The Master of Arts in Leadership Studies is based on the conviction that servant leaders must learn to lead change so that services and deliverables are effectively, ethically, and efficiently delivered to an increasingly diverse population, in the context of a changing economy and rapidly developing technologies. The graduate program in leadership studies focuses on practitioner needs by linking theory to the best practices of leadership.
General Graduate Admission Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Concordia University Chicago graduate programs as published in the Concordia University Chicago academic catalog.
New students are accepted into graduate degree-seeking, certificate, endorsement and/or post-graduate programs for online and on-campus study in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Previously admitted students seeking to change programs may do so at the beginning of a semester (only) by submitting a Change-of-Program quick app. Applicants must be in good academic standing according to Concordia University Chicago’s satisfactory academic progress standards at the time of requesting a program change.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core courses | ||
| RES-6620 | Introduction to Research | 3 |
| OLDR-6000 | Leadership & Excellence | 3 |
| OLDR-6001 | Strategic Leadership & Planning | 3 |
| OLDR-6004 | Leadership Capstone | 3 |
| Higher Education courses | ||
| HLDR-6800 | Law and Higher Education | 3 |
| HLDR-6810 | Institutional Advancement and Development in Higher Education | 3 |
| HLDR-6820 | Historical and Societal Issues in Higher Education | 3 |
| HLDR-6830 | Governance and Leadership in Higher Education | 3 |
| HLDR-6840 | Fiscal and Social Responsibility in Higher Education | 3 |
| KMIL-6020 | Knowledge Management for Higher Education Leadership | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Capstone Experience
A Capstone Experience is a requirement for all students seeking a degree and is considered the culminating experience for the Master of Arts in Leadership Studies. Experiences include, but are not limited to, independent research that leads to an actual product such as a publishable journal article, professional field experience, conference presentation, advanced certifications, program or facility development, website, online course materials, curriculum development.
Graduation Requirements
- Have on file an application as a degree-seeking graduate student.
- Have on file one official transcript from EACH college/university attended of all previous coursework taken.
- Complete, for the degree being sought:
- the credit hours and levels as designated,
- within the specified time limit,
- with grades of C- or higher,
- with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Students completing multiple advanced programs or degrees at CUC must have a 3.0 GPA in each academic program in addition to a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- If transfer credit is approved to be applied: have on file an approved “Graduate Transfer Credit Approval” form(s) or evaluation(s).
- Have on file the Intent to Graduate/Complete form with the Office of the Registrar by the published deadline.
- Have on file, if applicable, necessary copies of a project, thesis or dissertation.
- Take and pass the final examination or terminal requirements in the program during or after the final course.
- Approval of the faculty.
- All administrative obligations to CUC must be cleared in order to prompt the release of CUC transcripts and diploma(s).
Every attempt has been made to include information to aid the student with information about his/her program, degree and graduation/completion requirements. It is, however, the student’s responsibility to complete all steps and meet all deadlines relevant to graduation requirements.