Through interdisciplinary learning experiences, the Master of Arts in Leadership Development (MLD) program educates leaders to build equitable and just communities in schools, Institutes of Higher Education, and other organizational settings. The mission of the Master of Arts in Leadership Development (MLD) program is to cultivate courageous, reflective and creative leaders committed to the growth of their own leadership capacity as well as that of communities, organizations, institutions, and networks to which they belong. This graduate program is designed to enhance professional practice for those who envision themselves as generative leaders who can build and sustain healthy, equitable systems and change in the public, non-profit, and private sectors. Such leaders seek to understand and to work ethically with others in diverse virtual, global, and local settings.
In keeping with the Attallah College of Educational Studies commitment to developing global citizenship, students are encouraged to consider participating in an international learning or global learning experience during the course of their program.
Admission to the program and prerequisites
Admission to the program may be achieved by the completion of the following requirements:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
- Have achieved the required admission grade point average as specified in the admission section. Entrance tests are waived for students who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher with a grade point average equivalent to a 3.000 or above on a four point scale. Applicants with a grade point average between 2.500 and 2.990 are required to submit passing scores from one of the following standard admission tests:
- Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.
- Millers Analogies Test (MAT): achieve a minimum scaled score of 404.
- California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET): achieve a passing score.
Continuous enrollment requirement
Students who have previously registered for MLD 696, but who have not completed the requirements, are required to register for one credit of MLD 696A each semester the capstone requirements remain outstanding, with a limit of one semester. This will allow students to remain in active status as well as enable them to utilize university resources for completion of the capstone requirements. See Continuous Enrollment for additional information.
Course sequence
The capstone course MLD 696 is taken at the end of the MLD program, when all of the other core courses have been successfully completed. It should be taken alone or with an elective course if necessary. If possible, MLD 662 should be taken in the semester prior to taking the capstone. Any other sequence requires the approval of the faculty program coordinator.
Please consult with your advisor to determine which courses are best suited to your needs and career goals.
Requirements for the Master of Arts in Leadership Development degree
Students pursuing the Master of Arts in Leadership Development degree are held to the University’s Academic Policies and Procedures . In addition, these specific degree standards apply:
- Minimum grade “C+” or above required in all coursework.
- Maintain 3.000 GPA in the degree.
- Complete the capstone course MLD 696.
The following courses make up the M.A. in Leadership Development curriculum: