MLD Overview
Strong ethical leadership is crucial to the success of all organizations. Effective leaders play an important role in formulating strategies and motivating employees to work toward achieving goals. SMWC’s Master of Leadership Development (MLD) has been designed to help individuals advance their careers and become the leaders their organization needs. This one-year program is designed for working professionals. Plus, assignments are student-driven, meaning students are encouraged to complete projects that are relevant to their current or desired position or passion, which makes them relevant and helps keep them motivated. New cohorts begin in January and August of each year.
About the MLD
The MLD program equips students with the knowledge, skills and perspectives needed to lead effectively in today’s complex and rapidly changing organizational environments. Designed for professionals across all sectors- corporate, nonprofit, public and beyond- the MLD focuses on developing diverse leadership capabilities that can be applied in any context.
MLD Mission
To prepare visionary leaders who value diverse perspectives, critically analyze research, use inquiry to guide practice, integrate appropriate technologies, solve problems creatively and engage in ethical decision-making to effect positive change in a global society.
MLD Vision
To become one of the leading programs dedicated to developing individuals through excellence, into ethical-based decision-makers, equipped with cultural intelligence and global mindsets, who embrace innovation, technical skills and effective communication to successfully lead their organizations into the future.
Through a comprehensive curriculum, students will explore:
- Leading organizational change and fostering high-performing teams
- Cultivating cultural intelligence and a global mindset
- Exercising ethical and evidence-based decision making
- Applying strategic planning and creative problem-solving techniques
- Influencing others and exerting leadership without formal authority
- Navigating the evolving role of information technology in communication
Program Highlights
Courses explore human elements of organization dynamics, such as communication techniques, leadership theory, multicultural workplace dynamics and team development. By emphasizing more personal and creative approaches to leadership and management, graduates will inspire individual team members to reach their full potential.
Courses are delivered in 8-week sessions, referred to as terms, which typically begin on a Monday and conclude on a Friday.
The MLD program is designed to be completed in one year by taking two courses per term; however, students may choose a two-year track by enrolling in one course per term.
Each course will begin in person the Saturday prior to the course’s official Monday start. This structure allows students to experience graduate culture and expand their peer and professional networks. Absences will always be considered, as appropriate.
Apart from the course’s beginning, all instruction occurs online. Various types of technology are utilized to build team collaboration and emphasize peer-to-peer and faculty connections. Assignments and activities may require students to connect with or engage in organizations, their community, etc.
Coursework is designed to give students exposure to real organizational challenges and solutions to implement in the workplace or tangible examples to be used in interviews in order to demonstrate knowledge, skills, abilities and experience.
Students receive individualized support from faculty, including tailored guidance on academic progress and research interests.
Benefits of the MLD
This program emphasizes practical learning through real-world case studies, experiential projects and opportunities for global engagement, ensuring students are prepared to address complex leadership challenges with confidence and integrity.
- Develop advanced leadership practices through strategic, critical and creative thinking.
- Work collaboratively with diverse leaders and teams to optimize success.
- Understand the influence of social and cultural context on individuals and organizations.
- Critically analyze research and conduct assessments to guide ethical decision-making and problem-solving.
- Use appropriate technologies to enhance productivity and effectiveness.
Whether an emerging leader or an experienced professional, the MLD program empowers individuals to drive positive change and make a meaningful impact in any organizational environment.
