The Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership with a Human Resources concentration (MLR) degree is designed to enhance the HR management and general leadership skills of human resource professionals.
The purpose of this M.A. in Organizational Leadership with a Human Resources concentration program is to equip students to become strategic partners in both for-profit and non-profit settings through the development of interpersonal competencies, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning as well as through the evaluation and analysis of the complex laws, policies, and organizational practices which govern and influence successful leadership in HR management.
This online M.A. in Organizational Leadership with a Human Resources concentration program uses a holistic approach, considering multiple disciplinary perspectives as well as analyzing past and present critical issues alongside future possibilities for human resources in business settings. Through peer-to-peer exchanges in the online courses, active participation in online discussion forums, HR case studies, and critical dialogue and debate, students are prepared to create sustainable and positive change as human resource professionals.
Claremont Lincoln's master's degree programs all have the distinct advantage of being 100% online, providing the flexibility to determine how and when coursework is performed. CLU master's degree programs can be completed in as little as 13 months. In addition, the Admissions process has been streamlined for convenience. Neither a GRE or GMAT score is required to apply or be admitted.
The curriculum for the M.A. in Organizational Leadership with a Human Resources concentration begins with an understanding of how HR works as a strategic resource, then moves on to help students develop and apply ethics and leadership skills in the modern workplace. It continues with analyzing and preparing for the future in a globally-connected and diverse world.
Read special guest article: "Why I Chose CLU's Master's in Organizational Leadership Over an MBA."
The Human Resource concentration is taken along with courses from The Claremont Core®. These courses teach the engagement skills necessary to implement the theories and ideas from the Human Resources industry.
Human Resources Management enables organizations to compete more effectively in today's global economy. This course provides an overview of HR's role in being a strategic business partner in aligning people, strategies, and organizational outcomes. In this course, students investigate many of the technical business functions of an HR professional including staffing, compensation and benefits, employee and labor relations, job design. As an end result, students will be better prepared to take a "seat at the table" as a senior HR advisor.
Critical Issues in HR Law and Ethics will help students define and apply important legal and ethical guidelines for human resources. The human resources profession often calls upon practitioners to make difficult choices between two right answers, not between right and wrong. Through the study of ethical theory and employment law with application to real world situations, students will learn to translate abstract concepts into pragmatic action.
Analyzing current business needs and preparing for the future in a globally connected and diverse world requires leaders to assess the current state of globalism and how it impacts their organizations. Students will analyze the current global realities for human resources, develop skills for managing across cultures in globally connected organizations, analyze current opportunities and challenges related to diversity and inclusion at work in organizations and make recommendations for the future of the workplace.
An important aspect of business operations is to ensure that the organization has the right people, with the right skills, at the right time, to accomplish organizational goals and objectives. Talent acquisition and workforce planning are the activities at the forefront of this reality. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of talent acquisition, workforce planning and its strategic role within an organization.
One of the more fulfilling aspects of human resources is the opportunity to watch individuals grow professionally. This course will prepare students to serve as an internal consultant who designs metrics and measurements and formulates training and development for individuals. Students will be prepared to design and lead development programs that provide strategic return on investment for an organization.
An overview of the financial accounting and reporting process for managers is the focus of this course. It is designed to facilitate understanding of the financial reporting process and forecasting for strategic thinking and informed decisions. Students will use various data analysis tools to make judgements about a firm's financial condition in an ever-changing business landscape. Key topics include the time value of money, cost and value, the fundamental relationship between risk and return, choosing investment projects that support firm strategy, alternative financing decisions, and sustainable business practices.
This course covers the broad range of factors that the student needs to know to design, implement, and trouble-shoot high quality programs or projects. It details the phases of program development from design to evaluation and continuous quality improvement. Students will become familiar with several project management tools including GANTT charts, flowcharts, RACIS, and others. The course also provides students with various project documentation tools, both paper-based and electronic for team monitoring and communication. Case studies will augment the student's understanding of real-world application of project management tools.
In this university-wide foundational course, learners begin their engagement with the four domains that make up the Claremont Core domains: Mindfulness, Dialogue, Collaboration, and Change. These four domains consist of transferable skills and resources that support leadership and facilitation capacities that accentuate students' professional work. Students become familiar with aspects of mindfulness and dialogue that will undergird their work. Concepts of collaboration and change leadership are also introduced, and students begin the process of locating their work in a community where positive social change can be facilitated. Finally, students also determine the scope and aim of their Capstone Projects and begin to use resources from the four Claremont Core® domains to build their research repertoire and leadership acumen.
