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Administered by the Department of Political Science

The Bachelor of Science degree with a Major in Organizational Leadership is designed for non-traditional adult and military students, students seeking degree completion, or traditional students who are seeking to improve their credentials and knowledge base for professional advancement. The focus on organizational leadership is especially beneficial to those wanting to enter public service, since many agencies seek employees with bachelor’s degrees and are specifically interested in employees with an understanding of organizational management, administration, human resources, and technology skills applicable to organizational leadership.

Selected Educational Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science with a major in organizational leadership, students will demonstrate

  1. an understanding of organizational leadership as it relates to and impacts individuals, communities, and wider society from democratic, multicultural, and national perspectives.
  2. through the discussion of key concepts and ideas the ability to express themselves effectively on topics and issues related to the field of organizational leadership.
  3. critical thinking and problem-solving abilities regarding issues related to key challenges that organizations face when interacting with their environments.
  4. an understanding of the ethical principles underlying both research and practice in organizational leadership.

Examples of Outcome Assessments

  1. Students will use the skills gained in classes to write on specific topics in organizational behavior and leadership.
  2. Discussions will be used to develop a deeper understanding of the concepts beyond what is covered in the textbook and course content.
  3. Case studies or writing assignments will provide a useful approach for identifying the key functional, operational, and procedural activities that organizations engage in on a daily basis.
  4. Quizzes and exams will provide measurable data on how well students master broad theories, ideas, and concepts in organizational behavior and leadership.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Organizational Leadership

Core Curriculum60
Core Curriculum Areas A, B, C, D.1, and E (See VSU Core Curriculum)42
Core Curriculum Area F (Courses appropriate to the major)
ACED 2400Computer Technology for the Workplace3
or CS 1000 Introduction to Microcomputers and Applications
PSYC 1101Introduction to General Psychology3
Any courses in Areas C-F approved by advisor12-15
Major Core Courses60
ACED 2050Communications for the Workplace3
ACED 3400Applied Computer Technology3
ACED 4820Project Management for Technical Professionals3
ENGL 3010Professional Writing3
or ENGL 3030 Writing for the Legal and Social Science Professions
POLS 3600Introduction to Public Administration3
POLS 4610Public Personnel Administration3
POLS 4620Public Finance Administration3
PSYC 3800Industrial/Organizational Psychology3
ORGL 4690Capstone Seminar in Organizational Leadership3
ORGL 3000Reflective Seminar I: Self as Learner1
ORGL 3050Reflective Seminar II: Self in Context1
ORGL 4000Reflective Seminar III: Transforming Self, Self-Transformation1
Guided Electives15-30
Students will select elective courses related to Leadership and Professional specialties, such as:
Public Administration and Public Policy Formation
Government Organization and Administrative Theory
Intergovernmental Relations
Quality Management in Public Administration
Computer Systems
Computer Systems for the Office
Desktop Publishing
Workforce Development and Management
Contemporary Skills for the Workplace
Legal Research I
Legal Research II
Criminal Law and Procedure for the Paralegal
Consumer Law
Administrative Law
The Law of Real Property Transactions
General Electives0-15
Total hours required for the degree120

Students need a total of 39 hours of course work at the 3000-4000 level. These will include courses in the Major Core, the Guided Electives, and General Electives.