Department of Leadership Studies
The Leadership Studies Program offers a PhD program, 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 to students enrolled in qualified programs.
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:
• Higher Education Leadership
• Leadership Studies
• Nonprofit Leadership and Management
MA 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 or 6-unit practical experience or internship, and 6-9 units of electives. Students work closely with their advisor to design an 18-unit experience in one of three higher education specializations: 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.
EDLD Course Descriptions
EDUC Course Descriptions
EDTE Course Descriptions
Program Requirements |
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Leadership Core (15 units) |
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| 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) |
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| EDLD 565 | Dynamics of Race, Gender and Culture in Higher Ed (3) |
| EDLD 571 | History, Theories and Philosophies of Higher Education (3) |
| EDLD 577 | Higher Education Policy (3) |
Internship (Practical Experience) |
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| EDLD 590 | Leadership Internship MA (3) |
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| EDLD 594 | Student Affairs Graduate Assistant Seminar (6 total units over 4 semesters) |
Electives (9 units) |
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| The following are sample elective courses: | |
| 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: |
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| Action Research Project or Action Research Thesis (please consult advisor and student handbook for specialization requirements) | |
MA Leadership Studies
Students seeking an MA 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 advisor 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 MA in Leadership Studies. Please refer to future sections regarding the credentials and required coursework.
Program Requirements |
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Leadership Core (15 units) |
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| 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) |
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| EDLD 590 | Leadership Internship MA (3) |
Electives (18 units) |
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| The program has an exit requirement of either a portfolio, thesis, or action research project. | |
Portfolio: Candidates who select this option as an exit requirement should confer with their advisor during their first year in the program regarding the specific requirements for a portfolio. Candidates should also refer to the guidelines noted in their Handbook. Thesis: This option is recommended for candidates who plan 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 at least 1 unit of EDLD 595 each semester until the thesis has been approved. Action Research Project: students will be introduced to action research in their research course (EDLD 549) and should work with their advisor throughout the development of the project. |
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MA Leadership Studies - K-12 School Leadership focus with Administrative Services Credential
MA Core Courses (12 units) |
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EDLD 549
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Research Design and Methodology for Leaders (or a research course decided in consultation with the student’s advisor) (3) |
| EDLD 550 | Leadership Theory and Practice (3) |
| EDLD 555 | Leadership and Ethics (3) |
| EDLD 559 | Leadership and Organizational Change (3) |
Option 1 – in conjunction with a California Preliminary Administrative Services credential |
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| 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) (field-based experience) |
| EDLD 598P | Practicum in School Administration II (3) (field-based experience) |
MA Core Courses (12 units as above) |
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| Oral defense of the Educational Platform and Culminating Portfolio – Candidates must present an educational platform/culminating 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. | |
Option 2 - in conjunction with a California Professional Administrative Services Credential |
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| 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) |
MA Core Courses (15 units) |
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| 12 units as above, plus | |
| EDLD 551 | Human Relations for Leaders (3) |
| Electives (12 units) Only for those also pursuing the master’s degree |
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Culminating Video |
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| 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. | |
Administrative Services Credential |
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| This innovative preparation program is focused on a single goal: to prepare high-quality public and private school instructional leaders to lead school communities in accelerating teaching and learning. The program offers three areas of focus for leadership preparation: | |
Leaders Exploring Administrative Possibilities (LEAP) |
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| This is a 3-unit introduction that engages participants in initial leadership development prior to entering an administrative credential program. Candidates have opportunities to learn more about their leadership capacity in a three day summer institute and continued work from September through March in monthly seminars. | |
The Aspiring Leaders Program |
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This 24-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 program administration and the candidates’ district supervisors 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. The Intern Program provides an intern credential for administrators who are selected by a public school district or a county office of education and placed in an administrative position under the supervision of a University of San Diego Supervisor. These candidates work in the administrative position and enroll in coursework at the University to earn the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential.
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This 12-unit credential program 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 who provides coaching and support. Their work together centers on students 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.
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| 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 units are required to complete the program. | |
Program Requirements |
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I. Required Courses (31 units) |
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EDLD 500 |
Research, Design & 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 and Fundraising (3) |
| EDLD 507 | Community Organizing and Change (3) |
| EDLD 509 | Legal Issues for Nonprofit Corporations (1) |
| EDLD 510 | Board Management and Leadership (1) |
| EDLD 511 | Strategic Planning and Positioning (3) |
| EDLD 550 | Leadership Theory and Practice (3) |
| Please note: In rare instances where a student has a demonstrated competency in one of the following subject areas: Finance, Marketing, Strategic Planning, Fundraising, Nonprofit Legal Issues, or Research Design/Program Evaluation the student may approach the program director and subsequently, the course professor, about opting out of that course. If the director and professor agree, the student may substitute elective units for those required courses. No other course substitutions will be granted. | |
II. Electives (1-unit and 2-unit courses from which students will select 3 to total 5 or more units) |
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| EDLD 508 | Marketing for Nonprofit Organizations (2) |
| EDLD 512 | Beyond Collaboration (1) |
| EDLD 513 | Advocacy Skills and Strategies (2) |
| EDLD 514 | Public Speaking (1) |
| EDLD 515 | Risk Management (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.
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| 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. | |
Mission |
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| To prepare and certify nonprofit professionals to work with America’s youth and families. | |
In partnership with: |
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| 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 (with the Master of Arts in Nonprofit Leadership and Management) |
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| American Humanics Certificate Requirements: • Completion of all coursework for the MA 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); • Completion of nonprofit competency requirements (which is a part of the NLM Program coursework). Competency areas of study include: Nonprofit Fundamentals, Ethics, Volunteer Management/Board Development, Fundraising and Resource Development, Finance, Management, and Marketing; • At least 300 hours of work in a nonprofit (this can be actual work experience in a nonprofit or volunteer work); and, • 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. |
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American Humanics National Nonprofit Certificate Program offered in conjunction with the Master of Arts in Leadership Studies |
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| Students must meet all the core requirements for the MA in Leadership Studies plus the following requirements: | |
| EDLD 501 | Nonprofit Management Fundamentals (3) |
| EDLD 590 | Leadership Internship MA (3) |
| EDLD 593 | Leadership Internship MA (3) |
| Students must complete and additional 2 units of nonprofit coursework. The student’s advisor must approve all electives. | |
American Humanics Certificate Requirements |
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| • Completion of all coursework for the MA 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); and, • 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. |
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