& Student Handbook - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Master of Arts in
Organizational Leadership
Master Degree Programs 207
The M.A. in Organizational Leadership stresses innovative and humane
approaches to management with attention to the needs and
performance of people. The purpose of the program is to help
professionals develop the knowledge, perspectives, and skills
necessary to lead people and organizations for effective performance in
a changing global environment. The program provides broad,
managerial preparation for leadership positions in private, nonprofit and
public organizations and places equal emphasis on analytical and
interpersonal skills.
The program delivery combines monthly weekend class meetings on
Friday evenings and Saturdays, along with online sessions and individual
study. The program is organized by themes rather than individual
courses. Over five semesters of intense study, five clusters of skills and
knowledge are examined that combined, create a contemporary
organizational leader.
A cohort of approximately15-20 students moves through the program
together. A team of two to three instructors facilitate the online learning
and monthly weekend community sessions lead each semester cluster
of seven credits. Although each cluster of activities includes three course
titles, the actual delivery integrates the content to resemble the actual
interconnectedness and complexity of the work encountered by
managerial leaders.
Mindsets:
An introductory one credit course provides students with technology
proficiency and an understanding of the program design.
Semester I:
The Learning Manager reflects on individual experience, preferences, and
attitudes to build a growing awareness of how a manager influences
outcomes with personal style and skills.
Semester II:
The Connected Manager builds the relationships and connections
essential for successful organizations.
Semester III:
The Global Manager understands and maneuvers among the cultural,
economic, political, legal, ethical, and social spheres that influence work.
Semester IV:
The Strategic Manager considers both the art and science of analysis,
and the holistic and technical skills and thinking needed for day-to-day
operations and setting direction.
Semester V:
The Adaptive Leader creatively synthesizes and applies leadership
principles to promote positive change.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program are
expected to be able to:
1. Interpret the contexts and environments in which organizations
operate.
2. Integrate and apply analytical principles and skills to make complex
strategic decisions.
3. Develop individual awareness, style, and communication skills that
influence managerial outcomes.
4. Collaborate effectively in complex work teams and processes through
utilizing coaching, motivational, and leadership techniques.
5. Develop and integrate creative and adaptive management strategies
that promote positive change and innovation.
6. Evaluate the ethical and legal implications of their actions.
7. Conduct research and communicate results effectively.
8. Work effectively with diverse populations.
9. Activate self-directed strategies for continued personal and
professional learning.
Required Courses
Each cluster of classes is taken in sequence and is a prerequisite set for
the following cluster.
OL601 Management Mindsets ............................................................1 cr.
Cluster I: The Learning Manager: 7 cr. total
OL611 Leadership Theories and Styles ................................................3 cr.
OL612 Critical Thinking and Research................................................2 cr.
OL613 Personal and Professional Ethics ............................................2 cr.
Cluster II: The Connected Manager: 7 cr. total
OL621 Collaboration and Conflict .......................................................2 cr.
OL622 Communication Strategies ......................................................3 cr.
OL623 Team Building ..........................................................................2 cr.
Cluster III: The Global Manager: 7 cr. total
OL631 Cultural Perspectives...............................................................2 cr.
OL632 Social and Legal Responsibility .................................................2 cr.
OL633 Economic and Political Contexts ................................................3 cr.