Leadership Studies Programs
The Leadership Studies Program offers various master’s degree programs, a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, and a Professional Administrative Services Credential. These credentials have been approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. A program leading to an American Humanics Certificate that is recognized by 19 national youth and human service agencies is also offered.
In accordance with USD policy, master’s students may transfer 6 units applicable towards their elective requirement if approved by their adviser and program director. All core classes must be completed at USD.
Master of Arts Degree Programs
A 36-unit program designed for students preparing for leadership positions in a broad variety of organizational settings: consulting firms, human resource departments, nonprofit agencies, colleges and universities, and public and private K-12 schools, for example.
The focus of the leadership master’s degree is to develop knowledgeable, ethical, caring, and inclusive leaders for a diverse and changing society. The program offers candidates the opportunity to study leadership theory and practice and apply leadership concepts and principles to their personal and professional roles and responsibilities.
There are three degree opportunities within the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Leadership Studies:
- Higher Education Leadership, with one of three strands: community college leadership, student affairs and higher education administration
- Leadership with an individualized option (For example, K-12 school leadership, management and consulting, or others created by the student)
- Nonprofit Leadership and Management
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Higher Education Leadership
The 36-unit Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Leadership is designed for professionals working in, or those who have a career preference for, post-secondary education. We prepare students for a wide range of post-secondary professional positions, including those in community colleges, four-year public and private colleges and universities, and student affairs positions in any post-secondary setting. To be leaders in higher education we believe that students must be exposed to relevant research, be familiar with the complexities of the post-secondary system at all levels, and be aware of contemporary issues facing leaders working in higher education.
All students in the Higher Education Leadership Program take five courses (15 units) in the leadership core. These courses are designed to enhance students’ understanding of leadership theory, its practical applications, and the ethical dimensions of leadership – concepts we believe are universally applicable in today’s society. The core also includes a 3-unit research design and methodology course. Students also are required to take three courses (9 units) in the Higher Education core. These courses are designed to give students a strong foundation in higher education policy, history, organizational structures, and diversity, as well as an exposure to the implications each has for leaders in higher education.
The remaining 12 units include a 3-unit practical experience or internship, and 9 units of electives. Students work closely with their adviser to design an 18-unit experience in one of three higher education strands: 1) Community College Leadership, 2) Higher Education Administration, or 3) Student Affairs. Students will begin to design their final action research project in the research course, while obtaining practical experience at a post-secondary site of their choosing. The three elective courses chosen will also enhance this experience by providing additional opportunities to engage in theory and practice related specifically to the student’s specific area of interest.
Program Requirements
Leadership Core (15 units)
EDLD 549 – Research Design and Methodology for Leaders (3)
EDLD 550 – Leadership Theory and Practice (3)
EDLD 551 – Human Relations for Leaders (3)
EDLD 555 – Leadership and Ethics (3)
EDLD 559 – Leadership and Organizational Change (3)
Higher Education Core (9 units)
EDLD 565 – Dynamics of Race, Gender and Culture in Higher Education (3)
EDLD 571 – History, Theories and Philosophies of Higher Education (3)
EDLD 577 – Higher Education Policy (3)
Internship (Practical Experience)
EDLD 590 – Leadership Internship M.A. (3)
Electives (9 units)
The following are sample elective courses:
COUN 512 – College Counseling (3)
COUN 535 – College Student Development (3)
EDLD 557 – Leadership and Spirituality (3)
EDLD 573 – Economics of Education (3)
EDLD 576 – Community College Leadership (3)
EDLD 578 – Higher Education Administration (3)
EDLD 585 – Leadership for Change (3)
Exit Requirement: Action Research Project, Thesis or Portfolio
Leadership Studies: Individualized Option
Students seeking an M.A. in Leadership Studies select 18 units of coursework that meets their specific needs and interests. Courses may be selected from USD’s graduate programs with approval of adviser and program administrator. Students have the option to combine coursework from the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential or the Professional Administrative Services Credential to complete the M.A. in Leadership Studies. Please refer to future sections regarding the credentials and required coursework.
Program Requirements
Leadership Core (15 units)
EDLD 549 – Research Design and Methodology for Leaders (3)
EDLD 550 – Leadership Theory and Practice (3)
EDLD 551 – Human Relations for Leaders (3)
EDLD 555 – Leadership and Ethics (3)
EDLD 559 – Leadership and Organizational Change (3)
Internship (Practical Experience)
EDLD 590 – Leadership Internship M.A. (3)
Electives (18 units)
The program has an exit requirement of either a thesis or a portfolio.
Portfolio: Candidates who do not select the thesis option as an exit requirement must do a portfolio. Candidates should confer with their adviser during their first year in the program regarding the specific requirements for a portfolio. Candidates should refer to the guidelines noted in the Handbook.
Thesis: This option is recommended for candidates who plan to do post-master’s or doctoral work. Candidates who select this exit option must register for EDLD 595 – Thesis Supervision (3) as part of their specialization coursework. Guidelines for thesis work can be found in the Handbook. Candidates must continue to register for 1 unit of EDLD 595 each semester until the thesis has been approved.
