Organizational Leadership (M.S.)

John R. Goss III, Professor of Research, Leadership and Organizational Studies
Bowman Building, Office 216B; (540) 678-4447; jgoss@su.edu

Shenandoah University’s Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership is a graduate degree program for those interested in advanced leadership and management positions in the public sector or nonprofit organizations. Students in this program will examine how people and groups interact within organizations. They will acquire knowledge and skills in leadership to inform strategies that support improved results from employees and enhance the organization. The content core of the degree is designed for the current or future leader in a nonprofit or public sector organization and focuses on an understanding of human behavior both in general and within organizations, principles of effective leadership, organizational structure and communication, ethical behavior and decision-making principles, communication processes and principles of effective management and leadership.

Shenandoah University supports study at the master’s level through a substantial tuition fellowship.

Students in the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership program must adhere to regulations regarding academic standing in the university graduate catalog; specifically not more than six (6) credits of course work passed with the grades of “C+”, “C”, or “C-” will be permitted. All students must attain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 to graduate. Any student receiving a grade below a “C-” in any course will receive a letter of concern from the program head. Remediation plans may result.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate program.
Applicants must submit all college transcripts.
Applicants must schedule an interview with the program head.
Applicants must submit three recommendations: two from someone who can address the applicant’s critical thinking abilities, and one from a professional who knows the candidate’s ability in the chosen field of concentration.

Degree Requirements (33 credit program)

Program Core

LST 625 Foundations of Organizational Leadership Credit(s): 3
LST 621 Strategic Planning and Evaluation Credit(s): 3
LST 623 Policy and Ethics in Public Sector and Nonprofit Organizations Credit(s): 3
LST 624 Financial Planning and Management in Public Sector and Nonprofit Organizational Settings Credit(s): 3

Total: 12 credits

Research Core

RST 672 Outcomes Assessment and Statistical Applications in Organizations Credit(s): 3
RST 678 Practitioner Research I Credit(s): 3
RST 684 Introduction to Research Literacy Credit(s): 3

Total: 9 credits

Capstone

RST 679 Practitioner Research II Credit(s): 3
or
LST 693 Directed Study in Organizational Leadership I Credit(s): 3
or
LST 694 Directed Study in Organizational Leadership II Credit(s): 3

Total: 3 credits

Concentration

Graduate-level (500 or 600)

A minimum of nine (9) graduate credits related to study in subfield of organizational leadership shall comprise a concentration in this program. Common concentration areas include higher education administration, public sector leadership, nonprofit management, health care management, and student affairs administration.

Transfer Credits

A maximum of nine (9) of these credits may be transferred from another institution. Credits earned at Shenandoah University as a non-degree graduate student may apply to this program or in a professional studies certificate comprised of coursework bearing regular academic credit are not considered to be “degrees” and will be applied to the degree’s concentration (or to core courses if the content is equivalent), based on a recommendation of the advisor. These credits are not considered “transfer credits.”

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