A A Email Print Share

Master of Science in Leadership, Community Leadership

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

- Margaret Mead

Lots of people are excited by the thought of climbing the corporate ladder. You're not one of them. Yes, you want the challenge of growing an organization and seeing it thrive. But you want your life to mean more than raising the stock dividend or buying up the competition. You want it to make a difference that will live on after you. The faculty and staff of Duquesne University feel the same way. That's why we offer a program to develop the leaders who will tackle the tough problems facing our society and the world.

The Master of Science in Leadership, concentration in Community Leadership (MSCL) is designed for the education of leaders who are committed to improving-indeed transforming-the quality of life in the community-whether across town or around the world.

The program emphasizes:

  • Building consensus and a community of leadersglobe with hands
  • Synthesizing individual and community needs
  • Strengthening the overall societal impact of individuals and organizations
  • Effective decision-making from visionary, ethical and analytical perspectives
  • Leading change based on an understanding of people, processes and systems
  • Developing, implementing and measuring the performance of impactful programs
  • Identifying and capitalizing on strategic opportunities
  • Shaping the future of our communities through community-wide dialogue and collaboration
  • Engaging key community stakeholders to create lasting community change
  • Tapping public and private resources to serve community-based initiatives
Brochure
Curriculum

The comprehensive 36-credit curriculum consists of twelve 3-credit hour courses, including 8 required courses and 4 electives.   Courses are taught by highly experienced community professionals, carefully selected for their experience and expertise in community leadership and mastery of pedagogy.

Program Structure

The academic year is structured with three semesters per year: a 15-week term in fall and spring and an eight-week term in summer. If you take two courses for the fall, spring and summer semesters, the degree can be completed in two years. Courses are entirely online.

As a student you'll have access to learning resources and support services including the Duquesne University Library, online writing center, and contact with faculty and advisors.  You’ll join a peer-learning network of people from the community and corporate, nonprofit, government and military sectors. As a graduate you’ll join a network of more than 86,000 active alumni located around the globe.

Learning Community

You will learn about organizational design and development; strengthening the overall societal impact of individuals and organization; nonprofit governance; and creating powerful community change toward a sustainable future.  Current students include: nonprofit consultant, executive director, grants administrator, case manager, director of development, academic advisor, and alumni director.