Nonprofit Leadership and Management
This degree involves an integrated course of study combining leadership theory and practice with best practice management models, strategies and tools designed to produce thoughtful and effective nonprofit leaders. A minimum of 36 semester-hours are required to complete the program.
Program Requirements
I. Required Courses (33 units)
EDLD 500 – Research, Design and Evaluation of Nonprofit Programs (4)
EDLD 501 – Nonprofit Management Fundamentals (3)
EDLD 502 – Leadership and Ethics (3)
EDLD 503 – Nonprofit Finance (3)
EDLD 504 – Human Relations for Leaders (1)
EDLD 505 – Organizational Theory and Change (3)
EDLD 506 – Resource Development (3)
EDLD 507 – Community Organizing and Change (3)
EDLD 508 – Marketing for Nonprofit Organizations (3)
EDLD 509 – Legal Issues for Nonprofit Corporations (1)
EDLD 510 – Board Management and Leadership (1)
EDLD 511 – Strategic Planning and Positioning (2)
EDLD 550 – Leadership Theory and Practice (3)
Please Note: in consultation with the program director, students may be permitted to substitute required courses for electives.
II. Electives (1-unit and 2-unit courses from which students will select 3 or more units)
EDLD 512 – Collaboration (1)
EDLD 513 – Advocacy Skills and Strategies (2)
EDLD 514 – Public Speaking (1)
EDLD 516 – Related Business Development (2)
EDLD 517 – Capital and Endowment Campaign Planning (2)
EDLD 519 – Media Relations (1)
Other electives may be added.
Master of Arts in Leadership Studies: Administrative Services Credential
Programs
The Educational Leadership Development Academy
This innovative preparation program is focused on a single goal: to prepare strong public and private school instructional leaders to lead effective school communities in teaching and learning. The program offers three threads for leadership preparation:
- Leaders Exploring Administrative Possibilities (LEAP): an experiential program for school personnel considering leadership positions (for teachers or other certificated personnel who are interested in leadership)
- The Aspiring Leaders Program: a Master of Arts degree and a California Preliminary Administrative Services credential (for aspiring school leaders)
- The New Leaders: Induction and Support Program: a Master of Arts degree and a California Professional Administrative Services Credential (for early career school site leaders).
These Aspiring Leaders and the New Leaders programs meet the requirements for both the California Administrative Services credential and the M.A. in Leadership Studies. Aspiring Leaders applicants who do not already hold a master’s degree in a related field are required to complete the full 36-unit program; those applicants who already hold a master’s degree in a related field may opt to pursue just the credential in a 24-unit program. New Leaders applicants who do not already hold a master’s degree in a related field are required to complete the full 36-unit program; those applicants who already hold a master’s degree in a related field may opt to pursue just the credential in a 12-unit program.
Students seeking both a master's degree and a credential must submit an application to both programs.
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Leaders Exploring Administrative Possibilities (LEAP)
This is a 3-unit program that engages participants in initial leadership development prior to entering an administrative credential program. This program provides candidates opportunities to learn more about their leadership capacity in a three day summer institute and continued work from September through March in monthly seminars. Students participating in this program register for EDLD 561 (3 units).
The Aspiring Leaders Program
This 36-unit program of study is comprised of coursework and a 40-day school site-based residency apprenticeship over two years. Unlike other traditional university courses that follow a semester schedule, this program’s courses are offered in intensive modules that span multiple semesters. Classes are held on weekdays and occasional weekends throughout the year. Apprenticeship placements will be selected jointly by the participant and program administration to ensure a learning environment that will adequately support participant learning in the critical areas of site leadership. The apprenticeship may either be full- or part-time, depending on the nature of the student’s work role. The program of study meets the requirements for the California Preliminary Administrative Services credential.
Students who also apply to, and are admitted to, the M.A. in Leadership Studies degree program must complete 12 more units (in addition to the Aspiring Leaders Program requirements) to earn the M.A. degree.
I. Aspiring Leader Required Courses (24 units)
EDLD 551 – Human Relations for Leaders (3)
EDLD 552 – School Law for Aspiring Leaders (3)
EDLD 553 – Instructional Leadership and Supervision I (2)
EDLD 554 – Instructional Leadership and Supervision II (2)
EDLD 558 – School Leadership and the Politics of Education (3)
EDUC 560 – Technology for School Leaders (1)
EDLD 583 – Special Topics I (1)
EDLD 584 – Special Topics II (1)
EDLD 588 – Diversity and the Preparation of School Leaders (2)
EDLD 597P – Practicum in School Administration I (3)
EDLD 598P – Practicum in School Administration II (3) (field-based experience)
II. M.A. Core Courses (12 units)
Only for those also pursuing the master’s degree
EDLD 549 – Research Design and Methodology for Leaders (or a research course decided in consultation with the student’s adviser) (3)
EDLD 550 – Leadership Theory and Practice (3)
EDLD 555 – Leadership and Ethics (3)
EDLD 559 – Leadership and Organizational Change (3)
III. Exit Requirements
1) Portfolio: Candidates must present a portfolio that reflects their learning and development over the course of the program. It must be presented to and approved by a panel of university faculty and district practitioners.
