Oral Roberts University Launches New Degree Completion Program in Leadership Studies

“This new program has been specially designed to give adult-learners the ability to get a whole-person degree at ORU and still keep their livelihood,” said Wendy Shirk, Dean of the School of Arts and Cultural Studies at ORU. “We are excited to be able to offer this service to working adults in the region.”

This hybrid degree in Leadership Studies includes courses in the fields of Public Policy, Business and Communications. Students enrolled in the program only need to come to campus one night a week for eight weeks at a time and they will be able to complete two classes during each eight week period. With this schedule offered twice during the fall, spring and summer semesters, students can take a total of 12 courses per year.

The leadership studies degree completion program is designed to use all the credits earned from other colleges and universities to complete the degree at ORU. This unique program will prepare students for leadership positions in education, health care, social services, church, government, law enforcement, fire protection, business, non-profit groups, and a number of other fields.

“The program’s mission is to promote the best in leadership practice by developing knowledgeable, ethical, caring, inclusive leaders for a diverse and changing world and to improve the quality of leadership in organizations and communities — regionally, nationally, and internationally,” said Michael Hirlinger, chair of the history, humanities and government department.

The curriculum is designed to emphasize inquiry, understanding, skill development, practice, reflection and provide an environment where students can study and develop an understanding of leadership. Leadership Studies students pursue a rigorous program of study in leadership theory, organizational communication, public and private sector leadership, church leadership, conflict resolution, ethics, and administrative theory.