Master of Arts in Leadership Studies
Online Application:
-
The University of San Diego Graduate School Admission Application and $45 application fee
- Upload the following to submit your online application
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- Recommenders’ Contact Information
- Upload the following to submit your online application
Transcripts:
An official transcript from the university where you earned your bachelor’s degree is required at the time of application.
Note:
- Official E-Transcripts are acceptable only if emailed to grads@sandiego.edu.
- Transcripts from study abroad courses and transfer credits are not required.
Degrees Earned Outside of the United States:
- Students who earned their bachelor’s degree from an institution outside the United States must submit a course-by-course degree evaluation must submit a course-by-course degree evaluation at the time of application. Applicants can elect from:
- Applications for students educated outside the United States will not be considered complete nor can an admissions decision be made until this degree evaluation has been submitted.
Letters of Recommendation:
- A minimum of two professional letters of recommendation from professors or employers
Resume
- Current resumé or curriculum vitae
Statement of Purpose:
- A 500-word maximum statement of purpose. Please include a brief narrative describing yourself, your career goals and the importance of graduate study at this point in your life. You may discuss influences on your intellectual development, educational and cultural opportunities (or lack of them) which have been available to you, and the ways in which these experiences have affected you. This should not be a recording of facts already listed on the application; it should give the Admissions Committee a better sense of who you are and why you are applying to graduate school at the University of San Diego. If you are in a graduate program at another university, please explain why you wish to leave.
English Proficiency Exam (EPEX) Scores for International Applicants
EPEX Requirement:
An official score report for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required of all international applicants. Official score reports must be two years old or less from the time you submit your online application in order to be considered.
Official scores can be sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions, grads@sandiego.edu, school code: 4849.
- TOEFL minimum scores:
- Internet-based test: 83
- Computer-based test: 237
- Paper-based test: 580
- IELTS minimum score:
- Band score 7
Waiving out of the English Language exam requirement: The English Language Exam waiver may be requested if you:
- Have submitted your online application and
- You meet one of the following:
- English is your primary language
- You completed a 4-year bachelor's degree or 2-year master's degree, and obtained (or in the process of obtaining) a bachelor’s or master's degree in the U.S. with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Or from a university outside of the U.S. that is regionally accredited.
- You obtained your bachelor's degree in Great Britain, Canada, or Australia with an equivalent minimum 3.0 GPA.
Be sure to promptly order official transcripts or official transcript evaluations, as they are also required to determine waiver eligibility.
If you believe you are eligible for an EPEX waiver, please email the SOLES Admissions and Outreach Office at solesadmissions@sandiego.
Education Requirements
- Applicants must complete a bachelor’s degree prior to beginning the program. Applicants may apply prior to completing their bachelor's degree. In this case, please submit your most up-to-date transcripts, and if admitted, submit a second set of official transcripts after your degree is conferred
- The minimum cumulative grade point average is 3.0 (on a 4.00 scale) in all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
- This program does not have any specific prerequisite courses.
Experience Requirements
Some leadership experience is helpful but professional experience is not required.
Students entering the University of San Diego and/or declaring a major during 2022-23, should follow information contained in the printed course catalog (also known as the "catalog of record") published on April 1, 2022. Access the catalog of record at https://catalogs.sandiego.edu.
Program Requirements
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Leadership Core | 12 | |
LEAD 545 | Survey of Leadership Theories | 3 |
LEAD 551 | Human Relations for Leaders | 3 |
LEAD 555 | Ethical Leadership for Global Social Justice | 3 |
LEAD 559 | Organizational Theory and Change | 3 |
Research Requirement | 3 | |
LEAD 549 | Research Design and Methodology for Global and Intercultural Leaders | 3 |
Internship (Practical Experience) | 3 | |
LEAD 598 | Leadership In Action | 3 |
Capstone | 3 | |
LEAD 589 | Capstone Seminar | 3 |
Electives | 15 | |
Electives are selected in consultation with an advisor from USD's graduate programs. |
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.
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.
Deadlines
All application materials must be received by the Office of Graduate Admissions by the final deadline in order for your application to be considered for admission.
Tuition and Financial Aid
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Status and Decisions
To confirm that application materials have been received, please log into the MySanDiego portal or contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at (619) 260-4524. Admissions decision letters are sent via US Mail.
Submit all supplemental materials to:
Office of Graduate Admissions
University of San Diego, Manchester Hall 105
5998 Alcalá Park, San Diego, CA 92110-2492
grads@sandiego.edu
For questions about the admissions contact:
SOLES Office of Admissions and Outreach
Mother Rosalie Hill Hall 143
(619) 260-7988
solesadmissions@sandiego.edu
Advising Appointments