The Master of Arts (MA) in 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 in 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.

Administrative Staff

Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies
Sean Lyons (303 Macdonald Hall, Ext. 58500)
slyons01@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Coordinator
Bruce McAdams (204 Macdonald Stewart Hall, Ext. 56597)
bmcadams@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Assistant Team
lang.leadership@uoguelph.ca
 

Graduate Faculty

This list may include Regular Graduate Faculty, Associated Graduate Faculty and/or Graduate Faculty from other universities.

MA Program

Admission Requirements

Minimum admission requirements are:

• 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 three years of relevant work experience
  or
• Alternate admission may be offered to applicants with a three-year General degree, diploma and/or an acceptable professional designation and having completed at least five 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.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Master of Arts (MA) in Leadership program, graduates will have the capacity to:

1. Develop a strong sense of self-awareness as a leader and apply evidence-based strategies in developing both themselves and others.
2. Interpret and integrate complex information from a variety of diverse sources when making leadership decisions.
3. Understand the importance of being a role model in the workplace and apply key leadership principles in order to make ethical decisions and influence others. 
4. Communicate appropriately using plain language and knowledge mobilization principles to a variety of stakeholders, both orally and in writing. 
5. Develop and manage a team using evidence-based approaches to effectively collaborate and work with others.  

Program Requirements

The MA in Leadership program is designed to enable mid-career professionals to complete a graduate degree without interrupting their careers. Online courses are combined with on-site residential periods in Guelph and the completion of either a major research project or two additional courses.

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 program within 18-24 months. Normally, course modules are eight weeks in length and are completed in a pre-determined sequence, but some variations exist. Students may choose one of the following two options:

Course Work and Major Research Project

Students must complete six online courses (3.0 credits), two residency courses (1.0 credit) and the major research project (1.0 credit). The project requires a literature review, data collection, and data analysis, which culminates in a major research project.

Course Work

Students must complete six online courses (3.0 credits), two residency courses (1.0 credit) and two additional online courses (1.0 credit).

Courses

Electives

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
BUS*6400	Canadian Business Law: Addressing Legal Issues in Organizations	0.50