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.

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 included 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.

ORGL630 • Introduction to Research (3)
Resources and methods for research in preparation for the master’s project or master’s thesis. Graded on an S/U basis.

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

Electives

ORGL605 • Topics in Leadership Studies (2)
Course may be offered occasionally on various leadership topics.

ORGL610 • Leadership Assessment Seminar (2)
An examination of the learner’s potential as a leader. Using a series of inventory tools, the students 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.

ORGL760 • Directed Study (2)
See: Academic Information: Individualized Study.

ORGL770 • Internship (2)
See: Academic Information: Individualized Study. Graded on an S/U basis.

Capstone (choose one)

ORGL791 • Master’s Thesis (4)
Independent, individually supervised research project in an area of organizational leadership that will identify and analyze a past or current leadership issue. After drawing conclusions consistent with the literature review and research findings, the thesis will include an argument for, and support of, a position on the issue. Graded on an S/U basis. Prerequisites: ORGL630, demonstrated research capabilities appropriate to the thesis topic.

ORGL792 • Master’s Project (4)
Independent, individually supervised applied capstone project, described in a written colloquium paper, that provides an opportunity for learners to creatively respond to a real-life organizational leadership problem and/or opportunity. Graded on an S/U basis. Prerequisite: ORGL630.

ORGL795 • Leadership Issue Analysis (2)
Independent, individually supervised applied capstone project that provides an opportunity for learners to identify a leadership issue, review what is known about this issue from published research, and synthesize findings in a written literature review. 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.