Leadership Studies

LS 101. Developing the Healthy Leader. (3 Credits)

"The student will analyze issues of the soul (mind, emotions and will). This analysis will be accomplished by examining their emotions, their perception, their beliefs, the scriptures and scientific studies. Additionally, the student will study how a healthy leader’s thoughts and actions are manifested in practical principles."

LS 202. Nonprofit Organization. (3 Credits)

"This course will help students identify the components necessary to start and manage a nonprofit organization both secular and faith-based. We will define the role of the board and what makes nonprofits different from for-profits. This course will include fundamentals of fundraising, principles of management and leadership and human resource development. Students will complete a ministry/business plan."

LS 205. Enhancing Leadership Through. (3 Credits)

This course is designed to expose students to various forms of technology that will increase their leadership effectiveness. Students will learn how to apply technologies as an enhancement to their leadership in either the ministry or market place sectors.

LS 300. Dynamics of Global Leadership. (3 Credits)

"Globalization is evolving, bringing with it new challenges and opportunities that impact the religious and business world. Leaders are called upon to work in nations other than their own or to lead at home in global settings. This course will equip leaders with global perspectives and strategies to help them lead successfully in that dynamic environment. It will examine strategies of world class leaders in business and ministry organizations as well as characteristics of global leaders. The growth and shift in Christianity from the western world to the southern world and how it impacts leaders’ ability to do multicultural programming will be explored."

LS 318. Dynamics of Biblical Leadership. (3 Credits)

"This course communicates the dynamics and distinctive of biblical leadership, contrasting it with the secular view of leadership. It the reviews the grounds and essential for leadership in the context of the local church and the marketplace."

LS 339. Conflict Management. (3 Credits)

"This course will teach the student how to implement biblical conflict resolution in sacred and secular arenas, how to prevent unnecessary conflict in these arenas, and how to become conflict competent leaders in any setting. The student will learn how to identify and deal with conflict in organizations examine how to prevent or reduce much of the pain and suffering caused by conflict, and learn to tell the difference between constructive, healthy conflict and destructive, unhealthy conflict. "

LS 375. Innovative Ministry for the 21st. (3 Credits)

"This course will focus on critical issues in ministry and developing solutions and creative approaches for the 21st century. The course is divided into three segments. Segment one will focus on youth leadership development, segment two will focus on renewal, re-visioning and team building and segment three will focus student –based learning wherein students will identify and present issues and solutions of their choosing. (Replaces Effective Ministry Management.)"

LS 382. Personality Profile and Models for. (3 Credits)

This course focuses on the amalgamation of the leader’s personality and the leader’s type into the leader’s style and method of leading followers and developing other leaders. The course centers on the historical development of leadership styles and the impact of personality on leadership development. Biblical and secular leaders will be examined as models. Emphasis will be on achievement in the contest of each leader’s personality bent. The course will also tackle current and controversial topics in leadership and personality.

LS 384. Exploring Gender Differences. (3 Credits)

"This course will examine some of the varied schools of thought concerning gender differences in leadership. Primary emphasis will be given to leadership roles and functions within the church setting and market place. Theological, psychological and societal norms will be investigated to allow the students to formulate an informed position on the subject of gender as it relates to leadership both within the church and in the larger community."

LS 427. Principles of Organizational. (3 Credits)

"The purpose of this course is to build a comprehensive understanding of the administration of an organization, using sound and universal principles in a biblical framework. The course will focus on the importance of quality management, looking at the purpose, leadership, organization, human resources, and building of people. These principles will guide the student to critique a ministry organization of their choosing."

LS 454. Leadership Coaching. (3 Credits)

"Leadership Coaching is designed to familiarize the student with the coaching profession with the caveat that coaching can be a lifestyle. Coaching will be defined in the course, and compared to similar disciplines. Students will examine various models of coaching. The student will be exposed to credentialing requirements, and premier coaching agencies. Considerable attention will be devoted to discovering the need for, and leading change (self and others). Students will practice techniques with peers, and discover the role of core values and attitudes in coaching."

LS 462. Leadership Principles in Business. (3 Credits)

"There is a split today between church and business that hurts both sides and all are negatively impacted by this. There is distance between some of the fundamental beliefs and attitudes of these two groups. In this exciting and eye opening class, you will reinforce your understanding that your faith is all inclusive and your understanding that you go to work for the same reason you go to church, to praise God. Hopefully, this course will result in your recognizing that part of your ministry must be engaging in church-business dialogue and forming linkages between the two groups so that we can end the divide. (Revised)"

LS 463. Internship: Leadership and. (3 Credits)

"This course is designed to be the capstone for students’ matriculation through the Leadership Studies major. Attention will be given to the practical use of learned, acquired and developed leadership skills by the student in a field setting. Second-semester Junior or Senior level students will choose a field setting (either on their own or with some assistance from the Leadership Department faculty) and participate actively in a pre-determined leadership capacity. Emphasis is placed on leadership skill development. Students are required to complete an on-site project. This course will also help students evaluate who they are as leaders in the body of Christ how students can integrate this awareness into their personhood and praxis as 21st century leaders. The student must apply for the internship at the work location a semester prior to registering for the internship. Internships are only completed in the spring or fall semesters."

