Leadership and Management M.S.

This program emphasizes the human dimensions of management. It is applicable where skills in change management, leadership, and group dynamics are demanded for professional effectiveness. The core classes develop an essential managerial knowledge base; students then customize the balance of the coursework with either electives from one focused concentration or a more generalized program of study, selecting electives from any of the four concentrations. The capstone course, built upon three required research courses, results in the research, writing, and presentation of either a thesis or an applied research project. The MSLM program is a networked and mutually supportive community of learners. New students are required to participate in an orientation. Applications are reviewed on the following criteria:

  1. A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
  2. A preferred GPA of 2.75 in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate work. Some applicants with lower GPA's may be admitted conditionally.
  3. Two positive letters of recommendation.
  4. A current resume and personal statement of purpose.

Students without a degree from an Englishspeaking institution, where English is the primary language of instruction and of the geographic area, must establish minimal proficiency in English by accomplishing one of the following: a TOEFL score of 550 or more, completion of ESL 112, a GRE verbal score of 400, satisfactory completion of ULV's English proficiency test, or satisfactory completion of prerequisite courses at ULV as indicated by a placement examination.

All students are expected to be proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, electronic communications, and information research and retrieval on the Internet.

Foundation Course: 0-3
Prerequisite knowledge of management is required. Assessment of need is based on a review of undergraduate coursework and professional work experience. The foundation course (MGMT 500) provides prerequisite knowledge and tools needed for those with insufficient background. If needed, MGMT 500 should be among the first courses completed. Students who earned an undergraduate degree in a management field within the past seven years could be exempt from taking MGMT 500.

MGMT 500 Management: Theory and Practice (3)

Total Program: 33 semester hours

Core Courses: 15 semester hours
MGMT 520 Leadership: Theory and Practice (3)
MGMT 521 Ethics and Decision-Making (3)
MGMT 522 Human Resource Management (3)
MGMT 523 Organizational Theory & Design (3)
MGMT 569 Conflict Management and Organizational Change (3)
MGMT 586 Organizational Research I (3)

Electives or Concentrations: 12 semester hours Each student can select a set of courses that addresses his or her career needs. Courses can be selected from any 500-level MGMT courses (other than foundation courses), or specific concentrations can be pursued. Concentrations require a minimum of four courses (12 semester units), that may include required core courses in the same discipline.

Human Resource Management Concentration:
MGMT 522 Human Resource Management (3)
A minimum of three of the following:
MGMT 525 Management of Diversity (3)
MGMT 526 Training and Development (3)
MGMT 529 Seminar in Human Resource Management (3)
MGMT 554 Negotiations and Collective Bargaining (3)

Nonprofit Management Concentration:
MGMT 520 Leadership: Theory and Practice (3)
A minimum of three of the following:
MGMT 530 Managing Nonprofits (3)
MGMT 531 Marketing for Nonprofit (3)
MGMT 532 Effective Fundraising (3)
MGMT 533 Accounting and Compliance for Nonprofits (3)

Organizational Development Concentration:
MGMT 523 Organizational Theory & Design (3)
A minimum of three of the following:
MGMT 525 Management of Diversity (3)
MGMT 554 Negotiations & Collective Bargaining (3)
MGMT 556 Building Partnerships; Creating Coalitions (3)
MGMT 559 Seminar in Organizational Development (3)
MGMT 582 Managing Groups and Teams (3)

Culminating Activity: 3 semester hour
MGMT 594 Thesis, or
MGMT 596 Graduate Seminar (3)

Students who wish to write a thesis must take MGMT 588, Organizational Research II, as one of their electives.