IX. Graduate Programs
Leadership
MA Leadership
The MA (Leadership) focuses on the challenges facing leaders in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, with an emphasis on the interaction between, and interdependency of, these spheres. Successful completion of the MA (Leadership) degree involves a comprehensive program of theoretical study backed by significant practical experience and analysis. Participants will also undertake a formal self-assessment process to gain insight into their own strengths and weaknesses and their ultimate leadership potential.
The MA (Leadership) is designed to enable mid-career professionals to complete a graduate degree without interrupting their careers. Web-based distance courses are combined with brief summer sessions in Guelph and the completion of a major research project. Students may also complete the MA (Leadership) degree by taking two additional elective courses in place of the Major Research Project with a Pass by Course option.
Admission Requirements
Minimum admission requirements are:
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A four year undergraduate degree or its equivalent (from a recognized university or college) with an average of at least a “B-“ (70-72%) in the last two years of study AND having completed at least five years of relevant work experience
OR
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General degree, diploma and/or an acceptable professional designation AND having completed at least seven years of relevant work experience.
Meeting the minimum criteria for admission does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Limitations of funds, space, facilities or personnel may make it necessary for the University, at its discretion, to refuse admission to an otherwise qualified applicant.
Applicants for the program must have confirmed access to appropriate computer hardware and software. The computer equipment to be used by participants must have adequate peripherals to support the learning system, including CD-ROM capability and a sound card. For information pertaining to computer equipment and software requirements contact the College of Management and Economics Executive Programs Office at 1-888-622-2474 or visit the MA (Leadership) web site at http://www.leadership.uoguelph.ca/. Participants are solely responsible to arrange for the purchase and maintenance of the recommended computer system and software.
Degree Requirements
On average participants allot 20 to 25 hours per week to study and participate in the program. This is an approximate number of hours and may vary depending on personal learning style. Participants normally complete the MA (Leadership) in 20-24 months. Normally, course modules are eight weeks in length and are completed in a pre-determined sequence, but some variations exist. Participants must complete the program within six years of commencement.
The MA (Leadership) involves a challenging combination of course work with the option of completing a research-based project. Six web-based courses (3.0 credits) and two residency courses (1.0 credit) must be completed, followed by either the completion of the major research project (1.0 credit) or by taking two additional courses (1.0 credit). The project requires a literature review, data collection, and data analysis, which culminates in a major paper.
The MA (Leadership) may also be completed by coursework. Two additional elective courses can be substituted for the major Research Project provided that the student has selected at least two research intensive courses from among all of their electives.