Why we need more leadership-focused degrees
Most business graduates can crunch numbers, communicate well, and think strategically. That’s great. They need these skills to manage and grow an organization. But without leadership skills, aspiring executives won’t reach the highest rung on the ladder.
A study by Development Dimensions International showed that MBA graduates lack “people skills,” such as coaching, results orientation, and visionary leadership. These interpersonal skills are as much, if not more, important than analyzing a spreadsheet. If an executive can’t guide and motivate his or her staff to greater productivity and keep morale high, what does that company’s future hold?
Today’s advanced degrees require an emphasis on leadership. Union Institute & University, a pioneer in adult education, creates true leaders who can guide an organization to greatness. Its leadership programs are geared to today’s globally focused, ever-changing market. They’re also designed for today’s working professional who has to schedule classes around a full-time job, family, and other commitments.
With Union Institute & University’s online programs, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as 12 months. Cohort-based programs, in which you work closely with other members of your major, create a dynamic learning experience while allowing working adults the flexibility to learn from wherever they call home.
Are you ready to change the world, or maybe just change your career? Union Institute & University offers several programs to help you get started.
Bachelor of Science with a Major in Organizational Leadership
Individuals who can make difficult decisions and direct an organization are in high demand. Bonus points if they can lead effectively. The B.S. with a major in Organizational Leadership prepares you for a management or executive-level position in virtually any field.
During the program, which starts every eight weeks, you’ll study concepts of change, problem-solving, and decision-making as they apply to leadership. You’ll study leadership approaches in multicultural and global environments. You’ll also examine leadership from ethical, social sciences, and arts and humanities perspectives.
Whether you want to lead a nonprofit, become a mediator or facilitator for a large organization, or manage a team, a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership will provide you with a launching pad. It doesn’t matter if you are choosing an emphasis on not-for-profits, conflict resolution, or strategic planning the program is designed to fit you and your goals.
Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
If you’d like to build on your professional experience, a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership will give you the tools you need. Learn how to better confront challenging situations, understand the political and social factors that create them, and create fair, sustainable solutions.
The advanced organizational leadership degree suits professionals in the public, private, nonprofit, government, and social sectors. You’ll get course assignments and projects relevant to your profession, and solve problems similar to those you will face in your work place. You’ll also walk away with an expanded leadership portfolio. Use it to nail that promotion.
Throughout this program, you’ll work closely with your peers on real-world projects. One-on-one collaboration with mentors from your profession accelerates the learning process. In as little as 12 months, you’ll be ready to tackle any organizational challenge.
“I was in a dying industry and I am now working as an IT project manager focusing on solutions and services,” says 2015 graduate Kathleen Richards.
Master of Science in Healthcare Leadership
Recognizing the demands of the growing healthcare industry, Union Institute & University recently launched an M.S. in Healthcare Leadership.
This master’s degree program in Healthcare Leadership provides the tools you need to instill positive working relationships with key healthcare stakeholders. Those stakeholders include community members, employees, board members, and patients.
Mentoring is a key component of the Healthcare Leadership program. Mentors demonstrate by example and show you how to understand your skills, limitations, and ambitions while fulfilling the mission of a healthcare organization.
Healthcare organizations have many moving parts. Effective leaders in this field must understand and appreciate these parts and make sure they all work together to provide high-quality care.
Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a major in Ethical & Creative Leadership
Learn about leadership methods in multiple contexts in this innovative doctoral program. The Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies, with a major in Ethical and Creative Leadership, applies to individuals interested in higher education teaching and research, civic and public leadership, ministry, environmental advocacy, and business leadership.
The low-residency program gives students a chance to interact with faculty, staff, and each other face-to-face during a weeklong intensive session. Students complete their remaining coursework via an interactive online platform.
This challenging program helps you to become a creative leader who challenges societal norms, addresses social issues, and overcomes boundaries. If you want to help create a diverse society that works for everyone, the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies with an Ethical and Creative Leadership major helps you build it.
Find out how you can change the world—or your piece of it—with a leadership-focused degree from Union Institute & University. Visit the Union Institute and University website to explore its advanced degrees, apply, and request more information.