- How will the program make me more marketable?
- How long will it take to complete my master’s degree?
- May I take more than one course per session in order to finish sooner?
- May I take fewer courses than the typical five per year?
- I work in a full-time position during the day – is the Professional Leadership program able to accommodate the working adult?
- What is the academic calendar?
- Is Carlow just for women?
- Do I have to take any entrance exams such as the GRE?
- Where are courses offered?
- How large are the classes?
- How are classes conducted?
- Who are typical students?
- How are students graded?
- How much time may I expect to spend on each of the Professional Leadership graduate program courses?
- Is a thesis required?
- What does the internship for the Professional Leadership graduate program entail?
- Is the program or any part of it offered online?
- What is the difference between an MBA and the MS in Professional Leadership?
- Is financial aid available?
- I’m interested! How do I obtain more information on the Professional Leadership master’s program?
1. How will the program make me more marketable?
Employers want employees who are leaders – people who can manage change, work in teams, think systematically, communicate, and resolve conflicts. Leadership is not only for those with certain titles. In the dynamic organizational climates of today, leadership can and must be exercised by people at all levels committed to moving forward. The Professional Leadership program recognizes this need and provides the theoretical and practical skills to develop leadership potential. As graduates’ comments show, learning by integrating theory with practice builds skills that employers recognize, as well as increases the confidence and professionalism needed to move forward in one’s career. The opportunity to network with a diverse group of peer professionals and faculty actively working in their fields is also a benefit of the program.
2. How long will it take to complete my master’s degree?
The thirty-two credit program is typically completed in two years. A sixteen week internship/seminar session follows eight eight-week accelerated courses. One course is taken per accelerated session.
3. May I take more than one course per session in order to finish sooner?
The single-course-per-session format is recommended, at least initially, since the accelerated courses are quite demanding. With this experience as a foundation, possibilities for an additional course might be discussed with your advisor. It is very unusual to take more than one course per session, although it has been done in certain circumstances.
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4. May I take fewer courses than the typical five per year?
Yes; you can work with the program director to address your needs. The program tries to provide flexibility along with structure.
5. I work in a full-time position during the day – is the Professional Leadership program able to accommodate the working adult?
Yes. Professional Leadership classes are offered in the evening, one night per week, from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m.
6. What is the academic calendar?
The program can be started in mid-to-late August (fall term) or in early January (spring term). There are five accelerated eight-week sessions per year. Breaks include six weeks in the summer, about two and one-half weeks in December, and usually a week between the remaining sessions.
7. Is Carlow just for women?
No. Men make up about 10-12% of the student body.
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8. Do I have to take any entrance exams such as the GRE?
No. The validity of such tests has long been debated for predicting success in graduate study, especially for returning adult learners. Instead, and individualized assessment employing such methods as personal essay, letters of reference, and interview is conducted to determine the “fit” between the program and prospective students’ goals and skills.
9. Where are courses offered?
The program is offered at the Carlow University Oakland campus. It has also been offered at Carlow sites in Cranberry and Greensburg, depending on enrollment requests.
10. How large are the classes?
Class size is typically 12 to 15 students with a maximum size of 18 students.
11. How are classes conducted?
Classes are generally conducted in seminar format facilitated by experienced faculty who are also professionals in their fields. Small class size and adult learning philosophy promotes lively interchange among diverse students and an emphasis on the application of theory to practical problems and issues.
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12. Who are typical students?
Most are working adults, predominately women, ranging in age from twenties to sixties who come from a wide variety of fields and backgrounds. Whatever their current occupation or organizational level, they are united in a common desire to further develop their leadership skills in order to make a difference in their organizations or communities. Many are returning for their master’s degree after a significant period of time away from a university classroom.
13. How are students graded?
Generally, learning is assessed through papers, individual and group projects, and oral presentations. Tests are not typically employed in evaluation.
14. How much time may I expect to spend on each of the Professional Leadership graduate program courses?
Professional Leadership students report they typically spend at least 12 hours per week on their course work in addition to class time.
15. Is a thesis required?
No. In conformance with the professional nature of the degree, the program culminates with an internship. However, a thesis is an option.
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16. What does the internship for the Professional Leadership graduate program entail?
The Professional Leadership program internship is a field-based course. It is a supervised work experience involving a project or set of activities in a field identified by the student as an area of interest for applying theoretical knowledge to experiential learning. Reflecting the program’s philosophy of adult learning, student interns exercise self-direction, self-knowledge, and creativity. Faculty mentors serve as coaches and resource persons. Students are responsible for setting goals and documenting their progress, integrating and thinking critically about what they are learning, and conducting self-evaluation as they move through the internship.
A minimum of 160 hours is required to complete the four-credit internship, including planning, design and actual project work, journal reports, and on-site activity. Depending upon the particular project or set of activities, much of the 160-hour work required can be performed away from the internship site. The internship, accompanied by a three-credit seminar that meets about eight times over the sixteen weeks, is designed to be the capstone experience of the degree. It culminates with a final paper and oral presentation.
17. Is the program or any part of it offered online?
The program values face-to-face interpersonal and group dynamics for leadership development. However, several courses are web-enhanced.
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18. What is the difference between an MBA and the MS in Professional Leadership?
An MBA is a business degree focusing on traditional functional areas of management such as planning, organizing, and controlling, usually with am emphasis on quantitative skills and analytical tools. The Professional Leadership master’s degree emphasizes the development of leadership skills that empower people and organizations to accomplish their missions. These skills include managing change, systems thinking, teamwork, and persuasive oral and written communication. Each of the three concentration areas – Training and Development, Management for Nonprofits, and Organizational Influence and Policy – builds on this foundation with knowledge and skills specific to each professional arena.
19. Is financial aid available?
Aid is available primarily in the form of loans. A Graduate Financial Aid Brochure is available, which lists possible resources for grants/scholarships. Many master’s students take advantage of the Stafford Loan Program, a low interest loan underwritten by the federal government. For further details, contact the Carlow University Financial Aid Office at 412-578-6058 or finaid@carlow.edu.
Some working students’ employers offer tuition reimbursement; check with your Human Resources Department. Carlow alumnae and employees of certain “partner” organizations may be eligible for tuition reduction. Contact the Student Accounts Office at 412-578-6052 for more information.
20. I’m interested! How do I obtain more information on the Professional Leadership master’s program?
If you have more questions and/or would like to have an information packet mailed to you, contact Judy Trosell at 412-578-6671 or troselljb@carlow.edu.
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