Graduate School
M.A. in Organizational Leadership Courses
The Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership is a 36 semester credit sequence of courses. For course sequence, request a program calendar. Credits are listed in parentheses.
Core Courses
ORGL600 • The Leadership Enterprise (4)
Examination of the overall design and objectives of the program; organization and leadership theory; the universe of leadership opportunities and anticipated challenges to leaders over the next 40 years; and diverse leadership styles in history and contemporary society.
ORGL620 • Followership: The Undervalued Role (2)
Examination of the subject of followership will include an overview of the traditional views and attitudes toward followers, an analysis of different models and styles of followership, and the characteristics of what it takes to be a “good” follower. Analysis of the relationship between leaders and followers and the impact of leadership style on follower style. Learners will have the opportunity to evaluate their own followership style and develop a plan for improving their abilities as a follower.
ORGL625 • Scholarly Writing (2)
Introduction to formal scholarly writing at the graduate level, including bibliographic instruction for library research, APA format and writing style, emphasis on synthesizing literature, and strategies for writing a literature review. Graded on an S/U basis.
ORGL630 • Introduction to Research (3)
Resources and methods for research in preparation for the master’s thesis, master’s project, or leadership issue analysis .
ORGL635 • Organizational Analysis (3)
Introduction to organizational theory, structure, and behavior with an emphasis on the methods and techniques leaders use to analyze and enhance organizational effectiveness and quality, and to empower the people in the organization. Focus is on the relationship between the organization, its mission and goals, and the leader.
ORGL650 • Organizational Change and Futures (3)
Forecasting and designing alternative futures for organizations; means of organizational change in mission, strategies, tactics, and structure; and strategic planning and opportunity generation.
ORGL655 • Managing Conflict Through Dialogue (3)
Leadership includes diversity and teamwork. On a practical level, conflict can block the efforts of people to fulfill the vision of both leaders and followers. Synthesis of previous studies in diversity to provide a basis for developing dialogue in multiple settings and contexts.
ORGL665 • Collaborative Leadership (2)
Focus is on the growing volume of leadership that occurs between and within organizations. Rather than operating with defined hierarchies, leaders can develop networks for shared planning and action. The term “collaborative” is used both as an adjective and a noun, and similar terms are alliance, network, and partnership.
ORGL670 • Leading in the Knowledge Economy (2)
Survey of the global information economy with its current and emerging technological capabilities; impacts on organizations’ internal operations and external relations; and knowledge and skills required of leaders in planning and managing information systems and enabling their organizations to benefit from global information flow.
ORGL689 • Integrative Seminar (2)
Synthesis of key learnings from the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program including a reconsideration of earlier self-assessment work, as well as a review and modification of personal learning and growth plans.
PHIL620 • Theology and Ethics of Leadership (3)
Biblical, historical, and contemporary models of leadership that explore how one’s personal spirituality and vision of the world affect one’s leadership; the biblical and theological foundations of leadership; and the nature of the ethical issues relating to personal integrity and leadership.
SOCS640 • Leadership in Diverse Cultures (3)
Gender, ethnic, and age differences in leadership and organizational relationships. Historical and comparative perspectives on leadership and community dynamics. Means of building understanding and cooperation across cultural boundaries.
Choose electives and a capstone from: (4 credits total)
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Electives
ORGL605 • Topics in Leadership Studies (2)
Course may be offered occasionally on various leadership topics.
ORGL610 • Leadership Assessment Seminar (2)
Examination of the learner’s potential as a leader. Using a series of inventory tools, learners will assess past experiences, present skills, and future goals. This assessment process will provide a foundation for personal reflection and growth, as well as allow for the development of individualized strategies and revisions for leadership. Graded on an S/U basis.
ORGL675 • Integrated Principles for Practical Leadership (2)
Focus is on an integrated paradigm that brings together the broad field of leadership. Learners synthesize the field of leadership and differentiate the material into six integrated dimensions. Examination of how to use the integrated dimensions to frame real versus perceived issues. A resolution process is weighed for effectiveness when emotional intelligence and biblical ethics are embraced. Application of this material to a real life situation. It is strongly recommended that learners who have not completed a B.A. in Organizational Leadership in the Bethel University College of Adult & Professional Studies enroll in ORGL675 as an elective.
ORGL760 • Directed Study (2)
See: Academic Information: Individualized Study in the Graduate Catalog. Graded on an S/U basis.
ORGL770 • Internship (2)
See: Academic Information: Individualized Study in the Graduate Catalog. Graded on an S/U basis.
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Capstone (choose one)
ORGL791 • Master’s Thesis (4)
The Master’s Thesis is an academically rigorous, large-scale study that requires new research on a specific topic in the field of leadership. The research question is answered through the thorough review of the literature and original qualitative or quantitative research. The completed thesis will be approximately 75 to 85 pages in length, not including the reference pages and appendices, and will be formally presented to the learner’s Capstone Committee. All text and references must be in proper APA style (5th edition). Graded on an S/U basis. Prerequisite: ORGL630.
ORGL792 • Master's Project (4)
The Master’s Project is an academically rigorous, large-scale study that requires the learner to examine a leadership topic and apply it to a real-life issue. The research question is answered through a well-researched, practical approach to this real-life leadership issue. The completed project will be approximately 60 to 75 pages in length, not including the reference pages and appendices, and will be formally presented to the learner’s Capstone Committee. All text and references must be in proper APA style (5th edition). Graded on an S/U basis. Prerequisite: ORGL630.
ORGL795 • Leadership Issue Analysis (2)
The Leadership Issue Analysis is an extended literature review of a leadership issue. The research question is answered by a thorough review of the literature. Conclusions and recommendations for practice complete the review. The completed Leadership Issue Analysis will be approximately 25 to 35 pages in length, not including the reference pages and appendices. All text and references must be in proper APA style (5th edition). Graded on an S/U basis. Prerequisite: ORGL630.
Bethel University reserves the right to withdraw, modify, or add to the list of courses or the course descriptions.