You've felt a desire for something more, to become the leader you've been called to be.

You’re ready to take the next step in your career, to assume a greater level of leadership and control over your future. The Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL) will equip you to lead others with genuine confidence and balance. This program is designed for working professionals with two delivery options to provide the flexibility you need to earn your degree while continuing to work in your current role. You can enroll in the 100% online format available from anywhere, or the in-person format that meets one night per week at our Mission Valley campus in San Diego.

This program will equip you to fulfill your calling, with courses such as Leading in Diverse Communities, Managing Conflict and Change, Organizational Systems and Behavior, and more.

Shared Journey

Work through the entire transformative program with the same cohort of fellow professionals, developing real relationships with your accomplished peers.

Individual Mentorship

Benefit from an exceptional level of personal mentorship from an interdisciplinary program faculty — helping you really do it, not just know it.

Servant Leadership

Our graduates learn to live as leaders who others genuinely want to follow. Develop the posture and skills of servant leadership to maximize your organizational effectiveness.

Becoming a leader requires a set of unique skills; the ability to understand and manage people, time, and relationships requires strength, confidence, and creativity. 

PLNU’s MAOL is a direct response to the need organizations express for individuals who know how to strategically lead in today’s complex and changing social and economic environment.

In this program, you will examine the art and skill of strategic decision-making and problem-solving within the political and cultural context of an organization. 

Whether you choose the 100% online option or the classroom experience, you will work in a cohort group as well as smaller collaborative learning teams that will provide you the opportunity to develop a professional and personal network of people who share your goals. You will also use technology to test team building and communication skills, a dynamic that mirrors what you will experience outside the classroom in meetings, conferences, and project management.

The M.A. in Organizational Leadership is an approved program under PLNU's WASC Regional Accreditation, WSCUC. Since it is not a business degree, it is not an Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) approved program.

Are you ready to take the next step and apply?

We’re here to make the entire process a simple one. We’ll walk you through the application process, answer your questions, and get you one step closer to earning your degree.

Program Start Date(s):

• Spring 2022 - Online - January 10, 2022

• Fall 2022 - August 29, 2022

Application Deadline(s):

• Spring 2022 - December 15, 2022
• Fall 2022 - August 10, 2022

All applications submitted after these dates will be reviewed based on availability of space.

Start Application

The Selection Process

The educational context at PLNU will challenge you to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While honoring diverse perspectives and beliefs, Christian values and principles are woven into our educational experience. We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it reflects you as a person. At PLNU, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into a graduate program. Your GPA is an important piece of your application, but if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement of 3.0, you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package as well as our exceptions policy.* Therefore, we strongly encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor, who will advise you regarding your qualifications and provide specific information about the admission-under-exceptions process.

To be admitted into PLNU's MAOL program, you must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, as evidenced by an official transcript.

If you have any questions about your qualifications or the program in general, we encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor.

*Exceptions Policy: If you have a GPA below 3.0 in your baccalaureate degree, you will need to speak with your enrollment counselor for more information on the exceptions materials needed for your particular program.

Application Checklist

Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU, and test scores, which should be submitted electronically.

1. Submit an online application for admissions (including $50 non-refundable application fee, which is waived for PLNU alums, current or former military and their dependents, and PLNU employees).
2. Submit official transcripts with proof of earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. (If you are a PLNU alumnus, please notify your counselor to have your transcripts retrieved. You do not need to request transcripts from the PLNU Office of Records.)
   
   Official transcripts must be sent to:
   Point Loma Nazarene University
   Office of Graduate Admissions
   3900 Lomaland Dr.
   San Diego, CA 92106
   
   Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
   gradprocessing@pointloma.edu
3. Provide a personal statement on why you wish to participate in the MAOL program in which you address the following:
   • Describe your current philosophy of leadership.
   • Explain your relevant academic and professional experience.
   • Describe your future career or life goals.
4. Submit professional resume.

Start Application

Admission into a distance education program offered by Point Loma Nazarene University is granted at the time of initial acceptance into the program and is dependent on authorized program availability in the state where the student is physically located at the time of admission. If a student moves to another state after admission to the program, continuation within the program will depend on whether Point Loma Nazarene University is authorized to offer distance education courses in that state and/or whether Point Loma Nazarene University meets the professional licensure requirements for a specific program in that state. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the institution of a change in his or her physical presence.

State Authorization

State authorization is a formal determination that PLNU is approved to conduct educational activities regulated by that state or U.S. Territory. PLNU is not required to obtain state authorization in every state or U.S. Territory, and the university has opted at this time not to seek authorization in certain states and U.S. Territories. Additionally, PLNU meets the criteria for exemption from authorization in certain states.

At this time, PLNU does not have authorization in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and the U.S. Territories. 

Authorizations in specific states may change periodically. PLNU recommends contacting PLNU admissions at (800) 733-7770 for the latest information.

PLNU's MAOL program develops leaders who are well prepared to serve in today’s dynamic organizations. Students will gain knowledge and skills that are necessary to lead by transforming their organization through the development of people and processes, and implementing strategic initiatives to maintain a competitive advantage.

You will be prepared for careers in business, industry, government, and the nonprofit sector, as well as graduate level study in fields related to business. These careers include:

• Operations Managers
• Sales Managers
• Financial Managers
• Merchandising Managers
• Management Analysts
• Corporate Planners
• Human Resources Managers
• Small Business Operations
• Pastors and Church Leaders

Professionals working in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, churches, community-based institutions, and businesses will further enhance their leadership competencies through this interdisciplinary degree designed to apply leadership principles to real-world situations. Learners in this program will examine the art and skill of strategic decision-making and problem-solving within the political and cultural context of an organization. Working in an online cohort group as well as smaller collaborative learning teams will provide learners the opportunity to use technology to test team-building and communication skills, a dynamic that mirrors today's real-world meetings, conferences, and project management.