Our Students

Students in the M.A. in Leadership Studies comes to us from a variety of backgrounds and undergraduate majors. Many of our students work full-time or part-time while completing the program, and they include educators, nonprofit professionals, business leaders, educational administrators, consultants, active duty military personnel, and more. Read on to view some profiles of our students and learn more about our alumni outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

Objective Area: Leadership and Development Theories
Outcome 1: Masters candidates will articulate prominent leadership theories in Leadership Studies, analyze and critique these theories, and apply these theories in the course of addressing a variety of organizational issues and problems.

Objective Area: Critical Thinking and Analytical Approaches
Outcome 2: Students will select relevant information, organize and evaluate the information, and apply the information to issues of leadership.

Objective Area: Organizational Systems and Group Dynamics
Outcome 3: Students will demonstrate an understanding of key theories of organizational behavior and change, and to apply these theories in an organizational setting.

Objective Area: Cultural Competency Global Understanding
Outcome 4: Students will critically examine culture other than their own, and apply the knowledge gained in their personal and professional lives.

Objective Area: Self-Awareness
Outcome 5: Graduates will have an ability to reflect upon their own skills and limitations as leaders, evidenced by performance in working with groups.

Alumni Outcomes

Graduates of the M.A. in Leadership Studies go on to leadership roles in a wide variety of settings, including in consulting, education, business, nonprofit organizations, and more. Here is a sample of positions held by our alumni.

Athletics

Beth Bradley '10, Director of Women's Basketball Operations at Old Dominion University

Kaila Mangrum '12, Director of Basketball Operations at University of San Diego

Private Sector

Allison McClintick '11, CEO/Leader Development Specialist at FLIGHTLEAD Leadership Consulting

Amber Setter '07, Learning and People Development Manager at Frank, Rimerman & Company

Courtney Crummel '05, Senior Account Executive at Concussion LLP

Taylor Erickson '06, Vice President - Director at American Bank Montana

Dana Gordon '10, Owner/Director of Lotus Learning

Sorana Petersen '07, Director of Organizational Development at GreatCall

Cory Pickett '11, Child Wellness Program Coordinator at San Diego County Speech Pathology Services

Karen Wilson '10, previously Senior Account Manager at Center for Creative Leadership, currently Founder/Managing Director of WilsonsWriters

Monica Galvan '12, Associate Online Research Assistant at Culturati Research & Consulting

Amanda Katona '12, Director of Sales Operations at Nirvanix

Marguerite Pini '12, Director and Owner at DramAntiKs, LLC

Public Sector

Paul Adler '07, Administrative Analyst at Contra Costa County

Nonprofit Sector

Angela Chiarenza '09, Global Operations Associate at Center for Creative Leadership

Daniel Getahun '05, International Visitor Leadership Program Manager at Minnesota International Center

Aimee Heytvelt '08, Strategic Account Executive/Human Resources Consultant at Wellspring Family Services

Ciera Rudin '10, External Relations Marketing Director at Westminster Woods Camp and Conference Center

Higher Education

Marcela Cuellar '07, Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Center for Enrollment Research, Policy, and Practice, Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California

Avelina Martinez '06, Academic Advisor at University of New Mexico

Christopher Newman '04, Assistant Professor at University of San Diego

Adan Sanchez '06, Associate Director, United Front Multicultural Center at University of San Diego

Katherine Sheridan '10, Coordinator for Leadership Development, President's Leadership Program, at Christopher Newport University

John Loggins '12, Associate Director, Center for Community Service-Learning at University of San Diego

K-12 Education

Armando Farias '12, Principal of Baker Elementary School, San Diego Unified School District

Carmen Diaz '12, Executive Director at Stephen W. Hawking Math and Science Charter School