Master of Leadership Development
The Master of Leadership Development (MLD) program at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods equips students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to lead effectively in today’s complex and rapidly changing organizational environments. Designed for professionals across all sectors-corporate, nonprofit, public, and beyond-the MLD focuses on developing diverse leadership capabilities that can be applied in any context.
Master of Leadership Development Mission
The mission of the Master of Leadership Development (MLD) is to prepare visionary leaders who value diverse perspectives, critically analyze research, use inquiry to guide practice, integrate appropriate technologies, solve problems creatively, and engage in ethical decision-making to effect positive change in a global society.
Master of Leadership Development Vision
The vision of Master of Leadership Development is to become one of the leading programs dedicated to developing individuals through excellence, into ethical-based decision-makers, equipped with cultural intelligence and global mindset, who embrace innovation, technical skills, and effective communication to successfully lead their organizations into the future.
Cohorts begin in January and August of each year.
The MLD program is designed to be completed in one year by taking two courses per term; however, students may choose for a two-year track by enrolling in one course per term. All students must complete all requirements within 5 years of program enrollment. The MLD program is accelerated, and a great deal of material is covered in a short period of time. As a result, consistent participation is critical to the success of the student. The cohort model of learning offers a stimulating and intellectually challenging environment, while promoting a sense of community.
Each course will begin in person on SMWC’s campus, the Saturday prior to the course’s official Monday start. This structure allows students to experience graduate culture and expand their peer and professional networks. Absences will always be considered as appropriate. Apart from the course’s beginning, all instruction occurs online. Therefore, a laptop/tablet, access to the internet, webcam, and audio are needed to participate in virtual classroom. Various types of technology platforms are utilized to build team collaboration and emphasize peer to peer and students to faculty connections. Assignments and activities may require students to connect with or engage in organizations, their community, constituents, stakeholders, etc.
Students are required to choose from one of two concentrations: Organizational Leadership or Psychology of Leadership. The concentration courses hone in on a particular area of study, providing students with the opportunity to tailor their education with their career interests and goals.
Master of Leadership Development Program Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate the influence of social and cultural context on individuals and organizations.
- Critically analyze research and ideas from various sources by conducting assessment and evaluation to guide practice and decision-making.
- Work collaboratively with people of diverse backgrounds and viewpoints to facilitate the exchange of ideas, goods, or services in an ethical manner.
- Apply leadership skills to effect positive change in an organization, workplace, or community.
- Provide visionary leadership to support strategic planning, partnership and sponsorship building, and resource development that balances continuity and change.
- Manage financial information and organization resources ethically and transparently with an appropriate presentation for all stakeholders.
Woods Ring Requirements
Students must have 75% of coursework completed, or in progress, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to participate in the Ring Ceremony or receive the Woods Ring. Read here to learn more about the century-old tradition.
Graduation Requirements
Completion of the 36-credit hours curriculum outlined in the Course Requirements (24-credit hours Integrative Core and 12-credit hour Concentration) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is required. Up to nine hours of relevant transfer graduate credit may be accepted per Graduate Program Director approval.
Admission Requirements
To apply for the Master of Leadership Development program, students must have:
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) on any undergraduate and graduate work
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
- Completed application
- Official transcripts of all collegiate work
- Résumé
- One to two-page essay describing your interest in the MLD program and selected concentration, and what you hope to gain from it
- One recommendation letter from an individual can assess your professional or academic experience
Admission requirements for graduate study are designed so that admitted students will have a high probability of success in graduate-level academic work. Graduate study is much more than a continuation of undergraduate work and should be considered by those students with the capacity for independent thought and investigation.
For more information about the MLD program, contact Program Director, Dr. Eric Hubbard: Eric.Hubbard@smwc.edu.
MLD Curriculum (36 credit hours total)
Integrative Core (24 credit hours)
| MLD 501 | The Individual in Context | 3 |
| MLD 502 | Culture, Creativity, and Leadership | 3 |
| MLD 503 | Leadership Identity | 3 |
| MLD 504 | Ethical Decision-Making | 3 |
| MLD 505 | Critical Analysis of Research | 3 |
| MLD 506 | Data Visualization and Inspirational Persuasion | 3 |
| MLD 599 | Capstone Leadership Project | 6 |
Concentration: Psychology of Leadership
The Psychology of Leadership concentration explores the psychological principles and theories of leadership, including traits, values, conflict resolution, and emotional and cultural intelligence. The courses emphasize individual and team dynamics, preparing students with practical strategies for leading diverse and multigenerational teams and how to navigate complex organizational change and excel in diverse environments.
Required Concentration Courses (12 credit hours)
| PS 551 | Psychology of Leading People | 3 |
| PS 552 | The Psychology of Effective Team Dynamics | 3 |
| PS 553 | AI Technology and the Human in the Workplace | 3 |
| PS 554 | Intercultural Communication and Cross-Cultural Leadership | 3 |
Concentration: Organizational Leadership
The Organizational Leadership concentration provides a comprehensive understanding of how people and systems work together, with a strong foundation in business practices and management within a global and diverse society. The courses emphasize ethical leadership, critical thinking, and the practical application of business and leadership knowledge to navigate workplace challenges, preparing students for success in the for-profit business sector, equipping them to lead with integrity in a global context.
Required Concentration Courses (12 credit hours)
| OL 551 | People and Change | 3 |
| OL 552 | Balancing Customer and Organizational Needs | 3 |
| OL 553 | Financial Management | 3 |
| GL 584 | Strategic Leadership and Management of Global Change | 3 |