Master of Science in Global Leadership
The Master of Science in Global Leadership (MSGL) is a cohort-based program where students progress together through a 16-month course of study. The 31-unit curriculum integrates content of 14 courses within three main thematic areas:
- Leadership and ethics;
- Global, geopolitical, environment and cultural environment; and,
- Best business practices and processes.
It is delivered in a flexible, executive education format. Students begin with online studies prior to an intensive session lasting one week during which time students complete most of the classroom work for three courses. This begins a period of independent and team-based studies that include classroom sessions, guest speakers, and a variety of remotely-delivered educational exercises.
The program begins with a month of online work to get students engaged in the material of the courses in the first semester, and to familiarize them with the tools, technology and methods of on line and hybrid education. Then students meet for an intensive week of in-class sessions.
Following that initial week-long session, students may choose one of three continuation paths:
- Attendance at monthly on-campus sessions;
- Course completion via distance learning methods; and,
- A combination of the above two options.
At the conclusion of the fourth semester, all students return to the campus for a one week final session. This final week includes participation in a capstone experience, MSGL 509, wherein the students complete a two-day exercise analyzing an international business problem for an actual international corporation.
The MSGL offers many of the courses included in other graduate business programs concentrating on those most valuable to mid-level executives working in international corporations. Though some students have somewhat more or less experience, the typical candidate for the MSGL program will have five to eight years of experience as a rising Executive and be expected to assume positions of increasing responsibility with time.
The MSGL program includes a two--course sequence designed to prepare students to pass the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification examination. This specific portion of the master’s program is timed to end during the final week of classes. All students completing these two courses will be awarded a Certificate in Project Management from the University of San Diego’s School of Business Administration in addition to the Master of Science in Global Leadership degree.
The MSGL program has been created specifically for a busy working professional whose work demands make attending a full-time, campus-based program difficult. Students who are able to attend class on campus every month are in the same classes and cohort with students who are completing all course requirements on line. These resident and distance students work together in teams and use tools and technology which prepare them for how international business is increasingly using technology to facilitate collaboration and coordination across time zones and international boundaries. Also, the incorporation of distributed education technologies enables students to continue their academic efforts while faced with challenging and changing work schedules.
Admissions Requirements
The first requirement for admission is the demonstration of the ability to successfully complete the program based on prior academic performance. Normally this performance will demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA (4.0 basis) in last 60 units. Additionally, candidates must be able to demonstrate work and leadership experience in order to best understand and take advantage of the content of the curriculum. At least five years is preferred, three years is the minimum which can only be waived under exceptional circumstances.
In addition, candidates will be expected to provide:
- A letter of recommendation by their immediate supervisor (commanding officer for military personnel);
- A brief essay discussing reasons for wanting to complete the MSGL program; and,
- A résumé describing work experience to date
Applicants may download the application form unique to this program at http://www.sandiego.edu/msgl or obtain one from the MSGL Program Office located in the Coronado building in Alcala West. The application form contains further contact information, and an interview in person or by phone with the program director or assistant director is expected prior to submission of the application form.
MSGL Courses and Seminars
MSGL Degree Requirements
The following courses are all required. Their order of delivery may vary slightly from cohort to cohort. No substitutions are allowed and no credits may be applied from other courses of study to meet the MSGL requirements. A 3.0 average in MSGL course work is required in order to graduate. The units for each course follow the course title.
| MSGL 502 | Foundations of Ethical Leadership (2) |
| MSGL 503 | International Comparative Leadership and Management (2) |
| MSGL 506 | Leading Others: Individuals, Teams, and Organizations (3) |
| MSGL 507 | Understanding Organizations (3) |
| MSGL 509 | Integrating Leadership Project (1) |
| MSGL 510 | Global Society (2) |
| MSGL 512 | Global Politics, Policy, and Law (2) |
| MSGL 513 | Understanding International Business (3) |
| MSGL 522 | Project Management (2) |
| MSGL 523 | Finance for Global Business (2) |
| MSGL 526 | International Negotiations (2) |
| MSGL 527 | Strategic Planning and Management (2) |
| MSGL 530 | Marketing for Global Business (2) |
| MSGL 531 | Project Management (3) |
| MSGL 532 | International Project Management (2) |
Reservation of the Right to Modify
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