PRL 710 Communication for Leadership
Addresses communication for the leader within a professional context. The student examines the group dynamics that operate within an organizational structure, the systemic nature of such structures, the qualities of oral presentation and persuasion, and the ethical framework underlying communication. Students examine their own personal profile in communication and apply it to work in groups. In this course students take part in an experiential learning adventure involving collaboration with horses. 4 credits

PRL 711 Adult Learning and Diversity in the Workplace
Focus is on the challenges of adult learning, with special emphasis on workplace diversity and workplace learning. Students apply knowledge and theory from the field of adult learning to analyze, design, and deliver an actual workplace program for adult learners. Students develop insight into their own learning styles and those of the individuals and groups they work with. 3 credits

PRL 712 Principles of Research
This course is focused on qualitative research. Students plan research that will prepare them for their internship experience and for problem solving and decision making in their professional and personal lives. Topics include reading and understanding research; the philosophical basis for different research paradigms; the researcher’s role in different paradigms; selecting a question/problem to research; literature reviews; designing the research proposal; use of different methodologies; and data analysis. 3 credits

PRL 713 Leadership and Ethics
This course focuses on theoretical foundations and conceptual principles of leadership and followship, the skills necessary to practice leadership competently, and the ethical responsibilities inherent in leading and following others. It is designed to enhance leadership self-awareness, encourage students to fashion personal perspectives on how to lead professionally, and prepare them to recognize and address responsibly the ethical dilemmas which they inevitably will confront. 3 credits

PRL 714 Organizational Studies
This course focuses on providing a theoretical framework for understanding contemporary organizations and develops the individual, interpersonal, and group skills and disciplines that facilitate organizational learning. It is designed to help students clarify their own beliefs about organizational effectiveness, and assess/enhance their skills in functioning as effective members/leaders within organizations. 3 credits

PRL 715 Transformational Management
This course explores the change process in contemporary organizations and the changing role of management and leadership within. In addition to the theoretical framework, students practice initiating and leading change while working on a project at an organization with which they are familiar. Prerequisite: PRL 714. 3 credits

PRL 730 Workplace Learning and Performance: Design and Evaluation
This course provides the student with an opportunity to critically examine and compare different design strategies in various contexts. Adult learning principals are stressed. Students will design a course and a performance intervention. The process will include a needs assessment, task analysis, goal and objectives, sequencing learning activities, and assessment. Both formative and summative evaluation are emphasized. Students are exposed to Performance Technology and technological training techniques. 3 credits

PRL 731 Workplace Learning and Performance: Implementation and Delivery
This course is an extension of PRL 730. Students develop materials for the course and intervention they designed in 730. This course focuses on adapting training materials to adult learners. After considering various methods of presentation, students deliver the materials they have developed. During the course, students have the opportunity to engage in the business side of workplace learning through learning about interviewing and hiring prospective learning specialists; establishing a training department; and advertising and budgeting. Prerequisite: PRL 730. 3 credits

PRL 732/752/762 Professional Leadership Internship
This course is an integration of classroom theory with practical work experience in which students spend a full semester, two eight-week terms, in the field functioning as external/internal consultants. Students complete projects involving research and praxis in their area of concentration. Each internship is planned cooperatively by those involved, with the supervision of the experience being a joint responsibility of the University faculty and onsite mentor. 4 credits

PRL 733/753/763 Concentration Seminar
This seminar accompanying the Internship will focus on leadership and other major themes of the graduate program, as well as offering a place to support, challenge, and share learning from the internship. As part of the seminar students participate in an experiential learning adventure which involve horses. 3 credits

Management for Nonprofits

PRL 750 Philanthropy, Marketing, and Finance in Nonprofits
This course provides an opportunity for students to critically examine management and leadership strategies for the nonprofit sector in a variety of professional contexts such as human service, religion, arts, culture, humanities, education, medical and health-related and philanthropic organizations. Financial analysis and fundraising theories and concepts are explored in relation to the community, government and political environment. Students practice grant writing and other kinds of development strategies. Prerequisite: PRL 751. 3 credits

PRL 751 Introduction to Management for Nonprofits
This course provides an opportunity for students to investigate the nonprofit sector through environmental analysis and community understanding. Both legal and human resource issues associated with nonprofits are examined. Additional topics, such as leadership and strategic planning, as they apply directly to the nonprofit sector, are reviewed. 3 credits

PRL 760 Analyzing Leadership, Policy, and Politics
This course will give students a clearer vision of, or insight into, the inner workings of organizations. By looking at particular policies in an organization, students will see how federal, state, local, and organizational policies and rules impact the individual and the organization. This will increase students’ ability to identify where policies come from and allow them to understand the external environment of an organization/profession. To better understand the internal environment of an organization, students will learn how to assess the culture of an organization as well as the internal politics (influence structures) of the organization. Course material will be taught through the use of case studies developed by the students. 3 credits

PRL 761 Influencing Organizational Culture, Policy, and Politics
In this course students will apply the tools learned in the previous course. In order to exercise influential leadership students will analyze the culture of an organization and will come to some conclusions about how to operate within that culture to gain maximum leverage. They will identify a policy issue and plan how to lead through political barriers to advocate for and enact or shape the policy they care about. To do this they will use research, communication, and evaluation skills developed in this program. Classmates will offer feedback on analysis and conclusions regarding the exercise of influential leadership in the context of organizational culture and politics. 3 credits