University of Southern Maine

Leadership Studies

4+1 program & Certificate Programs

Overview

The master's in leadership studies is an interdisciplinary professional program that blends the social and behavioral sciences and the humanities to explore the complex set of leadership issues and challenges that go beyond a particular subject or field of work. Graduates of the program will attain a mastery of leadership theory and skills that will enable them to perform as successful leaders in their work organizations, their communities, and society at large.

The master's degree in leadership studies (MLS) supports the development of organizational and community leaders who seek to build a deep understanding of the dynamics of leadership, the convergence of leadership with other human relations, and the role of the individual as leader in society. Consistent with the mission of USM and Lewiston-Auburn College, this cutting edge program responds to regional needs and builds on demonstrated university strengths. The MLS is designed for students who desire an educational opportunity in leadership that is not discipline-specific, but opens new doors of thought and analysis by synthesizing knowledge from the humanities, social sciences, communication, and the natural and environmental sciences. The program aims to help students approach their leadership roles with a sense of social responsibility, a concern for ethics, and a commitment to the public good.

The

Curriculum

Electives or concentrations may also be selected from courses in other USM graduate programs (subject to advisor approval). These may include the following:

Capstone Project/Thesis (3 credits)
The project option requires students to design an intensive theory-based, action research, applied project that explores the role of leadership in developing and/or implementing meaningful change in an organization or community. Written analysis of the project will include a survey of relevant literature, a detailed description of the situation or change being studied, presentation of the method(s) of inquiry and data, and an analysis of the data and other outcomes.
The thesis option requires students to select a topic for intensive library research, reading, and analysis. It may, for example, summarize and analyze work in new methods or contribute a new theoretical proposal that calls for further testing or research. With a thesis advisor, the student will identify an appropriate professional or academic outlet for publication, and the paper will be prepared and submitted to this outlet.

Admissions

The admissions procedures for the MLS are designed to balance considerations of preparedness, high-quality standards, and access for mid-career adults. Successful applicants to the program must demonstrate:

1. A basic understanding of how organizations work through a combination of prior undergraduate or graduate course work, at least two years of organizational experience with more preferred, and an application essay;

2.Knowledge of quantitative research methods and analysis through prior undergraduate or graduate course work and/or submission of a research product completed substantially by the applicant which demonstrates knowledge of quantitative research (to be reviewed by the admitting faculty committee);

3. Computer proficiency at the LAC 150 Microcomputer Applications level (a proficiency test is available to applicants who have not completed this or a comparable course);

4. A strong record of success (3.0 average or better) in the last 30 credits of prior academic course work or, when prior academic work was completed more than five years ago, a prior learning portfolio of recently completed professional work that demonstrates the candidate's ability to successfully complete graduate level work.

*Students, who show potential through work experience, a presentation of past work, and current writing skills, may be admitted on a probationary status and allowed to take two courses. If these students earn grades of B or better in their MLS coursework, they may apply for regular student status.

Application Process

Application forms may be downloaded from the Office of Graduate Admissions website.

The following must be submitted to:

University of Southern Maine
Office of Graduate Admissions
P.O. Box 9300
Portland, ME 04104-9300

• Completed application form, in duplicate, and 50.00 fee
• Two copies of official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended
• Two professional and/or academic recommendations
• An essay (300-500 words) explaining the candidate's interest in the program, qualifications, and professional goals
  
  *An interview with members of the faculty admissions committee will be requested.
  Admissions to the MLS program will be conducted on a rolling basis. Applications will be reviewed for fall and spring semester admission.

Certificate Programs

• Leadership Studies 4+1 Program
• Leadership Studies Graduate Certificate
• Creative Leadership & Global Strategy Graduate Certificate

•  Need more information? Click here to submit an online information request
• LEADER (Leadership Student Organization)

or contact the Leadership Studies program at L-A College at 753-6523, or the Graduate Admissions Office in Portland at (207) 780-4386.

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