The Northwest University MA in Leadership Studies prepares graduate students for higher levels of responsible leadership. Students focus their studies in leading others in order to make a difference in the organizations in which they are serving. This major is offered in two delivery modes: On-ground where students participate in periodic intensive classroom sessions offered through the College of Ministry, and Online where students enroll in totally online courses offered through the College of Adult & Professional Studies. 

Graduates with a MA in Leadership Studies will be able to:

1. Analyze central features of foundational leadership theories as they apply to organizational settings.
2. Evaluate effective leadership strategies as they relate to positively influencing organizational culture.
3. Analyze the applicability of organizational change approaches to various institutional settings.
4. Develop informed personal ethics as a guide to decision making.

The Cognates expand the leadership capacity of students by allowing them to view their professional development through their chosen filter of business or ministry. Students further broaden their professional development through their chosen cognate by selecting courses in consultation with their academic advisor from curriculum offered through NU’s Colleges of Business or Ministry.

The Ministry Leadership version of the MALS is offered in a hybrid format (on-ground intensive courses involving some online work, together with the option to take some courses entirely online) and involves both a set curriculum and some elective choices. On- ground courses involve intensives (four days or three Friday/Saturday meetings), which take place during three regularly scheduled semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer). Courses have no prerequisites, so students can begin at the start of any of the three semesters.

The Organizational Development and Ministry Development versions of the MALS are offered online in 7- or 8-week lengths, with no prerequisites. Thus, students can begin their program at various times throughout the year. Cognate courses are offered through their respective colleges, so students work closely with their academic advisor to determine course scheduling.

Academic Progress

Students whose academic histories reflect a GPA below 2.7 (“B” level) may be admitted to the program on academic probation. Students may also be placed on probation if their GPA falls below 3.0. Students are given one academic term to show improvement and to raise their GPA to at least 3.0, at which point they are removed from probationary status. If the student’s GPA has been below 3.0 for two or more terms, he or she is placed on academic suspension (disqualification). Students must earn at least a 3.0 overall grade point average to graduate.