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.

As a full cost recovery program, 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.

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 five years of relevant work experience

OR

  • 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 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 and a research-based project. Six web-based courses (3.0 credits) and two residency courses (1.0 credit) must be completed, followed by the major research project (1.0 credit). Faculty and senior executives at the participant’s workplace often jointly supervise the research project. The project requires a literature review, data collection, data analysis, and culminates in a major paper.

University of Guelph
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1

Canada
519-824-4120