Degree Requirements for Organizational Leadership

Organizational Leadership - 36 Credit Program of Study

The Master's in Organizational Leadership Program requires students to attain 36 credits of study.

• 24 credits in ORGL Core Courses and
• 12 credits in ORGL Elective Courses

Core Courses (24 credits required):

• ORGL 500 - Organizational Leadership (3 credits)
• ORGL 501 - Methods of Organizational Research (3 credits)
• ORGL 502 - Leadership and Imagination (3 credits)*
• ORGL 503 - Organizational Ethics (3 credits)
• ORGL 504 - Organizational Communication (3 credits)
• ORGL 505 - Organizational Theory (3 credits)
• ORGL 506 - Leadership and Diversity (3 credits)
• ORGL 680 - Leadership Seminar (3 credits)

Core Course Descriptions:

ORGL 500 - ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP (3 credits)
Drawing on material from various social science disciplines, this integrated course focuses on research and models of leadership relevant to defining and achieving collective goals in a variety of organizational settings.

ORGL 501 - RESEARCH METHODS (3 credits) 
Study of the inquiry process, emphasizing research design and methodologies appropriate to investigation of organizational dynamics and human behavior; both qualitative and quantitative methods are explored.

ORGL 502 - LEADERSHIP AND IMAGINATION (3 credits)
An examination of creativity through analysis of leadership themes in literature, drama, biography, and the arts; emphasizes the role of imagination in forming cultural images and perceptions of leaders and their functions.

ORGL 503 - ORGANIZATIONAL ETHICS (3 credits) 
Inquiry into the philosophic foundations of interpersonal relations and values in organizational contexts with emphasis on applications of ethical systems to the responsibilities of people in organizations toward society and individuals.

ORGL 504 - ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION (3 credits)
Study of research findings, theories, and models of communication in organizations and examination of the impact of organizational culture and structure on the communication process, including factors maximizing effective communication and overcoming communication barriers.

ORGL 505 - ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY (3 credits)
This course will serve as an introduction to the study of organizations.  Students will be exposed to a synthesis and integration of major traditions in organizational theory.  Emphasis will be placed on a grounding in theoretical concepts and their practical applications so students can learn to understand the chaotic and constantly changing world of organizations.

ORGL 506 - LEADERSHIP AND DIVERSITY (3 credits)
This course provides students with an opportunity for reflection on experience, examination of theory and practical application of organizational leadership in the context of diversity. Diversity will be studied within the framework of race, culture, gender, orientation and disability awareness. The goal of the class is to assist students in developing their own understanding and skills in becoming more effective leaders in organizations that acknowledge, value, and incorporate differences.

ORGL 680 - LEADERSHIP SEMINAR (3 credits)
This is the capstone course in the program. There are two basic components of this experience; first, peer evaluation and discussion of readings, research projects, and internships under the direction of the seminar leader; second, a class community service project which requires application of organizational leadership skills.

Electives (12 credits required)

Choose graduate level elective courses from elective lists provided in the Department of Organizational Leadership catalogue or from other graduate divisions of Gonzaga University that will enhance your leadership preparation.  Not all electives are offered each semester - check the current class schedule on the Zagweb for elective courses available. (Up to 6 credits of graduate coursework may be approved for transfer from other accredited institutions.)

Elective Course Descriptions

(for classes offered on a regular basis):

ORGL 510 - Renaissance Leadership for the 21st Century in Florence, Italy
An examination of Renaissance leadership as it applies to contemporary organizations and the power of Renaissance thinking as it applies to renewal, rediscovery, invention and creativity.  This course will help emerging leaders develop new perspectives and strategies to bring health, creativity and energy to their organizations.  This course is taught during a 2-week study abroad experience in Florence, Italy during summer term.

ORGL 516 - Organizational Development
An introduction to the study of organizational development that provides students with a basic understanding of the field, history, approaches and techniques involved in utilizing this approach to system-wide organizational change and improvement.

ORGL 518 - Transforming Leadership
A comparison of transactional and transforming leadership by examining past leaders and events. Emphasis is given to determine how contemporary leaders go beyond the social exchange theory to convert followers into leaders and leaders into moral agents.

ORGL 520 - Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Theory, structure and practice of collaborative negotiation and mediated negotiations. Application of the skills used to present and resolve conflict is emphasized. This application is generic and therefore appropriate for all professions whether formally or informally involved in resolving conflict.

ORGL 522 - Leadership, Community, Empowerment, Collaboration and Dialogue in Valyermo, California
An appreciation for and an understanding of the leadership processes of empowerment, collaboration and dialogue in the context of creating and transforming community. Emphasis is given to understanding individual and group development, structures of collaboration and dialogue, and leadership which is oriented toward process rather than product. This course is taught as a 1-week off-campus experience at St. Andrew's Abbey, a Benedictine Monastery in Valyermo, California.

ORGL 523 - Psychology of Leadership, on Spokane campus only
Review of psychological theories and how they influence the leader-follower relationship. Emphasis will be placed on the psychological and emotional capacities inherent in each individual, how each capacity appears developed and impaired, and the importance of the development of those capacities for effective leadership.

ORGL 530  - Servant Leadership
An in-depth examination of the foundation, principles and practice of servant leadership.  Students will gain a better understanding of how to effectively interact with others in an organizational setting, a clearer insight into how relationships are key to the effectiveness of individuals and organizations, and strengthened ability to articulate a personal, servant-centered philosophy of leadership.

ORGL 532  - Leadership, Justice and Forgiveness
In this course, students will begin the process of understanding leadership, justice and forgiveness in the context of purposeful systems change. Servant-leadership and restorative vs. retributive justice are important aspects of the learning community.  The course engages students toward self-responsibility in the context of reconciliation, and the depth of heart, mind, and spirit that leads to healing and growth in community with others.

ORGL 550 and 551 - Team Building and Advanced Team Building
These courses are designed to increase the student's knowledge and understanding of leadership and team development through a combination of information sessions and active participation in cooperative challenge activities. Offered summer term only in a 3-day intensive format on the Spokane campus in conjunction with an online component.