LS 465. Strategic Planning and Decision. (3 Credits)

"This course is designed to help students become strategic planners and thinkers in their organizations and their lives. Students will learn proven strategic planning models, how to apply these models, how to access their effectiveness and how to continuous improve this important process. The course covers strategic planning in both public and nonprofit organizations including churches. (Revised)"

LS 490. Executive Leadership Module. (3 Credits)

"This course will focus on how to become a transformational leader, an Oak Seed of righteousness (Isaiah 61:3b), that transforms organizations, communities, and/or nations. Transforming communities involves affecting one of the seven (7) spheres of the society: politics and government, education, business, celebration (arts and culture), music and drama and entertainment, and sports), social services, media (print and electronic), and the religious sector. "

LS 491. Executive Leadership Module II. (3 Credits)

"This course will focus on how to become a transformational leader, an Oak Seed of righteousness (Isaiah 61:3b), that transforms organizations, communities, and/or nations. Transforming communities involves affecting one of the seven (7) spheres of the society: politics and government, education, business, celebration (arts and culture), music and drama and entertainment, and sports), social services, media (print and electronic), and the religious sector. "

LS 590. Executive Leadership Module. (3 Credits)

"This course will focus on how to become a transformational leader, an Oak Seed of righteousness (Isaiah 61:3b), that transforms organizations, communities, and/or nations. Transforming communities involves affecting one of the seven (7) spheres of the society: politics and government, education, business, celebration (arts and culture), music and drama and entertainment, and sports), social services, media (print and electronic), and the religious sector. "

LS 591. Executive Leadership Modular. (3 Credits)

"This course will focus on how to become a transformational leader, an Oak Seed of righteousness (Isaiah 61:3b), that transforms organizations, communities, and/or nations. Transforming communities involves affecting one of the seven (7) spheres of the society: politics and government, education, business, celebration (arts and culture), music and drama and entertainment, and sports), social services, media (print and electronic), and the religious sector. "

LS 600. Introduction to Leadership. (3 Credits)

"This course introduces key leadership concepts and practices based on current theory and research. It is designed to help students to discover the knowledge and skills that are characteristic of effective leaders, as well as to encourage self-discovery of leadership strengths, weaknesses, and styles."

LS 601. Ethical Considerations of. (3 Credits)

"This course focuses on how values and ethics are established and managed in ministry and how they are influenced by the personal beliefs, values and ethical standards of the individual leader. This study examines how an organization with Christian leaders can induce changes in the values and ethical behaviors of the communities and cultures within which they reside and operate. "

LS 602. Global Dimensions of Leadership. (3 Credits)

"This course will examine various models of leadership and their appropriateness for use within a community of faith. Once foundational material is presented, an analysis and critique of each model is performed resulting in practical application in ministerial settings."

LS 603. Organizational Communication. (3 Credits)

"This course examines organizational communication including dyadic, small group, formal and informal communication, as well as the relationship of communication to organizational satisfaction and effectiveness. In addition, students study how communication defers in leader-member exchange and mass-communication of charismatic leader/large group interaction."

LS 604. Conflict Resolution. (3 Credits)

"This course equips students to apply biblical principles to personal, pastoral and group conflict, and considers effective models for leading congregational change with preventive measures to minimize conflict. Attention is given to understanding personality distinctive, implementing change and decision making leadership."

LS 605. Critical Thinking / Creative. (3 Credits)

"This course addresses critical thinking and how to use the cognitive skills or strategies that increase the probability of a desirable outcome.  Students learn to interpret, analyze, and evaluate ideas and arguments and to develop strategies for critical thinking & problem solving.  Students also learn how leaders acclimate to the reality that change is constant and how effective problem solving examines many ways to productively deal with change. "

LS 606. Organizational Administration. (3 Credits)

"This graduate level course is designed to sharpen managerial skills for leadership in ministry settings. It will deal with principles of good leadership based upon biblical norms, streamlining the organization for effectiveness, staff development, planning for the future, and leading with vision."

LS 607. Managing Organizational Change. (3 Credits)

"This course leads students through a biblical, organizational and psychological understanding of leadership, motivation, planning, evaluation, change principles and organizational development."

