IX. Graduate Programs
Leadership
MA Leadership
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 sessions in Guelph and the completion of a major research project. Students may also complete the MA (Leadership) degree by taking two additional courses in place of the Major Research Project with a course-work option.
Admission Requirements
Minimum admission requirements are:
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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
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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.
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 DVD capability and a sound card. For information pertaining to computer equipment and software requirements contact the College of Business 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) within 20-24 months. Normally, course modules are eight weeks in length and are completed in a pre-determined sequence, but some variations exist.
The MA (Leadership) involves a challenging combination of course work with the option of completing a research-based project. Six web-based courses (3.0 credits) and two residency courses (1.0 credit) must be completed, followed by either the completion of the major research project (1.0 credit) or by taking two additional courses (1.0 credit). The project requires a literature review, data collection, and data analysis, which culminates in a major research project.