M.A. Early Childhood Education: Organizational Leadership and Management Specialization
The Master’s in ECE specialization in Organizational Leadership and Management degree program is based on the theory that leadership in ECE requires skill and self‐knowledge to be authentic, and that authentic leadership is essential to creating organizations with sustainable value.
Graduates from our M.A. in Early Childhood Education, Organizational Leadership and Management specialization will learn the factors to ensure that organizational goals are aligned with the public good to become leaders in early childhood education, including:
- Establishing responsible and ethical relationships
- Valuing and respecting each individual
- Leading with passion and purpose
Through the development of management and leadership competencies grounded upon respect for human capacity, graduates will be prepared to become leaders of change. As professionals, they will be able to navigate the complexity and unpredictability of various organizations—transcending cultural, political, and national barriers.
Sample Organizational Leadership Courses
Leadership and Organizational Behavior
This course focuses on three areas: leadership from the inside out, the power of habits, and using questions to affect or even change an organization’s behavior. To know one’s self is to be authentic. Moreover, to be a successful leader, one must be authentic. However, it is not enough to understand oneself as an individual or a leader but to also understand one’s behaviors and habits. Thus, enabling an individual to understand the organization’s behaviors and habits. This course will take the learner on an inward journey to bring about outward success as a leader making organizational behavior changes.
Strategic Planning and Decision Making
Through an understanding of systems theory and learning organizations, this course will focus on strategic thinking, innovation, and creativity for leadership in ECE. Critical for organizations to ensure viable and robust futures, leaders of today and tomorrow must maximize the skills, talents, and knowledge of its people while wisely managing resources.
Managing External Relationships
This course provides perspectives and skill-building for leaders in early childhood education to identify and assess the needs of external stakeholders, necessary to promote the mission and sustainability of the organization. An understanding of the similarities and differences of for‐profit and nonprofit organizations enhances a leader’s ability to build authentic relationships. Collaborative relationship building will be understood through communication strategies spanning interpersonal and intrapersonal perspectives. In addition, the influence of social media and its multiple platforms will be examined.
Admission Requirements
- Completed application for admission
- Application fee
- Resume
- Personal Statement
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Pacific Oaks College
- Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution in Early Childhood Education or Child Development
- *Students who do not have a B.A. in either Early Childhood Education or Child Development are admitted based on completion of approved courses from a regionally accredited college/university.