Students prepare to be reflective practitioners by receiving a strong foundation in leadership theory and then applying it to their practice. The combination of reflective practice coupled with an understanding of leadership concepts and principles makes this program truly transformational.
Chart your own course based on your experience, interest and goals. Students have access to a wide variety of electives both within the Department of Leadership Studies and across other graduate programs at USD because the complexity of leadership demands that students adopt a multidisciplinary approach to solving problems.
Note: Students enrolled in our program at the CETYS campus will receive concurrent degrees from each university.
Program Requirements
Leadership Core | 21 units | |
LEAD 502B | Applied Research Methods for Leaders and Managers | 3 |
LEAD 521 | Leading Change in Complex Ecosystems | 3 |
LEAD 545 | Survey of Leadership Theories | 3 |
LEAD 554 | Negotiation and Leadership | 3 |
LEAD 555 | Ethical Leadership for Global Social Justice | 3 |
LEAD 572 | Leadership and Contemporary Issues | 3 |
LEAD 589 | Capstone Seminar | 3 |
Global Requirement | 3 units | |
Students will enroll in a SOLES Global course designated for the Department of Leadership Studies | ||
Applied Leadership | 6 units | |
Select 6 units from the following | ||
LEAD 551 | Human Relations for Leaders | 3 |
LEAD 533 | Foundations of Leadership Coaching | 3 |
LEAD 598 | Leadership In Action | 3 (repeatable up to 6 units) |
Students will select their Global Requirement course in consultation with their faculty advisor. This course can be a global study course or an on campus course with an "I" designation. | ||
Leadership Studies - International: Dual Degree Program with the MBA from Centro de Enseñanza Tecnica Y Superior (CETYS) in Mexico
Students from CETYS complete this program at the CETYS campuses in Mexicali and Tijuana with instruction from esteemed USD Leadership Studies faculty. Students may also participate in SOLES Global study courses. Students in this program earn an MBA from CETYS and an MA from USD. All courses are delivered in English.
Program Requirements for students in the International Concentration
CETYS students will complete the following courses offered by USD. | 18 | |
LEAD 545 | Survey of Leadership Theories | 3 |
LEAD 551 | Human Relations for Leaders | 3 |
or LEAD 533 | Foundations of Leadership Coaching | |
LEAD 559/521 | Organizational Theory and Change / Leading Change in Complex Ecosystems | 3 |
LEAD 589 | Capstone Seminar | 3 |
LEAD 554 | Negotiation and Leadership | 3 |
LEAD 556I | Culture and Leadership | 3 |
The following LEAD courses will be fulfilled by MBA coursework completed at CETYS. | 12 | |
LEAD 555 | Ethical Leadership for Global Social Justice (CETYS GMA201 Business Ethics) | 3 |
LEAD 549/502B | Research Design and Methodology for Global and Intercultural Leaders / Applied Research Methods for Leaders and Managers (CETYS GMA 202 Statistics for Business)) | 3 |
LEAD 598 | Leadership In Action (CETYS GMA 200 Entrepreneurship) | 3 |
LEAD 572 | Leadership and Contemporary Issues (CETYS GMA 214 Global Economics ) | 3 |
International Requirement
At SOLES, all masters and doctoral students participate in an international experience designed to support the growth of cultural competency. Our goal is to inform best practices in working with culturally diverse populations locally, nationally and globally. International experiences are approved by each student's faculty advisor and can be credit based or non-credit based activities.
Note: Students in the International Concentration from CETYS will have their International experience met by LEAD 556I - Leadership and Culture. Additionally, these students will have the option to participate in a SOLES Global course through USD if they choose, but these course will not count towards the required 18 units offered by USD.
Exit Requirement
The program has an exit requirement of a portfolio. Candidates will register for the Capstone Seminar (LEAD 589) in their final semester to receive scaffolding and support in the completion of their exit requirement. Candidates should also refer to the guidelines noted in their Handbook.
Thesis: This option is available for candidates who plan post-master’s or doctoral work. Candidates who select this exit option will register for LEAD 595 Thesis Supervision in place of LEAD 589 Capstone Seminar. Guidelines for thesis work can be found in the Handbook. Candidates must continue to register for at least 1 unit of LEAD 595 each semester until the thesis has been approved.
Questions?
Connect with the Office of Admissions and Outreach team to learn more information about SOLES master's and doctoral programs. Additional information for international applicants is also available.