Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership Studies

Faculty: Associate Professor Clyde (coordinator)

Organizational Leadership Studies is an interdisciplinary approach to relevant leadership issues in any sector or setting. The major is designed to provide an opportunity for students to study the theoretical and academic aspects of leadership while developing practical skills through the enhancement of individual leadership capacity. The program combines academic coursework with experiential aspects that result in a tangible and applicable understanding of effective leadership. The major is designed to support students as they progress through their careers by emphasizing the role, scope, and effectiveness of women leaders.

A Leadership Development Plan (LDP) that individualizes leadership growth for each student is completed each semester and tracks leadership development, contributing to a portfolio showcasing both academic knowledge and leadership skills that may be utilized for graduate school applications or advancing career objectives. Additionally, the major at Cottey relies heavily on experiential learning, both within the classroom and in the overall program requirements.

Students pursuing Organizational Leadership Studies will be prepared to pursue graduate study in interdisciplinary fields or may pursue careers in areas such as:

Community Development
Military
Conductor
Non-Profit Management
Educational Administration
Organizational Management
Entrepreneur
Organizational Development
Event Coordination
Political Advisor
Government Official
Project Management
Industrial Relations
Theatre Director
Management Consulting
Volunteer Coordinator

Curriculum Overview

Students pursuing the major in Organizational Leadership Studies will be required to complete 20 credits in Organizational Leadership Studies (OLS), 15 hours of coursework from relevant disciplines (BUS, ENG, PHI, PSY, SPE), and 9 credits of relevant electives. The curriculum does include courses that may involve prerequisities, and it is presumed that these courses will be taken as requirements for the second major or as requirements for the core curriculum.

Students interested in the study of organizational leadership will begin their journey by successfully completing OLS 102: Foundations in Leadership. Students are strongly encouraged to double-major and to pursue a study abroad or excursion experience that supports their education and development from a global perspective. Long-term integration of the elements within the program will occur during the Leadership Capstone, in order to enhance understanding and synthesis of experiential components (internship and excursion/immersions), academic learning, and individualized development.

Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Leadership Studies Goals

Thinks Critically
A Cottey Organizational Leadership Studies student integrates relevant leadership models, theories, and approaches into the analysis, practice, and evaluation of effective leadership in organizations. Issues and solutions are explored before forming conclusions or making reasoned decisions.

Communicates Effectively
A Cottey Organizational Leadership Studies student appreciates, understands, and is able to apply collaborative approaches, skills, and behaviors for effective teamwork and group dynamics. The student uses appropriate communicative means to contribute ideas and engage others to advance the work.

Recognizes the Roles of Women
A Cottey Organizational Leadership Studies student demonstrates contextual and systems thinking when considering the past, current, and developing contributions of women leaders and their own leadership capacity.