M.A. in Organizational Leadership FAQs

Are there set times when I can start the program?
You may apply for admission to Saint Mary’s online MA in Organizational Leadership at any time. After you are admitted, you may begin taking a cluster of classes at the start of any semester—spring, summer, or fall. Because the program follows a sequential, semester model, you will study with a cohort—a group of students who move through the program together, from start to finish. This cohort model gives you an opportunity to develop real bonds with your classmates, as you will be studying and learning with them over a period of 24 months.

What makes this program unique?
The issues and tasks of organizational leadership are interconnected and multifaceted. To simulate this environment, the program delivers two thematically related Organizational Leadership classes each semester. This integrated content is designed to resemble the interconnectedness and complexity of the work you will encounter as a managerial leader.

Is this program accredited?

Saint Mary’s University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

What will my classmates be like?
The majority of students attending Saint Mary’s Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs are working adults balancing the demands of career, family, and civic responsibilities. Within the schools, 63.5 percent of students are female, 36.5 percent male. The median age is 33, with an age range of 18 to 72. Most students in the organizational leadership master’s degree program are either seeking career change or an increase in pay. Approximately 50 percent hail from industry, 25 percent from the non-profit sector, and 25 percent from government.¹

Can I transfer credits from another university and graduate program?
Saint Mary’s Organizational Leadership Program is designed for five semesters of 10 classes with specific student learning objectives toward the program outcomes. Transfer credits are not accepted into this program.

Is there a campus residency requirement, or is the program entirely online?
The program is fully online. You do not need to attend Saint Mary’s ground campuses.

Will I be required to attend online classes during set times?
No, courses are entirely asynchronous, as long as you submit your assignments by the time they are due, you can work on them when it is most convenient to you.

How much time should I expect to spend on classwork each week?
On a typical week we recommend students spend between 15 and 20 hours a week on studies. This time can be worked into your weekly schedule whenever it is convenient and there is no specific log in time requirements to complicate things. It is designed to fit into your life.

How long will it take me to graduate?
To earn your degree, you will complete 10 graduate level classes equaling 36 credit hours of program work.  At two courses per consecutive semester, you will complete your course work in less than 2 years, or 24 months.

Do you have more questions about the online Master's in Organizational Leadership at Saint Mary’s? Call 877-308-9954 to speak to an enrollment counselor, or request more information today.

¹ Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Student Handbook: Admission Policies Page 7