Aug 31, 2024  
National University Volume 86B-2 Catalog - April 2024 
    
National University Volume 86B-2 Catalog - April 2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, MS


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Master of Science in Organizational Leadership


Description of Program


The Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) program provides students with the knowledge to evaluate personal leadership skills and the components of leadership that contribute to the health of an organization, as well as how to apply leadership best practices in an organization.

Click here for potential career opportunities within the MSOL.

Learning Outcomes


  • Assess the current state of leadership practice within a given profession
  • Evaluate the components of leadership that contribute to the health of an organization
  • Apply best leadership practices within a given organization
  • Evaluate themselves as leaders

Basis for Admissions


Admission to the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership program requires a conferred bachelor’s and/or a conferred master’s or doctoral degree from a regionally or nationally accredited academic institution. In addition to these general requirements, MSOL applicants have two options for entering the program:

  1. Direct Entry - Individuals with a previously completed bachelor’s degree in business from a regionally or nationally accredited academic institution may immediately begin the MSOL program.

Note: Students who complete the University’s BBA bridge path in Business Leadership may be eligible to apply four graduate-level courses from the BBA program to the MSOL program. Graduate-level courses completed in the BBA bridge path must be completed with a grade point average of 3.0 (grade of “B”) or better.

  1. Evaluation Track - Individuals who do not meet direct entry requirements will begin their degree plan with MSOL-5000 - Leadership Development and Practice , followed by SKS-5001 - Comprehensive Strategic Knowledge Studies , and upon successful completion of SKS-5001  take the remaining courses in their degree plan.

Students who feel that they have the business background and knowledge are allowed to take a test-out exam that covers the major business areas. The student must score 70 or above on the exam and can be taken no later than two weeks prior to the beginning of SKS-5001  course. This can be discussed with your enrollment or academic and finance advisor.

Students who enter through the evaluation track and do not immediately test out of SKS-5001  prior to having the course placed in their degree plan are not permitted to participate in the Accelerated MSOL program.

Degree Requirements


The Master of Science in Organizational Leadership is a 30 credit program comprised of 18 core credits, 9 specialization credits and 3 capstone credits. Graduates of the program must complete 30 credit hours. Students may select a discipline-specific specialization of their interest.

Students assume full responsibility for understanding both the foundational, specialization and capstone requirements of the program. Switching programs after completing coursework may result in reevaluation, monetary loss, loss of credit hours and/or the need to take additional credit hours. Students’ Academic and Finance Advisors can assist with any questions related to program requirements.

The University may accept a maximum of 12 semester credit hours in transfer toward the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership for graduate course work completed at an external accredited college or university with a grade of “B” or better. See the Transfer Credit Policy  for additional information.

Note: Students with a conferred BBA degree from the University who complete graduate-level coursework with a grade of “B” or better to satisfy required undergraduate specialization credit hours may be eligible to apply up to 12 graduate-level credit hours from the BBA program to the MSOL program. Please see the Bachelor of Business Administration program for program-specific course requirements.

Time to Completion


The University allows 5 years to complete all Master’s programs of 36 credits or less.

The median time to completion for this program is 22 months.

Time to completion varies depending upon the pace in which a student completes courses and the number of transfer credits accepted. As most students are working adults, balancing educational, professional, and personal commitments, our academic and finance advisors will work with you to develop a program schedule that works best for your needs.

Students following the preferred schedule designed by the Dean for this program, and applying no transfer credits, can expect to finish in as little as 18 months.

Accelerated MSOL Scheduling Track

Within the MSOL program, the School of Business and Economics offers an Accelerated MSOL scheduling track. The Accelerated MSOL is not an alternative program, but is a scheduling option designed for students capable of completing an intense, fast-paced, and highly challenging graduate course structure. Students considering the Accelerated MSOL track are strongly encouraged to first think about their availability for study-time, work schedule or any other outside activities that may interfere with course participation, and their ability to learn in a rapidly moving academic environment. Students who enter and successfully complete the Accelerated MSOL track will graduate in 12 months with a Masters of Organizational Leadership degree.

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Course Sequence


The Master of Science in Organizational Leadership program can be completed with a minimum of 30 credit hours, but may require additional credit hours, depending on the entry track. If needed, additional courses will be added to the student degree program in alignment with the SAP and Academic Maximum Time to Completion policies. Students who do not complete their program in accordance with these policies may be dismissed.

Students who complete at least 9 semester credit hours in a single area of specialization at the University (not counting foundational courses) may elect to have the specialization recorded on their transcript and diploma.

All MSOL programs require the foundation courses to be completed prior to enrolling in specialization courses. The program capstone will be completed as the last course in the degree program. 

In some cases, specialization courses listed on the initial degree plan can be changed upon the student’s request. Please contact your Academic and Finance Advisor for more information.

The Admissions and Evaluation team will schedule any additional courses needed to satisfy entry track requirements

Criminal Justice Specialization


The Criminal Justice specialization explores the dynamic nature of law enforcement, the courts, corrections, and the juvenile justice system in the United States and explores the nature of crime both domestically and internationally. This specialization focuses on developing advanced competencies and analytical capability for those seeking management and leadership positions in corrections, law enforcement, and the court system.

Health Services Specialization


Graduates of health services management programs are in demand in hospitals, health maintenance organizations, health insurance companies, government and public health agencies, and social service agencies. The focus of this health services specialization is to develop essential knowledge and skills necessary for effective healthcare management, including legal and ethical issues and the examination of the development of health policies.

Human Resources Management Specialization


This graduate-level specialization focuses on the interrelationships between human resource capital, leadership, and the business organization. Students will explore all aspects of human resource management, and address the increasing human resource issues in the global economy.

Inclusive Leadership Specialization


This specialization will equip you with the insights, knowledge, and skills to go beyond traditional leadership and will prepare you to be a leader who can empower, energize, and inspire individuals, and unify diverse employees. You will become an agent of change who has the enhanced skills to lead an organization while being a champion and advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and social and economic justice. After completing this program, you will be able to make decisions that help to advance a unified and collaborative global workforce that functions effectively and efficiently, optimizing the organization’s effectiveness. 

Management of Virtual Organizations Specialization


This specialization focuses on acquiring knowledge and skills to support the management of virtual organizations. Students focus on a wide range of topics relevant to the manager overseeing virtual organizations. From theory to tactics, experienced professionals and entry-level candidates will build expertise in such diverse areas as virtual leadership, building trust in virtual teams, and legal and other implications that may arise in virtual organizations.

Nonprofit Management Specialization


In this specialization, students learn the fundamental principles of nonprofit management by exploring the roles and responsibilities of the management team and their efforts to maximize fundraising opportunities and maintain healthy budgets. Other areas that are covered include revenue generation, legal foundations, recruitment and management of volunteers, and promotion and marketing. Contemporary topics including diversity and ethics are also examined.

Project Management Specialization


This specialization explores principles, concepts, tools, and techniques to improve project performance and organizational effectiveness. Project Management is one of the fastest growing professional disciplines. Students examine all aspects of company projects including cost estimates, budget management, cost control, risk assessment, bid negotiation and contracts, and performance reporting critical to the success of any organization. The graduate specialization provides curriculum for students aspiring to take on project management responsibilities. This specialization focuses on risk management, procurement, monitoring, and multi-project management.

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