& Student Handbook - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

208 Master Degree Programs
Cluster IV: The Strategic Manager: 7 cr. total
OL641 Decision Making ......................................................................2 cr.
OL642 Strategic Thinking ....................................................................2 cr.
OL643 Knowledge and Information Management...............................3 cr.
Cluster V: The Adaptive Leader: 7 cr. total
OL651 Creativity and Innovation .........................................................2 cr.
OL652 Change Management..............................................................2 cr.
OL653 Capstone Symposium .............................................................3 cr.
Total..................................................................................................36 cr.
Faculty
The faculty members for the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
program have earned doctorates or master’s degrees. Faculty members
are selected for their educational and professional experience and
expertise.
Required Course Descriptions
OL601
Management Mindsets (1 cr.)
This course outlines the approach and thematic elements of
management on which the program is based and begins to build the
learning community. Self-directed learning strategies to integrate the
management of the learning contexts and processes for program
success are emphasized. Technology and communication tools are
introduced.
Cluster I: The Learning Manager
This course cluster examines individual experience, preferences, and
attitudes in order to build an awareness of how a leader influences
outcomes with personal style and skills. Strategies for organizing work,
developing continuous learning, exploring and analyzing pertinent
research, shaping key questions, and managing self are explored.
OL611
Leadership Theories and Styles (3 cr.)
This section focuses on theories and styles of leadership and the ways
in which outcomes are influenced through increased awareness of
personal style and skills.
OL612
Critical Thinking and Research (2 cr.)
This section focuses on exploring, analyzing and evaluating information
in order to think critically when creating management strategy.
OL613
Personal and Professional Ethics (2 cr.)
This section focuses on personal and professional ethics and their
foundations as well as potential managerial issues and dilemmas.
Cluster II: The Connected Manager
This course cluster focuses on building relationships and connections
necessary for successful organizational operations. Communication
strategies and approaches for negotiation, advocacy, and team building
are emphasized. Management of internal human resources and
collaborative relationships is examined.
OL621
Collaboration and Conflict (2 cr.)
This section focuses on influence and personal power and their
application to building collaboration and managing conflict.
OL622
Communication Strategies (3 cr.)
This section focuses on communication tools, techniques, and strategies
for effective negotiation, advocacy, and collaboration.
OL623
Team Building (2 cr.)
This section focuses on team building through techniques and practices
in coaching, mentoring, and creating motivation.
Cluster III: The Global Manager
This course cluster examines cultural, economic, political, and social
spheres that influence work. Stewardship of the organization, its
resources, and the ecosystems in which it operates is also examined.
The effect of differing religious, spiritual, and philosophical realms on
policy development is addressed. The integration of various dimensions
and viewpoints in fostering effective organizational culture is explored.
OL631
Cultural Perspectives (2 cr.)
This section focuses on cultural and spiritual influences that impact
organizations and effective decision-making through increased
awareness of cultural and contextual communication.
OL632
Social and Legal Responsibility (2 cr.)
This section focuses on legal and ethical stewardship of an organization
within a contextual environment and on increased awareness of social
responsibility and global citizenship.
OL633
Economic and Political Contexts (3 cr.)
This section focuses on domestic and global factors and trends influencing
organizations as well as managerial operations around the world.
Cluster IV: The Strategic Manager
This course cluster focuses on both the art and science of analysis,
and the holistic and technical skills and thinking needed in leadership.
Observation, theoretical analysis, and evaluation skills related to
strategic thinking, information gathering, and planning are developed
and reinforced with processes to aid complex decision-making.