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Course Catalog

School of Leadership Studies

Dean: Dr. Jeff Borden, EdD  

Mission

The School of Leadership Studies strives to create, educate, and support leaders; contribute to the health of people, communities, and organizations; and to be of service in meeting the learning needs of a complex society.

Our programs embody the University’s Mission and the Ignatian spirit on which Gonzaga University is founded. Ethics, excellence, spirit, and community are guiding values for all aspects of the School. Faculty scholarship and research contribute positively to the professions, the global community, and the classroom.

Through a spirit of inquiry and lifelong learning, our students expand their capacity to transform thinking, and engage in ethical problem solving and decision making. New knowledge is acquired in a learning environment of respect and high standards.

Degree Programs in the School of Leadership Studies

Dual Degrees in the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership / Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership

Students who wish to pursue a dual degree in the Master of Arts in the Organizational Leadership and the Communication and Leadership programs may do so through our dual degree offering. Students must apply to and be accepted in both programs. In order to take advantage of this option, students must first enroll in one program and then the other program in subsequent semesters (e.g. Fall/Spring split; Summer/Fall split, etc.). A total of 48 credits are required to complete the dual degree, which includes 27 ORGL and COML core credits and 21 elective credits. (Note that ORGL 610 / COML 597 is a cross-listed class and cannot be counted twice.) Earning concentrations is possible, depending on (non-core) electives completed. Core courses required for this dual degree are ORGL 600, 605, 610, 615, and 620 as well as COML 595, 598, 599, and 602. Students must apply for graduation to both ORGL and COML degrees at the same time such that both degrees have the same degree granting date. Please note that once students graduate with one of the degrees, they cannot enroll in the dual degree pathway after the fact. For more information, please contact your Faculty Advisor or Graduate Student Services.

Admission Requirements

All School of Leadership Studies require a degree-bearing transcript from a regionally accredited university. Only the highest level of degree achieved is required (minimum: bachelor’s degree). Additional transcripts may be requested upon review. In addition, all applicants must submit an application for admission and application fee. Additional requirements are outlined by each program in the subsequent catalog pages.

Transfer Credit with the School of Law

School of Leadership Studies students enrolled as degree candidates in either the M.A.-ORGL or M.A. – COML program may transfer a maximum of six elective credits from the School of Leadership Studies to count toward the credits required to award a J.D. degree. Students enrolled as degree candidates in the School of Law J.D. program may transfer a maximum of six elective credits from the Law School to count toward the credits required to award either the M.A. -ORGL or M. A.-COML degree. For more information, please contact your advisor or department chair.