LS 608. "Leadership, Technology, Job ". (3 Credits)

"Presents technology as the study of tools and methods and explores how leaders help followers interact with tools and methods to accomplish the organization’s objectives. This includes job design, human-computer interaction, understanding how new technology should cause current tools and methods to change, and how to help followers through the adoption and diffusion of the innovation process. The course also presents the organizational culture challenges that occur when technology begins to run the organization."

LS 609. Church Planting. (3 Credits)

"This course will look at biblical basis, the historical background and the planting process of birthing churches in a number of contexts. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding the role of the church planter and the local and cultural context of the church plant."

LS 610. Financial Administration. (3 Credits)

"This course examines the challenges faced by ministers in small to medium-sized congregations. The course will deal with integrity in handling offerings, raising special offerings, planning for financial growth, budgeting, managing church debt, IRS reporting, IRS audits, records of contributions and designated giving."

LS 611. Women in Leadership. (3 Credits)

"This course will explore the roles, responsibilities and challenges of women in leadership or those called to leadership positions, from a biblical perspective. Particular attention will be given to help students learn their leadership style along with providing strategies for leadership skill development."

LS 613. Case Studies in Biblical. (3 Credits)

This course empowers students to look at biblical examples of leadership (both good and bad) to identify leadership “styles” and to distill leadership principles. It utilizes a case study methodology and thereby engages the student’s critical thinking and synthesis of key concepts related both to sound leadership practices and biblical models.

LS 614. Multicultural Management. (3 Credits)

"This course will review the nature, dimensions, and different contexts of workplace diversity, assess the impact of diversity on organizations, and explore how diversity can be managed. Further, it will look at specific ways to manage/lead effectively in multicultural settings."

LS 616. Marketing Strategies. (3 Credits)

"This course focuses on business level marketing strategy. The course will utilize the marketing planning process as the framework for understanding the integration and coordination of marketing decisions. The student will learn how to develop skills in creating and evaluating marketing plans, strategies, and implementation programs that would enable them to be better equipped to manage the marketing problems as marketing professionals. The students will gain an appreciation of how values and ethics are established and managed in marketing industry and organizations."

LS 617. Leading Through Times of Crises. (3 Credits)

"This course provides an introduction to crisis management in organizations. It examines the types of crises encountered, potential impact on the organization and its stakeholders, and strategies for prevention, management, and recovery. Current events and cases will be presented to explore the ethical, legal, and human implications of these crises. Effective date Fall 2011."

LS 618. Servant Leadership. (3 Credits)

"This course explores servant leadership theory along with biblical integration and practical application.  As a theory, servant leadership is supported by a growing body of academic literature that demonstrates the positive potential effect that a servant leadership approach can have in a variety leadership venues.  As a practice, servant leadership was exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate model"

LS 619. Historical and Contemporary. (3 Credits)

"This course will teach the student how to implement biblical conflict resolution in Christian and secular arenas, how to prevent unnecessary conflict in these arenas, and how to become peace makers in any setting. The student will learn how to identify and resolve conflict in organizations, examine how to prevent or reduce much of the pain and suffering caused by conflict, and learn strategies to effectively listen and communicate in effort to resolve conflict that hinders growth and success."

LS 620. Research Writing for Leadership. (3 Credits)

"An introductory survey of basic research and writing skills that is required of graduate students. Topics will include library research, theological tools, internet research, writing formats, documenting sources and common writing errors."

LS 683. Laws of Leadership. (3 Credits)

"This course analyzes the fundamental laws of leadership. The emphasis is on the application of the laws, and the types and different approaches of leadership in day to day leadership scenarios. In addition, the students will gain an understanding as to how to integrate biblical principles of leadership into their life. The principles or “laws” of leadership can be seen in leaders within the Scriptures as well as throughout history"

LS 698. Capstone: Leadership Studies. (3 Credits)

"During the last semester of study before graduation from each program of study, and before being awarded a degree, the student will be required to complete this course in which the student produces a substantial writing assignment (generally 50-60 pages). This research paper will demonstrate comprehension and synthesis of the material covered over the course of the program of study and will address an area of interest, ministry, or future employment context, relating biblical concepts to ministry or leadership topics. A grade of C or better must be achieved in this course to earn a degree."

LEAD 701. Foundations of Leadership LEAD. (3 Credits)

"This course examines the process of leadership, delineating the leader’s responsibility within that process.  From historical to current leadership theories, leadership principles and theoretical concepts are addressed.  Focus is on ‘real world’ and present day application and the implications to organizations and to leaders. This course examines the development of leadership theories and approaches and their role in organizations today. This course also examines the differences between management and leadership and why those differences are important to the health of organizations"

LEAD 702. Research and Design I LEAD 702. (3 Credits)

"This course gives an overview of the program, as well as providing specific instruction concerning the particulars, including course progression, APA writing, statistical analysis, covenant group stipulations, dissertation planning, etc. Students will meet with their individual faculty advisors and begin preliminary discussion of project/thesis topic."

