Organizational Leadership, Master of Science Program (MSOL) (30 credits) (Online - Synchronous and Asynchronous Formats)
- For information on the MSOL program, pleasse email Dr. Janet DeSimone at janet.desimone@lehman.cuny.edu
- Advising Worksheet: Organizational Leaderhip (30 credits) (Word Doc)
To learn more about the costs for the MSOL online program (both in-state and out-of-state students), please visit CUNY Tuition and Fees.
Program Overview and Format
The purpose of the MSOL Program is to prepare candidates to assume leadership positions within a variety of fields, such as higher education, not-for-profit, community-based agencies, corporate, healthcare, and government and is not focused on Pre-K-12 leadership. The program offers practical tools to students, which immediately can be applicable in their respective places of work and cultivates graduates who are knowledgeable and flexible to embrace a variety of leadership roles, communicate effectively, motivate staff, align individuals in cooperative efforts to meet organizational goals and lead across the ever-evolving diversity landscape of the 21st century. The MSOL program is based, in part, on the School of Education’s Lehman Urban Transformative Education conceptual framework, whose mission is to facilitate the development of competent, caring, and qualified leaders.
The MSOL program is delivered in two formats only:
- Asynchronous (fully online) format
- Hybrid/Synchronous (weekly class held via Zoom)
Curriculum
The courses emphasize self-assessment and reflection, critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving, with extensive field-based experiences as a central component. The MSOL courses provide knowledge of leadership roles and highlight interpersonal skills in order to accomplish the program’s purpose of cultivating leaders capable of developing and sustaining successful, thriving organizations.
Organizational Leadership Student Testimonials:
Program Plan
Semester I (fall): (9 credits)
- EDL 801: Holistic Leadership (4 credits)
- EDL 802: Ethical Leadership (4 credits)
- EDL 808: Leadership Seminar I: Needs Assessment (1 credit)
Semester II (winter): (3 credits)
- EDL 803: Communication and Teamwork (3 credits)
Semester III (spring): (9 credits)
- EDL 804: Leading for Strategic Change (4 credits)
- EDL 805: Program Development and Evaluation (4 credits)
- EDL 809: Leadership Seminar II: Literature/Research (1 credit)
Semester IV (summer): (9 credits)
- EDL 806: Managing Financial Resources (4 credits)
- EDL 807: Leveraging Human Capital (4 credits)
- EDL 810: Leadership Seminar III: Implementation Plan (1 credits)
Notes:
- The MSOL program is a one-year (12-month) program that follows a four-semester schedule (fall, winter, spring, summer).
- Registration for all courses requires program approval (coordinator or advisor).
- Most courses require that students participate in 10-15 hours of fieldwork over the course of the semester.
Admission Requirements
(Students admitted fall semesters only)
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
- A minimum 3.0 (B) grade point average from a completed undergraduate degree program;
- Currently working or holding a substantial leadership role in a community or service-related organization;
- Two letters of recommendation:
- one must be from a current supervisor at the applicant's place of employment who can best evaluate the applicant's leadership potential; and
- one must be from either a faculty member from prior studies or a supervisor who can evaluate the applicant’s potential for success as a graduate student and work ethic;
- A current resume detailing all past professional employment and any community or professional organization leadership positions, memberships and service;
- A 500-word essay that discusses: a) why the applicant believes the Lehman MSOL is the right program to pursue; b) a description of his/her/their current (or most recent) role at work; c) a description of some of the challenges faced at work; and
- Applicants who satisfy the preliminary admissions requirements will be invited to a group interview with the MSOL program coordinator.
Continuation Requirements
- Meet with Program Coordinator to plan courses and receive course approvals prior to or during registration each semester;
- If conditions were placed on initial matriculation, all conditions must be met by the completion of the first 12 credits;
- Minimum 3.0 grade point average in all coursework;
- Demonstrated evidence of ethics, as well as organizational, administrative, and collaborative skills, through group-based projects; and
- Satisfactory progress on an action research project.
Graduation Requirements
- Completion of 30 approved graduate credits of study in organizational leadership;
- A minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0 (B); and
- Successful completion of an action research project.
