Leadership Studies Courses
NOTE: This page contains course descriptions for Master of Leadership Studies program (MLD).The program also draws on courses from the Business Administration (BUS, MGT) program. Academic credit for each course is noted in parenthesis after the course title. Prerequisites (if any) are noted following each course description. Not all courses are offered every year. Check Merlin, our searchable course schedule, to see which courses are being offered in upcoming terms.
MLD 525 Theories & Models of Leadership (3.00)
Students will study the theories and models of leadership, including situational leadership, trait and skill theory and servant leadership. Explores self-awareness through assessment tools, as well as strategies for personal, team and organizational leadership. Emphasis on application of theoretical concepts to actual leaders and leadership situations.
MLD 545 Ethical Challenges of Leadership (3.00)
An examination of the ways in which ethics provides the grounding for the practice of leadership. Attention is given to how leadership involves the use of a set of values and an ethical stance to engage followers. Leadership is defined as more than occupying an organizational position or wielding power. Topics covered include ethical systems, the nature of values, the reciprocal relationship between leaders and followers, the exercise of power, and decision-making.
MLD 558 Conflict Resolution (3.00)
Studies the prevailing theories and methods of conflict resolution from a variety of perspectives and in a number of settings - including interpersonal, business, cross-cultural, and international. Special attention is given to developing facilitative communication and negotiation skills.
MLD 565 Global Leadership (3.00)
Students in Global Leadership will explore the role of a leader in our expanding, culturally diverse world. Students will consider the effect of globalization on leadership, and define the characteristics necessary to successfully lead internationally. They will explore concepts such as nationalism, study international notions of power and justice, and examine international regions and leaders within a wide range of contexts. The impact of cultural diversity and multi-cultural awareness will also be explored.
MLD 611 Social Entrepreneurship & Human Resources (3.00)
Introduction to human resource issues involved in establishing and operating an entrepreneurial organization with a mission of social change. Focus will be placed on conceptual and practical methods of attracting, deploying, developing, and retaining employees and volunteers. Emphasis will be placed on developing an understanding of prevailing employment law and legal structures within which small businesses operate.
MLD 614 Administration of Higher Education (3.00)
This course studies the prevailing theories and research regarding the role of the administrator in American higher education. Students will examine the organizational and governance context in which the administrator operates and develop skills that will broaden their capacity to respond to the changing managerial and leadership needs in higher education.
MLD 618 The Business of Sport (3.00)
An introduction to the business of sport management, with a special emphasis on sport finance. This course provides students with an opportunity to study and learn skills relative to financial issues in sport management, including the basics of sport finance, how to obtain funds, entrepreneurial ventures, financial analysis, capital structuring, financial management, profit management, and exit strategies. It is intended for students with an interest in sport business careers.
MLD 624 College Student Development (3.00)
An overview of college student development theory. This course is designed to give students the opportunity to study, critique, and apply student development theories and models as they relate to teaching, advising, and working with diverse college student populations.
MLD 628 The Science of Sport (3.00)
Scientists use technology and other tools to examine a wide range of sport phenomena ranging from the measurement of baseball pitch velocity to the design of new football equipment to make the game safer. This course will allow you to understand and use some of these tools to examine athletic performance, perhaps even your own, and to investigate the design and production of sports equipment. Variable topics, such as the physics of sport performance, psychological aspects, or the role of exercise and brain function for performance health and learning will be considered.
MLD 631 Financing, Accounting, and Reporting for A Social Entrepreneurial Enterprise (3.00)
Introduction to finance and accounting topics needed to establish and operate an entrepreneurial organization with a mission of social change. Focus will be placed on the methods of analysis necessary to gauge the financial viability of an organization and its projects and the reporting methods used to communicate results to stakeholders. Additional emphasis will be placed on the techniques used and information needed to secure financing through micro-lending or other more traditional financing techniques.
MLD 634 Legal & Ethical Issues in Higher Education (3.00)
An examination of the legal and ethical issues relevant in college and university environments. Students will be introduced to the law as it relates to higher education and will be asked to critically examine the impact of legal issues on practitioners. Approaches for managing the ethical challenges of higher education administration are also explored.
MLD 638 Social Significance of Sport (3.00)
The course will consider topics of historic and current cultural interest, such as the role of sport in the construction of race, gender social class, or ethnicity; the use of sport to achieve political ends; the socio-political purposes of urban and suburban sport spaces; the religious nature of sport; the globalization of sport as an economic and cultural function; and the role of sport in socialization processes. The seminars are intended to provide students with a greater understanding of the theoretical and practical roles of sport in society.
MLD 641 Creating & Managing Sustainable Ventures (3.00)
This course provides historical and ethical perspectives on our thinking about the environment and sustainability. It helps students to recognize emerging opportunities for social entrepreneurs, to plan ventures in sustainability, and to understand ways to help existing enterprises incorporate sustainability within their operations. It helps students to articulate the social responsibility of becoming a more sustainable society, and to think strategically about managing such efforts.
MLD 683 Leadership for Social Change and Renewal (3.00)
A study of contemporary leaders who have developed organizations and programs addressing critical environmental and social issues. Their strategies for building consensus and constituencies are considered in light of social and ethical theory. Prerequisites: One course in all three theme areas and one elective.
MLD 692 Special Topics in Leadership (3.00)
A topical course offering a study of the leadership skills and strategies necessary for success in a wide variety of contexts including business, higher education, athletics, and social entrepreneurship. Repeatable once with different content.
MLD 693 Practicum (3.00)
An applied leadership course requiring independent work conducted for an on-campus office or program which is project driven and completed on an individual basis under faculty supervision. Both instructor and MLD program coordinator/Dean of Graduate programs approval required for enrollment. Prerequisite: Program Coordinator or Dean of Graduate Programs approval required. Instructor consent required.
MLD 695 Master's Project (3.00)
Prerequisite: Approval of MLD coordinator or Director of Graduate and Continuing Education.
MLD 696 Thesis (3.00)
Production of a journal quality written research document addressing a narrow leadership issue with significant depth. Taken in lieu of MLD 695. Program Coordinator or Dean of Graduate Programs approval required. Instructor consent required.
MLD 697 Leadership Studies Capstone (3.00)
An advanced leadership learning experience with a significant written component, done as groups or individually, and tailored, to the extent possible, to the interests of particular courses of study. Prerequisite: 24 hours from MLD; minimum of 2 required course of study courses.