LEAD 703. Biblical Leadership LEAD 703. (3 Credits)

This course explores leadership from a biblical perspective.  A case study approach will be used to identify key leadership practices of biblical leaders.

LEAD 704. The Leader's Role in the 21st. (3 Credits)

"A study of effective leadership behaviors and practices in the context of a modern global economy.  Participants will explore global thinking, cultural diversity, technological advances, and the importance of building partnerships and sharing leadership. "

LEAD 705. Organizational Development LEAD. (3 Credits)

A study of mid-range leadership theory.  The course is a critical study of effective and emerging leadership paradigms across a continuum of organizational structures.

LEAD 706. Organizational Communication. (3 Credits)

This course studies a leader’s ability to communicate effectively throughout an organization by being cognizant of various levels of communication—both formal and informal.

LEAD 707. Organizational Change LEAD 707. (3 Credits)

"This course studies organizational decision making; organizational change, including resistance to change; and organizational culture as it relates to decision making and change."

LEAD 801. Research Design II LEAD 801. (3 Credits)

"A study of various qualitative and quantitative research methods.  In addition, this course develops critical skills necessary to conduct research from a variety of methodological perspectives. "

LEAD 802. Strategic Planning LEAD 802. (3 Credits)

"This course studies the interrelatedness and necessity of vision, mission and planning for organizational leadership and strategic planning as it impacts the nature and scope of organizational leadership."

LEAD 803. Leadership Values & Ethics LEAD. (3 Credits)

"This course focuses on how the values and ethics of an organization are established, managed, and influenced by leaders."

LEAD 804. Leadership Policy & Culture LEAD. (3 Credits)

"This course focuses on how the policy and culture of an organization are established, managed, and influenced by leaders."

LEAD 805. Contemporary Issues in. (3 Credits)

"Ph.D. doctoral students have four three-credit discipline courses.  Each course examines the major contemporary issues impacting leadership and is tailored to students’ discipline area. Students will evaluate the issues, attempt solutions, and develop personal professional positions. "

LEAD 806. Contemporary Issues in. (3 Credits)

"Ph.D. doctoral students have four three-credit discipline courses.  Each course examines the major contemporary issues impacting leadership and is tailored to students’ discipline area. Students will evaluate the issues, attempt solutions, and develop personal professional positions. "

LEAD 807. Contemporary Issues in. (3 Credits)

"Ph.D. doctoral students have four three-credit discipline courses.  Each course examines the major contemporary issues impacting leadership and is tailored to students’ discipline area. Students will evaluate the issues, attempt solutions, and develop personal professional positions. "

LEAD 901. Research Design III LEAD 901. (3 Credits)

This seminar emphasizes dissertation research design.

LEAD 902. Contemporary Issues in. (3 Credits)

"Ph.D. doctoral students have four three-credit discipline courses.  Each course examines the major contemporary issues impacting leadership and is tailored to students’ discipline area. Students will evaluate the issues, attempt solutions, and develop personal professional positions. "

LEAD 903. Doctoral Comprehensive. (3 Credits)

The Doctoral Comprehensive Course is intended to assure that learners have mastered knowledge of their discipline before candidacy status is achieved and research in support of their dissertation is initiated.

LEAD 904. Dissertation I. (3 Credits)

The class will guide students through the proposal stage of a dissertation. The proposal consists of the first three chapters of the dissertation. If the proposal is not completed within the designated semester/term the student may apply for a 1 credit hour extension for the following semester until their dissertation chair and review committee certify that they student is cleared to move forward in their research and the completion of the dissertation.

LEAD 904 E. Dissertation I Extension. (1 Credit)

Dissertation Extension.

LEAD 905. Dissertation II. (3 Credits)

The class will guide students through the research stage of a dissertation. The research constitutes the fourth chapter of the dissertation. If the research is not completed within the designated semester/term the student may apply for a 3 credit hour extension for the following semester until their dissertation chair certifies the student is cleared to move forward with the final chapter and defense of the dissertation.

LEAD 905 E. Dissertation II (Research. (1 Credit)

Dissertation Extension.

LEAD 906. Dissertation III. (3 Credits)

This course is restricted to students who are in the dissertation writing stage. This course gives students an overview of the writing and organizational skills necessary for completion of a dissertation.

LEAD 907. Dissertation Extension. (1 Credit)

Dissertation Extension.