Leadership/NOLS, M.A.

M.A. Leadership/NOLS Program Learning Outcomes

At degree completion, learners will be able to:

1. Assess and intervene within a systemic framework, at the levels of intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, organizational and community dynamics (Systemic Facilitator). 
2. Develop and apply values-based ethical codes to guide their work, judgment and decision making (Ethical Practitioner).
3. Diagnose and improve the social, economic and environmental sustainability of human and other living systems (Sustainability Change Agent).
4. Plan and implement strategies that engage stakeholders to collectively address problems and dilemmas common to groups, organizations, communities and ecosystems (Collaborative Problem Solver).
5. Identify and cultivate awareness of one’s individual cultural-self, and its impact on their thinking, assumptions, biases and actions; while striving to translate this deeper level of self-awareness into specific leadership actions (Culturally-Self Aware Individual).
6. Identify, articulate and leverage their own unique “Signature Style” of leadership through critical analysis, scholarship and through repeated action and reflection in the field of practice to promote healthy social systems (Authentic Leader).

Admissions Requirements

Saybrook University and NOLS are working in partnership to offer this innovative degree program. To that end, there are several requirements of the application process that we request each applicant read, review and agree to for full admissions consideration. These requirements include the following items:

1. Review of general information as included on the NOLS and Saybrook University websites
2. Completion of the Saybrook Admissions Application, including all relevant materials and applicable fees
3. Review of Saybrook University Catalog and Student Handbook
4. Completion of the Saybrook University Student Agreement Form
5. Review of NOLS Student Handbook, Admissions Policies, the statement titled Risk Management at NOLS, and the course descriptions
6. Completion of the NOLS registration process, including the NOLS Student Agreement Form, NOLS Health Form and NOLS Insurance Form

All applications, admissions, and enrollment materials will be shared between both organizations. All academic, residential and expedition criteria must be met prior to admission. These forms will remain a part of your student records.

Program Requirements

Conference and Expedition Requirements: Participation in all three conferences is required.  These conferences are linked to each expedition at the location of the expedition.  Participation in all three expeditions is also required.  They are scheduled as followed:

1. A 5 day conference followed by 24 day canoeing expedition starting in the ninth week of the first semester, Vernal UT,
2. A 14 day backpacking expedition followed by a two day conference starting in the sixth week of the second semester, Palmer, AK, and
3. A 3 day conference followed by a 21 day technical canyon backpacking expedition starting in the second week of the third semester, Vernal, UT.

Dates are announced well in advance so learners give top priority to the required participation.

Course Requirements: The 13 courses are taken in a prescribed sequence. All courses are 2 or 3 credits, comprising the 32 credits required to graduate.  Coursework must be evaluated as equivalent to B or better at the graduate level to earn credit. 

No transfer credit is allowed into this program due to the lockstep nature of the curriculum

Course Participation: Satisfactory “class attendance” in online courses requires learners to log into the University’s online course site multiple times during the week to participate in discussions and other learning activities. Course syllabi indicate their specific participation requirements.  Participation in conferences and expeditions is required.  Most courses have an expedition component that must be fulfilled.

Semester and Course sequence. The prescribed sequence for the MA in Leadership is as follows.

Semester 3: Community and Capstone

• MAL 6010 - Group Dynamics and Leadership II   (2 credits - 1 credit delivered in conference/expedition)
• MAL 6011 - Virtual Global Leadership   (3 credits)
• MAL 6012 - Social Change Theory  (2 credits - 1 credit delivered in conference/expedition)
• MAL 6013 - Capstone Project   (3 credits - 1 credit delivered in conference/expedition)