Leadership is not just another word for management. It is considered one of the greatest assets managers need to possess if they want to be successful and improve their value proposition. If the proper culture is established, employee relationships improve, and the culture permeates beyond the boundaries of the organization. The ending result is a positive customer response. Prepare for leadership positions in today’s economy by learning a balanced blend of theory and pragmatic approach to apply in a wide range of diverse situations. Gain the skills necessary to lead and manage great programs and teams with a bachelor’s degree in Management and Leadership at NAU. Classes are taught by expert faculty with advanced degrees and years of experience in a variety of industries.
With increasing competition, public and private organizations, both large and small, are looking for individuals who not only understand how to manage, but how to lead people to serve customers as well. Students who specialize in Strategic Leadership will possess the perspectives and skills to move within and between different industries, including service business, consulting practices, manufacturing, etc.
With the right mindset, students will be able to use the SL degree as leverage to make positive improvements and impacts across any organization. This can include, streamlining operations, continuous improvement, and establishing and implementing a vision and culture that is both inspiring and rewarding to the people and customers. Ultimately, this will lead to a state most capable of bringing the best results.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 114 |
| Foreign Language | Optional |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
The Strategic Leadership program is designed for individuals who are focused on improving their mindset and who aim to be skilled and knowledgeable in the art and practice of setting or supporting the company vision, purpose, and strategy; establishing the culture; and organizing the assets and resources to intentionally carryout the objectives at all levels within the organization. Students graduating from this program will learn to improve the performance of an organization to help achieve its goals and strategies, both systematically and empirically.
The SL degree will prepare students for jobs in fields related to supervision and management in a wide variety of applications in the public and private sectors. This can include government and non-profit organizations; small and privately owned businesses; consulting and financial firms; hospitality/service and manufacturing; and other related businesses. Goals of the SL program include creating well minded individuals who understand how to implement effective practices of management and leadership that effectively bring about cultural change in an organization.
The curriculum offers students practical, hands-on experiences in working together and focuses on the activities necessary to improve the management and leadership results that are most effective in creating the best outcomes for individuals, groups and throughout the organization. This includes teamwork, performance and recognition systems, organization values and culture, and applying highly effective leadership practices used by the most successful executives, and leveraging the connection between business value and leadership.
Students practice the application of course material and will develop the managerial skills and the confidence to integrate new knowledge across multiple environments. They will understand the importance of developing and maintaining relationships in an organization to achieve company objectives. They will understand the concept of shared and mutual value in all its forms, including those relating to external entities. Graduates will stand by a personal methodology for leadership; effectively implement changes to identified root causes in dysfunctional management styles; apply effective communication skills in verbal and written form; have developed an action plan to promote a culture of change and innovation; and organize and supervise a team using high-performance practices.
The program is a balanced blend of theory and pragmatic approach where students will have learned how to apply leadership concepts in a wide range of diverse situations.
Student Learning Outcomes
All coursework in the Specialization Areas must be upper-division and from Northern Arizona University. Substitutions and use of credit from other institutions are not allowed in the Specialization.
Multi-use of coursework is not permitted within the Major Requirements. Major Requirements include Specialization, Communication, Computer Literacy, Language and Science.
Take the following 30 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
Strategic Leadership Specialization
Communication Requirements (6 units)
Choose 6 units in the following two categories.
Please note that you cannot use CLEP or locally prepared exams to satisfy this requirement. Transfer credit used to satisfy this requirement must be approved by the program director.
Foreign Language Requirement Option (19 units)
Science Requirement, select from the following (12 units):
AND
Computer Literacy (6 units)
This coursework must help you to understand, in general, the technical components of computers and information systems, how to solve problems using information systems technology, word processing, spreadsheet use, database management, graphic information software, website development, graphic design and use of statistical analysis software. Subject to advisor approval.
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.