MS in Leadership, Concentration in Global Leadership
I have a vision of the world as a global village, a world without boundaries. — Christa McAuliffe
Economic difficulties, environmental concerns, poverty and human rights - these are all issues that cut across national boundaries, affecting individuals and populations alike, all around the world. As countries around the globe become more and more interdependent, and as events in one nation produce a chain reaction with strong impacts - both positive and negative - in other countries, it becomes increasingly critical for those who work, or want to work, in the public, private, and nonprofit/nongovernmental sectors to understand their responsibility for making and implementing decisions that have the global good in mind.
In this interconnected world, the need exists for leaders with a breadth of understanding of global issues and systems, and the ability to critically assess the short-term and long-term implications that their decisions and actions have on other countries. Moreover, it is important that leaders of the world learn to work together collaboratively, overcoming cultural and other differences, for the betterment of the lives of all global citizens.
Join our online learning community of those working in the field and those interested in starting their international careers as globally conscious leaders. Through that community, you gain “international literacy” that moves beyond ethnocentrism and nationalism and that recognizes and respects, even if it does not necessarily embrace, the cultures, customs and values of other nations. In this program, students learn to:
- Demonstrate strong cross-cultural communication, negotiation, leadership and team-building skills
- Describe the intended and unintended potential cross-sectoral and international ripple effects of an organization’s policies and decisions
- Demonstrate working literacy of global issues and utilize this knowledge for critical thinking, thoughtful analysis and globally-conscious decision making
- Collaborate effectively with their professional and organizational counterparts in other countries
The 36-credit curriculum focuses on several main areas:
Skills for Cross-Cultural Interaction: Professionals often encounter difficulties when assigned to international or global operations because they lack the cultural and historical knowledge and cross-cultural communication skills necessary to do their jobs effectively. Courses in this area provide students with the knowledge and practice needed to interact with their counterparts abroad in a more seamless manner.
Knowledge of Critical Global Issues: Many individuals, particularly in the United States, lack a certain basic knowledge of the world outside of their own national borders and of the forces and issues that drive global policies, economics and behavior. Possessing this knowledge can help leaders to make far more informed decisions in their own jobs and to understand more clearly the impacts of those decisions on peoples, nations and global systems.
International Leadership Skills: Many individuals who are promoted to leadership positions in international or global organizations or departments tend to possess strong technical knowledge (e.g., knowledge of IT, agriculture, or engineering), but do not have the necessary skills to be effective leaders even in their home countries. When an international layer is added into the mix, the likelihood of their effectiveness as leaders of global operations is greatly diminished. These courses develop students’ leadership skills, sense of “global-mindedness,” and capacity for intellectual humility, integrity and empathy, enabling them to adjust their leadership and operational approaches in order to lead more successfully.
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.
Working online doesn’t mean being on your own, though. 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 84,000 active alumni located around the globe.
"I have appreciated the thorough curriculum that has taken us through every component of global issues, intercultural relations and leadership skills. I was just afforded a promotion this past January. I know it is because of the skills I have been developing, including looking towards a more global approach, that when applied to my own organization leveraged this opportunity to expand from directing one program to directing the operations of the entire company. This program has provided the right setting and support to create a new vision."
Christine Taylor, Director of Operations, Arts Midwest