Strategic and Organizational Leadership, M.A.

When leaders steer organizations strategically,
the possibilities are endless.

Organizational leadership requires setting strategic goals and motivating your team to meet those goals. At Fresno Pacific, coursework is meant to be directly applied, equipping you to integrate what you learn as you go.

You’ll learn from instructors with extensive experience that offer creative approaches to common problems.

Taking a team-based approach, they’ll guide you through a range of cutting-edge courses. Threaded throughout every course is the question: what does it mean to lead ethically?

This action-oriented program is designed to empower you to become a change agent in your organization and community.

Program Highlights

• Meet for class face-to-face one night per week with online blended components
• Progress through the entire program with a cohort of 12-22 adult students
• Collaborate with diverse classmates and gain leadership perspective across a variety of professional settings
• Study under experienced faculty who assign relevant and applicable coursework
• Complete your master's research project under the supervision of faculty
• Gain competencies needed to lead change and address new challenges
• For a detailed program brochure click here

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Faculty

Catalog

Program Director: Suzana Dobric Veiss, Ph.D.

Overview

The Master of Arts in Strategic and Organizational Leadership is an interdisciplinary program designed to create leaders who can serve as change agents in organizations and communities. The M.A. in Strategic and Organizational Leadership is an action-oriented program created for individuals passionate about the connections between the individuals in organizations and communities. The program's focus is on innovative ways for leaders to change the way they see the world and to therefore transform the lives of individuals and the work of organizations and communities. The unique combination of multidisciplinary academic subjects and relevant practical applications addresses challenges for leaders who want to make a difference in the world. The integration of ethical leadership and creative approaches to leading change adds value for organizations and communities. 

Admissions Process and Requirements

Admission to the Fresno Pacific University M.A. in Strategic and Organizational Leadership program is based on a review of each applicant's academic achievements, work experience, and personal statement by the admission committee. The program is prepared to consider non-traditional indicators of academic potential in admission decisions when deemed appropriate. 

Application Process

• To be considered for admission to the M.A. Strategic and Organizational Leadership program, please submit the following items:
• Completed Application for Admission and $45 non-refundable application fee.
  • Fpu.edu/applygrad
• Official college/university transcript(s) verifying receipt of a bachelor's degree.
  • If you are currently finishing up your degree, please submit current transcript.
  • A final transcript will need to be submitted before you may enroll in classes.
  • Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or via mail in an enveloped sealed by your institution to:

Fresno Pacific University

Office of the Registrar

1717 S. Chestnut Ave

Fresno, CA 93702

• If your cumulative GPA for your bachelor's degree is below a 3.0 (4.0 scale), a letter of explanation is required.
• Reference Form – One reference is required for the MA in Strategic Leadership and Organization program attesting to your academic or professional qualities, and familiar with your ability to complete graduate-level work.
  • Form can be found at fpu.edu/graduate-reference
• Statement of Intent – Provide a written statement explaining your interest in the program, long-term goals, and your experience in the field.
• Resume – Submit a personal resume detailing your work experience.
• International applicants must submit additional documentation including English Proficiency Score (TOEFL=minimum of 550 PBT or 79 iBT, IELTS=6.5), copy of passport, visa information, and a statement of financial support.

Notification of acceptance will be sent as soon as all necessary documents are on file and have been reviewed by the admissions committee.

Please view other admission policies and information in the Admissions Policies and Requirements section of the catalog.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. The student implements organizational leadership elements within diverse human, organizational, and global contexts.
2. The student evaluates ethical principles in decision making from a Biblical perspective.
3. The student creates a plan to organize and employ research for organizational analysis, problem solving, and strategic planning.
4. The student implements organizational behavior and change elements within a diverse context to increase organizational effectiveness.

Program Length

This program can be completed in less than 20 months, in five semesters with classes meeting once per week and online.

The required courses in the Strategic and Organizational Leadership program must be taken at FPU in a cohort model unless waived by Program Director.

Locations Offered

North Fresno, Visalia and Merced Campuses, Online

Degree Pathway

Strategic and Organizational Leadership Degree Pathway  

Required Courses (36 Units)

• LEAD 705 - Foundations of Strategic Leadership Credits 3
• LEAD 707 - Organizational Behavior for Leaders Credits 3
• LEAD 720 - Leadership Communication Credits 3
• LEAD 721 - Conflict, Collaboration and Negotiation Credits 3
• LEAD 722 - Leadership and Followership Development Credits 3
• LEAD 723 - Ethics and Sustainable Leadership Strategies Credits 3
• LEAD 730 - Finance for Leaders Credits 3
• LEAD 732 - Change and Transformation Strategies Credits 3
• LEAD 734 - Strategic Problem Solving Credits 3
• LEAD 752 - Developing Proposals for Change Credits 3
• LEAD 762 - Leadership Strategy, Innovation and Creativity Credits 3
• LEAD 766 - Leadership Capstone Project Credits 3

Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education

The decision to embark on graduate studies is a big one. Our 40+ graduate programs will equip you to succeed in your career and in your life. You’ll become part of a small community of learners, thrive in a flexible learning environment  and be challenged by a rigorous curriculum. Learn how much further you can go at FPU!  

For more information, visit our Connect page to schedule a meeting with an admission professional or to find an upcoming information session or registration event. 

Ready to take the next step?

To be considered for admission to the M.A. in Strategic and Organizational Leadership program, please submit the following items:

• Completed Application for Admission and $45 non-refundable application fee.
• Official college/university transcript(s) verifying receipt of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program.
  • If you are currently finishing up your degree, please submit current transcript.
  • A final transcript will need to be submitted before you may enroll in classes.
  • Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu
    or via mail in an envelope sealed by your institution to:
    • Fresno Pacific University
      Office of the Registrar
      1717 S. Chestnut Ave.
      Fresno, CA 93702
• If your cumulative GPA for your bachelor’s degree is below a 3.0 (4.0 scale),
  a letter of explanation is required.
• Reference Form – One reference is required for the M.A. in Strategic and Organizational Leadership program. The reference should attest to your professional qualities and your academic qualifications, noting your ability to complete graduate-level work.
• Statement of Intent – Provide a written statement explaining your interest in the program, long-term goals and your experience in the field.
• Resume – Submit a personal resume detailing your work experience.
• International applicants must submit additional documentation including English Proficiency Score (TOEFL=minimum of 550 PBT or 79 iBT, IELTS=6.5), copy of passport, visa information and a statement of financial support.

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure here.

Office of Graduate Studies

Phone: 559-453-3690

Email: Graduate.Studies@fresno.edu

State Authorization

Cost & Financial Aid

Student Financial Services

Phone: 559-453-2041

Fax: 559-453-5595

Cashier: 559-453-5586

Toll free: 866-321-7502

FAFSA code: 001253

Email: sfs@fresno.edu

Tuition & Fees

Career Opportunities

This degree prepares professionals for senior management, non-profit administration, business planning and a wide array of leadership roles, such as memberships on boards of directors and positions in community leadership.

Career Development Center

Phone: 559-453-2073

Email: career.services@fresno.edu

Career Development Happens Here