Urban Leadership M.A.

The primary goal of the Urban Leadership M.A. program is to prepare the leaders of education and youth services to manage, organize and reorganize schools, governmental agencies, and non-profits in response to the complex challenges of 21st century society. The Urban Leadership M.A. program strives to engage students in an interdisciplinary approach to creating knowledge and understanding that supports effective policy and governance of urban community organizations.

This integration helps future leaders to expand to their capacity to strategically and positively impact the communities they will serve as indicated. Successful Urban Leadership graduates will have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to create a positive organizational culture that effectively engages members of diverse communities; identify issues and take actions focused on producing meaningful and effective change; manage data and use data-driven decision-making in strategic planning of organizational goals and priorities; ensure transparent accountability processes and procedures that foster community trust; model leadership grounded in integrity and ethical behavior; and understand the needs of children in an urban environment.

Admissions Requirements

All applications for admission to the Urban Leadership (UL) program are made to the Graduate College but are reviewed by the UL Admission’s Committee. The committee considers all training and preparation, general abilities, and previous experience. An application form, and official transcripts of all college level work, must be submitted to the Graduate College.

In addition, the applicant should have:

1. An earned bachelor’s degree in an acceptable field of undergraduate study.
2. A GPA of at least 2.75 overall or 3.00 in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate study.
3. At least 3 years of professional experience.
   
   • Currently individuals who are seeking a Nevada endorsement as an administrator of a school must hold a valid elementary, middle school/junior high, secondary or special teaching license (excluding Business and Industry or special qualifications) and provide evidence of 3-years of teaching experience in K-12 schools approved by the state.
4. A minimum of two letters of nomination that provide evidence related to specific criteria established by program faculty (e.g. evidence of capacity for teamwork; reflective practice).
5. A résumé indicating educational and professional experience sent to the Program.
6. An on-site performance assessment that examines problem finding/solving, data analysis, and writing skills.
7. Individual interview
8. An official transcript from the college or university where the applicant received a bachelor’s degree should be sent to the Program.