Core MS Program Courses

The core of the Education Leadership Program consists of 5 courses, required of all specializations. This bank of five courses (3 credits each) address what we see as necessary to meet our mission of preparing “collaborative leaders who sustain and renew America's democracy by transforming and managing schools and organizations for the benefit of each learner and with a view to the common good.”
As part of our program changes we have developed five new Education Leadership Core courses that will begin in the fall of 2012; the five current/old EL Core courses will not be included in future schedules. 

Education Leadership Core Courses [new starting Fall 2012]

Scholarship (EL 618) - The course advances student's critical understanding, knowledge and skills regarding academic research and writing, program evaluation and assessment, and the place of theory and research in critically understanding and changing the social world, with a focus on educational leadership. One of the required core courses for the Masters of Science in Education Leadership. 

Systems Thinking (EL 612) - The course focuses on comprehensive systems management and systems thinking methodologies that prepare leaders with understandings, knowledge, and skills needed to lead organizations through the emerging challenges of complex and chaotic sociocultural systems. Emphasis is placed on performance excellence. 

Change Leadership (EL 614) - Basic theory and skills for management and leadership of public and non-profit organizations (including schools) to impact the growth, sustainability, and integrity of organizations. Students will study problems and issues influencing individual and group behavior in organizations. and develop collaborative practices and strategies to empower and advocate for others. 

Communication (EL 615) - The course focuses on the understandings, knowledge and skills regarding professional relationships and communications in PK-12 schools, technical and community colleges, 4-year colleges, and non-profit organizations. One of the required core courses for the Master of Science in Education Leadership.

Common Good (EL 616) - The basis of all organizations is the need people have for protection and to share resources, talent and knowledge. In return individuals are expected to forfeit personal freedoms and contribute to the benefit of the group. This course will identify some of the underlying features of this social phenomenon and give the student an understanding of how these social arrangements reveal themselves in our daily affairs.