Graduate program collaborates with local leaders in Northeastern Pennsylvania
Alvernia helps students pursue leadership opportunities in local communities and complex global environments through the Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL) graduate program, now being offered at the university’s Schuylkill Center.
“The versatile range of learning opportunities embedded within the MAL program provides our students with a dynamic foundation in leadership as they pursue impactful careers in research, analysis and managerial settings,” said the university’s Senior Vice President and Provost Dr. Glynis Fitzgerald. “The program paves the way for students to connect with local leaders and engage in meaningful conversations through real-world experiences.”
The leadership program offers concentrations in organizational leadership or sustainable communities and focuses upon four core areas: communication, leadership skills and character, leadership theory and ethics. Both concentrations culminate in a capstone project that enables students to provide leadership expertise in a real-world setting and creates a long-lasting pathway for positive change across the Northeastern Pennsylvania region.
“Alvernia’s leadership program sharpens the interpersonal and organizational skills required in the development of an effective leader,” said Alvernia’s Executive Director of Regional Centers and Online Learning Dana Baker. “The specialized skills taught within the program help students make the transition from functional experts to positive leaders within local and global communities.”
As part of past capstone projects, students within the leadership program have provided local groups and businesses with analysis regarding income and educational gaps, climate change and social media community engagement.
“Adding this program to our Schuylkill Center is not only a benefit for local professionals looking to continue their education, but will be an excellent resource for our business and community partners through real-world learning collaboration,” said Director of the Schuylkill Center Cynthia Mensch.
The Program for Leadership at Alvernia University, which leads to the Master of Arts in Leadership, is accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Middle States Commission of Higher Education. A total of 30 credits are required to complete the graduate degree. Alvernia also offers a Graduate Certificate in Leadership (12 credits).
More information on Alvernia’s adult and graduate admissions process is available at Alvernia.edu.
