Dr. Kirk Mallette, Dean of York College Graduate and Online Studies, says that he hopes to attract students who are mid-career and are looking to advance to the next level.York College Online has added another degree to its graduate level offerings. In addition to the Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, starting in spring 2017 a Master of Arts in  Organizational Leadership will also be offered. ​​ “This isn’t just for people in business. It’s for anyone who wants to develop leadership in any organization,” said Mallette, suggesting the degree will be of interest to those in fields such as nonprofit, ministry, law enforcement and fire fighters, and other public service areas where a master’s degree is required for promotion.

Mallette stressed that prospective students don’t need to wear the title of manager to be admitted to the program. “We are looking to develop leadership where they are in their organization. We recognize that leaders serve in many capacities.”

The program will emphasize the Christian principle of servant leadership: “But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.”  

Mallette is excited about the high caliber faculty that will be teaching in this program, including Dr. Nathan Mellor, CEO of Strata Leadership, LLC, the world's largest character-based leadership company; Dr. Kay Green, a marketing, business management, and public relations consultant; and Dr. Angela Dixon, a successful lawyer. Dr. Monty McNair, retired engineer and professor of business, will direct the program.

The 36-hour program can be completed in one year, if multiple classes are taken at once, said Mallette. However, Mallette suggests most students will complete in two years, taking the eight-week courses individually. The non-thesis program includes a capstone project that provides real world experience and application to the student’s workplace. “The program timeline is flexible to meet the needs of the students,” said Mallette, noting that it will have several entry points for enrollment each year, rather than one or two set enrollment deadlines. 

Enrollment is open now for the cohort beginning in March. For more information and to apply, visit http://online.york.edu​​