| Course Code | Name | Course Description |
| ED5030-8 | Organizational Development | This Master’s level course explores the theoretical and practical underpinnings of organizational development within the realm of education. Particular emphasis is placed on examining and understanding the intrinsic role of mission, vision, purpose, and core values in the development of an organization. Learners examine the essential elements of effective leadership, dynamic culture, and interactive community and their influence in shaping organizational health and wellness. An assessment and critique of Learners’ professional settings is at the heart of the course learning. Learners evaluate their organizational issues, attempt solutions, and develop personal professional responses. In a broader context, organizational development as a discipline of study offers Learners ample opportunity to explore their leadership styles, communication and interaction techniques, as well as planning and implementation strategies. It is important that Learners have a holistic orientation and understanding of organizational development and the importance of their role in the development process. Learners as current or future organizational leaders must understand the complexity of organizations in a time of rapid change and development. In this course, Learners will examine these diverse issues, the effects the issues have on the profession, as well as formulating a personal response to the issues. |
| OL5030-8 | Organizational Development | This Master’s level course explores the theoretical and practical underpinnings of organizational development within the realm of education. Particular emphasis is placed on examining and understanding the intrinsic role of mission, vision, purpose, and core values in the development of an organization. Learners examine the essential elements of effective leadership, dynamic culture, and interactive community and their influence in shaping organizational health and wellness. An assessment and critique of Learners’ professional settings is at the heart of the course learning. Learners evaluate their organizational issues, attempt solutions, and develop personal professional responses. In a broader context, organizational development as a discipline of study offers Learners ample opportunity to explore their leadership styles, communication and interaction techniques, as well as planning and implementation strategies. It is important that Learners have a holistic orientation and understanding of organizational development and the importance of their role in the development process. Learners as current or future organizational leaders must understand the complexity of organizations in a time of rapid change and development. In this course, Learners will examine these diverse issues, the effects the issues have on the profession, as well as formulating a personal response to the issues. |
| OL5001-8 | Resolving Conflict | Dealing with conflict is an inevitable part of a leader's role in any type of organization. This course examines conflict management processes and skills with emphasis on interaction patterns, interpersonal relationships, and communication skills. Learners will examine the nature of conflict - its origins, sources, and types - as well as the concepts and skills of proactive intervention, conflict resolution and utilizing various conflict resolution strategies in organizational settings. Learners will develop an understanding and appreciation of the theoretical, conceptual, and methodological breadth of conflict resolution in organizational contexts. Opportunities will be provided for Learners to develop application-based experience on a variety of conflict resolution situations. |
| ED6001-8 | Action Research for Education | This graduate course will examine a comprehensive overview of research tools utilized by education practitioners. Students will be provided with a solid understanding of research concepts, skills, and principles such as data collection, literature reviews, and evaluation methods. |
| OL5002-8 | Organizational Capacity | Organizations are constantly remaking themselves to stay current with best practices. Organizational leaders are at the helm of identifying needs and developing organizational potential. An organization’s ability to reach a certain performance potential is known as “capacity”. When an organization is operating at capacity, it is able to use resources to accomplish goals and meet expectations. Organizational leaders are responsible for promoting capacity to improve the performance at all levels. In this course, graduate Learners will explore the intersection of leadership strengths and organizational capacity. |
| OL5003-8 | Leading for Change | Organizations change as they respond to their environment. Leaders who understand the change process are better equipped to guide their organizations when the conditions within which they operate are in flux. This course is for learners who desire to be change agents. They recognize that leading change requires the alignment of values with vision, mission, and organizational goals. They are committed to continued growth in skill and knowledge, and are eager to apply their leadership talents to foster positive organizational change. |
| OL5007-8 | Leader as Coach | As organizations are increasingly called upon to be responsive and visionary, leaders are being called upon to use a broader repertoire of skills to maximize the human potential within the organization. Coaching skills and the theories from which they derive draw upon such interdisciplinary fields as organizational development, humanistic psychology, and systems theory. This course is intended to help leaders develop an understanding of and skill in assuming coaching roles in organizations. Particular attention will be given to the process of developing quality organizational leaders within the framework of a professional learning community. Coaching practices and approaches will be analyzed and characteristics, roles, and responsibilities of a good coach will be identified and related to the support and retention of educators. The precepts of coaching will be applied as Learners develop a plan for a mentoring program within their own organization. Throughout this course, the Learner will thoroughly explore ways that reflective coaching practice can improve organizations. |
| OL5008-8 | Nonprofit Organizations | Nonprofit organizations present a unique set of operating conditions that may be distinguished from their for profit counterparts. Schools, churches, and charities are among the most common of the nonprofits. In this course the Learner will explore the range of nonprofit organizations and consider the unique leadership opportunities that arise within the world of nonprofit organizations. |
| ED6002-8 | Action Research Capstone | This Master’s level course emphasizes practical research skills utilized by education practitioners. Students will develop an action research project based on the scientific method and concepts presented in ED6001. The culminating product will reflect critical thinking, graduate level writing skills, and correct APA format. This course is open only to Learners pursuing the Master of Education. |
