Q: How many credits are required for the MLD at Penn State Great Valley?
A: The Master of Leadership Development is 36 credits (12 courses).
Q: Do you allow students to transfer credits into the program?
A: A maximum of 10 graduate credits earned at an accredited institution may be applied toward the requirements for a master's degree at Penn State Great Valley. Approval to apply any transferred credits toward a degree program must be granted by the student's academic adviser and division head. Courses considered for transfer must have been completed within five years prior to the date of enrollment at Penn State, and must have a grade of at least a B.
Q. What is the format of the program? Will you be offering flexibility due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic?
A: The MLD program admits students for fall semester only. Students typically proceed through the program as a cohort. Our courses are offered in seven and 14-week sessions. Classes typically meet one day a week, with additional coursework completed online. Some courses are also offered 100 percent online via asynchronous delivery which offers students additional flexibility. Due to COVID-19, we offer flexible instructional modes designed to help you reach key learning outcomes and allow you to engage with faculty, peers, and course content.
Remote Synchronous Instruction: Students attend all classes remotely at the scheduled time. Faculty will identify the communication and collaboration tools appropriate for real-time interaction and engagement.
Mixed-Mode Instruction: A combination of instructional modes is used to meet social distancing requirements in physical spaces, while also providing students with opportunities for face-to-face interaction and access to specialized on-campus spaces and equipment.
Q: Is the GMAT or GRE ever waived?
A: The GMAT/ GRE is not required for admission into the MLD program, although applicants who have completed these exams are invited to submit their results along with their application.
Q: What type of undergraduate degree should I have? Should I have work experience?
A: Our students hold a variety of undergraduate degrees, as leadership is needed in every profession and all organizational levels, from entry-level to the executive level. Typical MLD students have earned undergraduate degrees in business, human resources, education, engineering, health care management, public administration, psychology, sociology or political science. While there is no requirement on degree type, all students looking to apply to the MLD program should have 3-5 years relevant work experience.
Q: I've been out of school 15 years. Will I feel out of place taking classes after all that time?
A: On average, our students are in their 30s. You will find most of our students share the same concern about not having taken classes in quite some time, and how to juggle graduate school with an already busy life. Prior to beginning the program, MLD students complete three short modules at no additional cost. These pre-program requirements help strengthen and reinforce the skills emphasized throughout the program. Penn State Great Valley was designed for your needs, and we are ready to accommodate your busy schedule.