiple leadership perspectives to recommend solutions.
• Critical Analysis: Analyze organizational challenges applying individual, group and organizational theories.
• Globalization and Diversity: Evaluate leadership strategies that promote organizational diversity and multi-cultural inclusion on a global scale.
• Ethics: Create a personal ethical decision-making model.
• Collaboration: Evaluate personal competencies in collaboration and teaming.
• Change: Apply change management strategies to practical situations in organizations.

The MAOL consists of a total of 30 credits of coursework which includes 6 credits in electives.

Requirements for Admission

The prospective graduate student in the MAOL program must demonstrate their readiness to succeed in graduate-level academic coursework by satisfactorily fulfilling one of the following admission options. All graduate admissions options listed below require an earned baccalaureate degree from an institutionally accredited institution.

Admission by GPA

A 2.75 grade point average (GPA) calculated over the most recent 30 graded semester (45 quarter) credits completed in either a bachelor's or post bachelor's program, including credits earned toward a teaching or other credential. All credits used for GPA calculation must be from an institutionally accredited institution. For graduates of an institutionally accredited institutions that do not conduct a GPA calculation, an official letter from the University determining grade equivalency will be accepted.

Admission by Prior Graduate Degree

An earned master's degree or higher from an institutionally accredited institution.

Admission by Portfolio

Submission of a portfolio of evidence that shows adequate preparation for graduate studies. The portfolio will contain: writing samples that show graduate level communications and analytical skills; a detailed resume showing professional development and achievements; awards; professional recognition; letters of reference from persons who can attest to the applicant’s ability to do graduate level work; and a letter of explanation detailing the reasons the student believes they are a good candidate for graduate study in the field they wish to pursue. If the portfolio meets substantive approval of the committee, the applicant may be invited for an interview. The decision of the School Graduate Admissions Committee will be final

Transfer Credit Policy

A maximum of 12 credits may be accepted in transfer to the MAOL degree program. The seven-year rule for completion of all transfer credits toward the MAOL degree applies. (See the Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalog.) 

Military Transfer Credit Policy

Six-Credit Transfer for Military Schooling.  Eligible Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, retired, and prior military service members may qualify to transfer six credits into their MAOL program of study for military schooling.   

Qualifications and provisions for the six-credit transfer for military schooling follow: 

1. The two courses approved for this six-credit transfer to the MAOL are OLCU 641 Leadership in Military Communication, and OLCU 643 Military Operations Leadership.
2. Active Duty, active reserve, retired, and prior service military members in the following ranks are eligible: Commissioned Officer (any rank), Non-Commissioned Officer (Sargeant First Class/E7 or above), or Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) or above. 
3. Commissioned Officers must be graduates of a commissioning program (OCS or equivalent, ROTC, Military Academy) and an officer basic career course. NCOs must have been promoted to the grade of E7 or above.  Warrant Officers must be CW2 or above and graduates of a Warrant Officer Candidate School and a Warrant Officer career course.