News / Announcements
The Bethune-Cookman master of science in organizational leadership program (formerly the master of science in transformational leadership) is a shining example of the university’s commitment to developing new standards for academic excellence and student success by educating and empowering learners who will seek their own solutions; advocate opportunities for all citizens to improve their quality of life; and inculcate global perspectives and realities to people worldwide.
The ideal candidate for the MSOL program is someone who has or wants a leadership role in any company. The interdisciplinary structure of the program helps prepare leaders in nonprofit and for-profit spaces with the political, communication, and advocacy skills they need to meet the challenges of a global economy.
“The MSOL program provides a solid foundation in the theory and practice of civic participation and social responsibility in the historical and contemporary context at the national and international levels,” said Dr. Ranjna Patel, interim dean of the College of Business & Entrepreneurship and chair of the department of leadership.
Built upon the values of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the program emphasizes civic participation and social responsibility. It trains leaders who can analyze the socio-economic and cultural forces producing rapid change, who are able to understand the impact of such change on various workplace environments, who will be innovative leaders within their workplace, and who can assist in moving their organizations forward to meet change productively and effectively.
Students are encouraged to explore and analyze the ways in which critical thinking and emancipatory education shape and transform leaders, then apply these concepts to problem solving research in their own work environments. They delve into various styles of leadership and to reflect upon their own leadership strengths and weaknesses then apply that leadership knowledge and the methodology of action research to identify a real-world problem in their individual workplaces. Starting in the second semester, they create research questions, collect and analyze data from stakeholders in the problem and create conclusions and recommendations designed to address the issue and improve the condition. A robust study of ethics and social justice informed by multicultural contexts prepares future leaders for the workplace of today.
“The MSOL program is developed on a critical pedagogy that infuses Transformative Leadership and Action Research principles throughout the curriculum by examining and contrasting management and leadership theories and concepts within contextual learning workplace settings,” Patel said. “Students are expected to be self-directed learners with proficiencies and competencies in online technology.”
