Prospective Student Information, The College of Liberal Studies, The University of Oklahoma

Administrative Leadership Guidelines

(100% Online)

The Master of Arts Administrative Leadership option educates students for success in the 21st century by combining the broad elements of interdisciplinary study with an in-depth understanding of leadership. The very qualities today’s employers seek are those of leadership within the context of creative and flexible thinking. Employees who can both understand concepts and expand upon them in a variety of new and exciting ways are the ones who will advance in their careers. Combining the knowledge of specific, work-related principles with the mind-set of a liberal education allows students to approach new ideas, projects, and challenges by drawing upon multiple perspectives. Change is a constant in today’s world, and the rewards will go to those individuals who are poised to meet new situations and career opportunities with speed, mental dexterity, and excellence.

The Administrative Leadership option is a specific concentration of courses focused on leadership principles. MA AL students move through a series of interdisciplinary and leadership topics, beginning with the study of general leadership theories followed by study of organizational cultures. This second leadership course explores the characteristics of various kinds of systems and the role that leaders play within such organizations. Next, students investigate the characteristics of leaders as individuals as well as the necessary skills and strategies that have both positive and negative influences on the organizational culture. A study of ethics and leadership offers students the chance to step back from the particulars and view leadership from a broader perspective.

Along with this interdisciplinary approach to understanding leadership, students will also develop an understanding of and appreciation for the requirements of research at the graduate level. Special courses focused on research as well as class assignments are preparation for the program completion options. Students can choose an individual research project, a thesis, or an internship or can opt to take six hours of advanced, focused coursework. Should you choose to complete a research project, the College recommends that this final project take the form of an organizational administrative analysis, a case study, or other such approaches related to leadership.

General Program Objectives

To understand the role of leadership across history, cultures, and organizations;
To understand components of leadership, issues within cultures, and behaviors of leaders within organizations;
To carry forth knowledge and strategies from literature, research findings, and practices to current and future leadership situations; and
To connect the ideals of liberal education to organizational settings in terms of practice, research, and synthesis.

Enrollments

The College expects that you will enroll in two courses each fall and spring and one in the summer.

You will enroll in all online courses via the OU enrollment screen, https://enroll.ou.edu/.

If, when you reach the completion phase of the program, you choose one of the first three completion options which are independent study courses, the College staff will process your enrollments. If you choose the coursework completion option, you can enroll online.

NOTE: If you are on Financial Aid, you need to check your Financial Aid eligibility with the financial Aid Office, 405-325-2929.

It is unlikely that students pursuing an online degree program will write a thesis unless they are in a situation where they can come to campus several times to consult with their research chair and committee. The better completion options for online students are an internship, a research project with a practical application (such as an organizational analysis), or six hours of readings or other elective courses for advanced and focused study on topics related to leadership.

Completing Your MA Program

When you are at the point of completing your studies you will contact the MA Program Coordinator or staff who will identify faculty to will work with you. Your Administrative Leadership assignments should help you make decisions about the goals and design of the completion option you choose.

For further instructions on the thesis, research project, internship or advanced study options, refer to the appropriate section of the Guidelines.

Completion Options

LSTD 5940 Research Project in Liberal Studies
(Graduate research – S/U graded – six hours credit)
Or
LSTD 5950 Internship in Liberal Studies
(Graduate field experience – S/U graded – six hours credit)
Or
LSTD 5980 Research for the Master’s Thesis
(Graduate research – S/U graded – six hours credit)
Or
Course work – six hours from electives or other courses as approved by the college

At this stage, it is essential that you keep in close communication with the College and the MA Program Coordinator and staff.

All enrollments in this phase of the program have variable credit with six hours being required to complete the degree. The number of hours in which you chose to enroll and whether for long-term or semester duration will depend on your individual circumstances. Students on Financial Aid must consider those requirements and make their enrollment decisions accordingly.

Completion of the thesis means:

1. Your thesis has been defended and signed by your committee members.
2. Your thesis has been approved by the Graduate College.
3. You have submitted the report of the oral examination to the Graduate College and the required number of copies to Bizzell Library.

When your thesis has been deposited in Bizzell Library, you will receive an "S" grade in your final independent study course. You have up to 60 days after your defense to complete and deposit your thesis. If the thesis is not completed within twelve months after the end of the last course enrollment, the grade for final independent study automatically becomes a permanent "I.” If, after the "I" becomes permanent, there is still time to complete the thesis within the five-year limit, you may reenroll in your courses and pay the fees in effect at the time of re-enrollment.

Completion of the research project means:

1. Your project has been presented to and approved by your committee.
2. Your have successfully completed a comprehensive examination and the report has been submitted to the Graduate College.
3. You have submitted a copy of your project to the College of Liberal Studies.

Completion of the internship means:

1. You have successfully met the terms of your internship contract and your director and the agency supervisor have signed to this effect.
2. You have presented an academic paper on the topic of your internship which you committee chair has approved.
3. You have successfully completed a comprehensive examination and the report has been submitted to the Graduate College.
4. You have submitted a copy of your Internship Report and paper to the College of Liberal Studies.

Completion of course work means:

1. You have successfully completed six hours of course work related to your central topic of study in the MA program.
2. You have successfully completed a four-question written comprehensive examination over your MA program of study.