Suzana Dobric Veiss, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Business and LEAD Program Director
Strategic and Organizational Leadership, M.A.
School of Business
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
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 individual 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 Requirements
Admission to the Fresno Pacific Master’s in Strategic and Organizational Leadership program is based on a review of each applicant’s academic achievements, work experience, and personal statement by the School of Business Admissions Committee. The program is prepared to consider nontraditional indicators of academic potential in admission decisions when deemed appropriate.
The following documents are required to be considered for admission:
- Official transcripts—verifying bachelor’s degree and any post baccalaureate work from a regionally accredited institution that is deemed relevant to this application.
- Statement of Intent—provide a statement of career goals and a description of how participation in this graduate program will contribute to growth and development towards these goals. This essay should be no longer than two pages.
- Three current reference forms—at least two from professional and/or academic individuals who are able to endorse the student’s professional and personal characteristics.
- A current work experience resume
- GRE scores are required if the applicant’s undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, unless the applicant has a Master’s degree.
- International students must submit official TOEFL scores (minimum of 550 PBT or 79 iBT) or IELTS 6.5, unless applicants have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in an English-speaking country.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- The student implements organizational leadership elements within diverse human, organizational, and global contexts.
- The student evaluates ethical principles in decision making from a Biblical perspective.
- The student creates a plan to organize and employ research for organizational analysis, problem solving, and strategic planning.
- The student implements organizational behavior and change elements within a diverse context to increase organizational effectiveness.
Locations Offered
- The student implements organizational leadership elements within diverse human, organizational, and global contexts.
- The student evaluates ethical principles in decision making from a Biblical perspective.
- The student creates a plan to organize and employ research for organizational analysis, problem solving, and strategic planning.
- The student implements organizational behavior and change elements within a diverse context to increase organizational effectiveness.
Locations Offered
North Fresno, Visalia and Merced Campuses, Online
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.
Required Courses (36 Units)Semester 1
- LEAD 705 - Foundations of Strategic Leadership Credits 3
- LEAD 707 - Organizational Behavior for Leaders Credits 3
Semester 2
- LEAD 732 - Change and Transformation Strategies Credits 3
- LEAD 734 - Strategic Problem Solving Credits 3
Semester 3
- LEAD 720 - Leadership Communication Credits 3
- LEAD 721 - Conflict, Collaboration and Negotiation Credits 3
Semester 4
- LEAD 730 - Finance for Leaders Credits 3
- LEAD 722 - Leadership and Followership Development Credits 3
- LEAD 752 - Developing Proposals for Change Credits 3
Semester 5
- LEAD 723 - Ethics and Sustainable Leadership Strategies Credits 3
- LEAD 762 - Leadership Strategy, Innovation and Creativity Credits 3
- LEAD 766 - Leadership Capstone Project Credits 3
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
Semester 5
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, contact the campus nearest you, attend an information meeting or ask about a program.
First Steps to Admission
- Apply online
- Submit 2 reference forms (Varies based on program of interest)
These can be filled out by academic or professional acquaintances familiar with your ability to complete graduate-level work. Print the reference form. - Include statement of intent.
You can also provide an addendum explaining your interest in the program, any long-term goals and your experience in the field. - Request official transcripts.
Transcripts must be from accredited institutions to verify your bachelor’s degree. Send transcripts electronically to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or mail sealed transcripts to the Registrar’s Office at 1717 S. Chestnut Ave. Fresno, CA 93702. - Complete program requirements.
These requirements are specific to your program of choice. You will be contacted for an interview and additional requirements if applicable. - Apply for financial aid.
You can apply for FAFSA. Use FPU school code: 001253 - Schedule an appointment.
Meet with your Student Financial Services Advisor. You can contact them at 559-453-2041 | sfs@fresno.edu.
Program Requirements
Note: As a result of COVID-19, GMAT/GRE testing requirements and application fees have been temporarily waived for School of Business graduate applicants. Please contact your program representative for more information.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- If GPA is under 3.0, submit a letter of petition and a designed test/writing sample to indicate critical and analytical writing skills (GRE, GMAT, MAT results or other exam)
- Resume
- One current professional reference form
State Authorization
State authorization is a federal requirement in the HigherEducation Act that requires institutions to be authorized in the state in which online programs are offered. Fresno Pacific University works regularly with individual state authorization agencies to meet each state's requirements. Currently, Fresno Pacific University has received authorization to offer online degree programs in all but six states: Georgia, Michigan, New York, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.
For the latest updates on the status of FPU's authorization in your state, contact your FPU Admissions representative.
Cost & Financial Aid
The below listed prices reflect the current and upcoming Fall and Spring semesters and do not include any financial aid. Paying for college can be an overwhelming step in your education journey. We can help you find all the opportunities to reduce your out of pocket costs.
Tuition & Fees
* This is an estimate. Costs subject to change. Please refer to the Catalog for additional fees. Cost of attendance figures are used for budgeting purposes only and represent an estimate of projected tuition and fees for the coming academic year. Actual tuition rates are approved by the Board of Trustees and may vary.
Types of aid
Financial aid can refer to scholarships, grants and loans, which are available to you from the government, the university or outside sources. Aid types vary depending on the type of student you are.
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 Happens Here
The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.
- Resume writing classes
- Career assessments, exploration & planning
- Job search and networking opportunities
- and much more