Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership

Program Description/Overview

Leadership for an inclusive world:

The master’s degree in organizational leadership provides a foundation for becoming an effective leader, developing other leaders, and providing strategic support for leaders and teams in diverse organizations and communities. Students develop skills in strategic thinking, complex problem-solving, cultural competence, and team dynamics - all informed by foundational knowledge in psychology, leadership, and other social sciences. As organizations and communities become increasingly diverse and global, students learn how to become strategic and inclusive leaders capable of transforming organizations and building an inclusive world.

The program is designed to be completed in one year, taking two courses per term, and is available asynchronously online. This fully online format provides structure with built-in flexibility to engage in individual and group learning activities, complete course assignments, and submit work by established due dates.

This program is intended for students who wish to work in leadership positions across a variety of functions and sectors, to lead organizational change, or to support the development of leaders within their organizations and communities. It is also appropriate for those who are currently in leadership positions and want to deepen their skills for inclusive leadership and leading positive change. In addition, graduates of this program can continue to a post-master’s PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, preparing them for consulting and more specialized or diverse career paths.

Applicants must choose either the master’s degree in organizational leadership or the master’s degree in organizational psychology; there is no option to apply to both programs concurrently. Either degree provides a pathway to the post-master’s PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.

Program Learning Outcomes/Goals

1. Describe and apply leadership and organizational psychology principles, concepts, models, theories, and methods.
2. Describe and apply ethical and legal principles relevant to leadership in organizations.
3. Demonstrate a positive, pro-active, and inclusive attitude towards diverse cultures and identities.
4. Design culturally competent leadership approaches, interventions and programs for diverse populations.
5. Analyze data, evaluate results and communicate findings using applied research methods.
6. Describe and apply concepts and methods for leading and working effectively in teams.

Training Model

Students learn theories and analyze cases while gaining hands-on experience through class projects. The coursework provides progressive learning by integrating advanced critical thinking, skill development, and experiential learning. An optional internship is also available as part of the program.

Diversity and inclusion, ethical practices, and proficiency in business concepts are integrated across all courses as cross-cutting competencies. This approach ensures that graduates are fully prepared to be leaders and professionals in their organizations.

Professional Behavior Expectations/Ethical Guidelines

As professionals-in-training, students must adhere to all university-wide conduct requirements and comply with the American Psychological Association’s ethics code. They should also be familiar with additional professional guidelines and standards appropriate for practitioners in a business setting.

Internship, Practicum, and/or Dissertation information

Internship Option

The Capstone Project course enables students to apply organizational leadership and organizational psychology competencies in a practice area of their choosing. This experience aligns with each student’s current stage in their career.

One capstone option allows students to complete an internship. The availability of an internship outside of California depends on the regulations of the student’s home state and requires prior approval.

Other capstone options include virtual practical projects or virtual applied research projects. For example, a virtual project might involve documenting a past professional project as a case study, reanalyzing it using theories, principles, and methods from coursework, and then proposing a more effective solution than the one originally implemented.

Credit Units

Total Credit Units: 33

Total Core Credit Units: 33

Total Elective Credit Units: N/A

Total Concentration Credit Units: N/A

Curriculum Plan