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School of Business

M.A. in Organizational Leadership

PROGRAM GUIDE | COURSE DESCRIPTIONS | FACULTY | SCHEDULE OF COURSES

Pictured is M.A. organizational leadership student George Githiaka.M.A. organizational leadership student George Githiaka receives prestigious honor.  Learn more.

Leadership is vital for individual and organizational success in today's changing environment. The 30-credit Master of Arts in organizational leadership degree program gives students a strong foundation in management, communication, ethics and organizational leadership.

The program incorporates a required internship or research opportunity in order to apply informed theory to practice. In addition, students can choose from a variety of career-focused elective courses.  Ideal for working professionals, the program is structured so students can take advantage of evening and Saturday classes as well as online courses.  

Alumni Profiles

Pictured is MA organizational leadership alum Jenniffer Burke.
Meet Jenniffer Burke, vice president of development at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh.


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Pictured is MA organizational leadership alumna Ann Rairigh, director of veteran services at the University of Pittsburgh.
M.A. degree helps Ann Rairigh land job as director of veteran services at the University of Pittsburgh.

Concentration Areas

Students in the M.A. organizational leadership program choose from one of the following four concentrations:

  • Leadership development;
  • Community leadership;
  • Management and international studies; or
  • A self-designed study where students select approved graduate courses that interest them and fit their career goals.  

Experience and Skills Gained

Upon completion of the program, graduates will have:

  • An understanding of the epistemological, historical, psychological and sociological contexts in which leaders emerge
  • Practical leadership experience through an internship or applied research opportunity (thesis or project) and;
  • The teamwork, communication, leadership and ethical skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly-evolving world environment.

Faculty and Students

All of the program's faculty have recent or current work experience in business-related professions. The full-time faculty includes professors with doctorate and master's degrees. 

Students in the M.A. program range in age from 20s to their mid-50s, and most are currently employed in a wide variety of business professions. Therefore, students can extend their professional network and gain valuable insights from fellow classmates.

Course Offerings

Some of the courses in the Master of Arts in organizational leadership program include:

  • Decision Making Tools for Leaders
  • Team Building for Leaders
  • Leading in Diverse Communities
  • Global Environment of Business
  • Interpersonal Communications Skills for Leaders

For a comprehensive list of program requirements and course descriptions, see the program guide and M.A. in organizational leadership course descriptions.