A Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL) degree from Southern Nazarene University (SNU) prepares graduates for leading organizations and building and directing successful teams. The knowledge and skills learned in the program prepare future leaders for the challenges faced by many organizations. From non-profit organizations and churches to businesses and healthcare facilities, an organizational leadership degree is an excellent option for anyone interested in making a difference in their organization.
Program Director Dr. Michael Houston brings over 20 years of experience to the MOL degree program. As the program developer and director, Dr. Houston seeks to help learners take a different approach to leadership education. With the belief that leadership is rooted in love for others, the program is guided with strong focus on servant leadership.
What do you believe is the most valuable element of your program?
"The MOL program at SNU is uniquely and intentionally designed as a different approach to leadership education," explains Dr. Houston. MOL students learn about leadership through courses in servant leadership, global perspectives, and conflict resolution, and more. This provides a broad understanding of leadership and prepares them to face the challenges many organizations encounter.
Dr. Houston explains that the MOL courses have two overarching themes. "The value of culturally responsive leadership practices is integrated with principles of love, and presents leaders with a different path for personal growth and improved leadership and influence," he says. The first four courses provide a foundational core for the program. The remaining courses provide a deeper dive into specific leadership practices.
According to Dr. Houston, these courses combine to make a one-of-a-kind graduate leadership experience. "The MOL program provides leaders with practical approaches to improve self-awareness and confidence along with leadership skills and practices to enhance influence," he explains.
How/Why did you enter this field?
Dr. Houston wants to help students understand themselves and how they can make a positive impact on others. "As a life-long educator, I seek to help others understand who they are and how they can improve relationships with others through leadership," he says. "I am passionate about the role leadership plays in individual lives and organizations."
How does a student succeed in your program?
Dr. Houston says that students who are actively engaged in the program will find success. "The courses are designed to help students learn more about themselves and others," explains Dr. Houston. "Students who prioritize graduate work, and are willing to seek to understand themselves will succeed," he adds. To encourage student success, the Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership faculty seek to provide individualized support throughout each course.
What advice would you give to someone interested in your program/industry?
"A graduate program is a major life decision," says Dr. Houston. "I would advise prospective students to think about the time they have available for study and discuss this with those closest to them."
"This program is designed to help leaders learn more about leadership theory and practice along with self exploration and integration of Christian Imago Dei principles," he explains. "Graduates of the MOL program will be well suited for expanded leadership in whatever field they desire."
What course is your favorite to teach and why?
Dr. Houston enjoys teaching the introductory course in the program, Foundations of Personal Leadership. "I love the excitement new students bring along with the content of the course which challenges students to dive deeper in their understanding of self and others," he explains. "It is also in the first course where students learn how to improve their writing and research skills, preparing them to succeed in future courses," he adds. He says the overall journey through this course is rewarding for both him as the professor and for the students.
More about the Program
SNU offers the Master of Organizational Leadership program completely online. Designed with busy adults in mind, students take one six-week course at a time entirely online. Students can graduate in as few as 18 months. For more information about the MOL program, please visit our program webpage or contact pgsadmissions@mail.snu.edu.
*updated August 13, 2024