2) Platform Statement: Candidates must present a platform statement which articulates their educational and leadership beliefs.
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The New Leaders: Induction and Support Program
This 36-unit specialization is an integrated course of study that links the educational and leadership theory to the complexities of participants’ school-based practice. The coursework is heavily job-embedded, focusing on the candidates’ development of instructional leadership capacity through critical analysis and reflection. Participants are paired with an experienced mentor principal who provides coaching and support. Their work together centers on developing the skills and knowledge to manage the complex real-time challenges and responsibilities of site leadership. The program of study meets the requirements for the California Professional Administrative Services Credential.
Candidates who already hold a master’s degree in a related field may elect to obtain the California Professional administrative credential (a 12-unit program).
I. New Leaders: Induction and Support Required Courses (12 units)
EDLD 560 – School Law for Practicing Administrators (3)
EDUC 561 – Structured Mentoring I (1)
EDUC 562 – Structured Mentoring II (1)
EDUC 563 – Structured Mentoring III (1)
EDLD 564 – Supporting Teachers for Instructional Improvement (2)
EDUC 565 – Mentor and Support or Adult Learning I (2)
EDUC 566 – Mentor and Support or Adult Learning II (2)
II. M.A. Core Courses (12 units)
Only for those also pursuing the master’s degree
EDLD 549 – Research Design and Methodology for Leaders (or a research course decided in consultation with the student’s adviser) (3)
EDLD 550 – Leadership Theory and Practice(3)
EDLD 555 – Leadership and Ethics (3)
EDLD 559 – Leadership and Organizational Change (3)
III. Electives (12 units) Only for those also pursuing the master’s degree
IV. Culminating Video
Candidates must produce and present to a panel of university faculty and district practitioners baseline and culminating videos that illustrate their leadership skills and demonstrate growth.
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American Humanics National Nonprofit Certificate Program
The American Humanics Certificate is recognized by 19 national youth and human service agencies and their community-based chapters. Students working toward this certificate are offered networking opportunities, online résumé services and job placement.
The Mission
To prepare and certify nonprofit professionals to work with America’s youth and families.
In partnership with:
American Red Cross, America’s Second Harvest, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, Boy Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Camp Fire Boys and Girls, Girls Inc., 4-H, Girl Scouts of USA, Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement, Inc., March of Dimes, National Network for Youth, National Urban League, Outreach International, Points of Light Foundation, The ARC, United Way, Volunteers of America and YMCA of the USA.
Our partner organizations support the American Humanics mission on campuses throughout the nation. They recognize how valuable well-prepared, qualified professionals are to their missions.
American Humanics National Nonprofit Certificate Program offered in conjunction with the Master of Arts in Nonprofit Leadership and Management
American Humanics Certificate Requirements
- Completion of all coursework for the M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership and Management
- Attendance at one American Humanics Management Institute (meets annually the first week in January at various locations throughout the United States)
- An American Humanics application needs to be completed at the beginning of each academic year. Consult the American Humanics program director in the School of Leadership and Education Sciences for details.
American Humanics National Nonprofit Certificate Program offered in conjunction with the Nonprofit Leadership and Management Certificate
American Humanics Certificate Requirements
- Possession of a Bachelor of Science degree or a Bachelor of Arts degree
- Two years verified full-time work experience in a nonprofit agency
- Completion of the Nonprofit Leadership and Management Certificate program
- Attendance at one American Humanics Management Institute (meets annually the first week in January at various locations throughout the United States)
- An American Humanics application needs to be completed at the beginning of each academic year. Consult the American Humanics program director in the School of Leadership and Education Sciences for details.
American Humanics National Nonprofit Certificate Program offered in conjunction with the Master of Arts in Leadership Studies
Students must meet all the core requirements for the M.A. in Leadership Studies plus the following requirements:
EDLD 501 – Nonprofit Management Fundamentals (3)
EDLD 590 – Leadership Internship M.A. (3)
EDLD 593 – Leadership Internship M.A. (3)
Students, in consultation with their adviser, select 9 units of coursework from the Schools of Leadership and Education Sciences, Law, Nursing and Health Science, Business Administration, and/or the College of Arts and Sciences to comprise the rest of their area of specialization. An interdisciplinary program is encouraged. The student's adviser must approve all electives.
American Humanics Certificate Requirements
- Completion of all coursework for the M.A. in Leadership Studies
- Community service hours completed with an American Humanics partner agency
- Attendance at one American Humanics Management Institute (meets annually the first week in January at various locations throughout the United States)
- An American Humanics application needs to be completed at the beginning of each academic year. Consult the American Humanics program director in the School of Leadership and Education Sciences for details.