In a world that is reimagining what is possible, Strategic Communication: Building Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will present students a historic perspective of the legacy and manifestation of structural racism, and other societal and cultural marginalization including the unintended consequences of systemic exclusion. Students will build upon the principles learned in the Claremont Core® to create environments where difficult conversations can take place with both internal and external audiences. This course will equip students to tackle challenges with diverse teams using language which acknowledges and respects difference to create equitable outcomes. In this course, students analyze self, personal strengths, and biases, and accumulate tools and communication skills in dialogue, collaboration, and bridging across divides. With these tools, students hone their abilities to build advocacy for dismantling oppressive structures and rebuilding personal, professional, and civic spaces that maximize diversity and facilitate equity and inclusion for all.
This course builds on the foundational aspects of the Claremont Core®, focusing on how students can become mindful, engaged, and inquisitive research practitioners for positive social change. Students will develop an ability to critically evaluate what research methods are best suited for certain types of research projects. This course will specifically focus on the role of research methods that can address, illuminate, or explain enduring and newly salient social problems.
Throughout the course students will consider the entire research design process, learning how to conceptualize, problematize, diagnose, understand, and translate findings across social, political, environmental, healthcare, and organizational contexts. By the end of this course, students will have had experience posing research questions, exploring their own research goals, understanding the primary components of the research design process, and consuming a variety of styles of inquiry and action. Students will also consider course concepts in the context of their own future projects, and begin activating the research skills they will use in Applying the Claremont Core® Capstone Course. (Prerequisite: MCC 5320: Invitation to Inquiry: Foundations of the Claremont Core®)
As the culminating course in all programs, students apply skills, knowledge, and professional application learned throughout the degree. The planning for this course begins at the start of the program, continues through the evolution of learning as students design their projects, and peaks with students being prepared to implement the project during the capstone course. The specific content in each student's degree program provides a foundation for the research and design. The Capstone Project demonstrates student mastery of program and institutional learning outcomes. Must be taken during student's final term.
In an increasingly interconnected world, leaders who want to make positive, sustainable change need to develop the critical perspectives and collaborative skills necessary to reach across traditional barriers of ideology, culture, and faith. At CLU, we put development of these capabilities at the center of our degree programs. The result is the Claremont Core®, a sequence of four innovative courses. Progress through the Core takes you through a process of self-awareness and steadily evolves towards engagement with others and society at large. Learn More.
Claremont Lincoln University is a non-profit, "online-by-design", graduate university providing socially conscious education and multiplying social impact through the work of its students in the world.
As a nonprofit university, Claremont Lincoln University is focused on the student's learning experience as well as their career success. Funds received from donations, endowments and tuition go directly to curriculum and to enriching our students' education.
Since CLU is both online and nonprofit, the university is able to serve students who are not well served by traditional institutions and universities— allowing the university to deliver the innovative education its founder and benefactor David C. Lincoln envisioned.
Claremont Lincoln University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748-9001.
The Commission has confirmed that Claremont Lincoln University has satisfactorily addressed the Core Commitments to Student Learning and Success; Quality and Improvement; and Institutional Integrity, Sustainability, and Accountability and is found to be in substantial compliance with the WSCUC Standards of Accreditation.
To obtain a copy of Claremont Lincoln University's WASC accreditation, please contact:
Lynn Priddy
Accreditation Liaison Officer
Student Achievement & Accreditation
Claremont Lincoln University has entered into a complaint agreement for private non-profit institutions with the California Bureau of Post-Secondary Education (BPPE).
Department of Consumer Affairs
Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA. 95833
Chief Complaint Unit
Phone: 916-431-6959
Email: bppe@dca.ca.gov
Fax: 916-263-1897
The M.A. in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Human Resources aligns with the mission of Claremont Lincoln University to produce leaders capable of respecting differences and collaborating with those of different viewpoints to resolve problems.
As a graduate of Higher Education, you'll be prepared to approach your vocation from a new perspective. The skills & competencies this degree offers you can apply to careers in:
A completed Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required to apply to Claremont Lincoln University. Neither a GRE or GMAT score is required for enrollment.
The Admissions process has been streamlined for applicants to complete the online application in 15 minutes or less. Unofficial Transcripts and a current Resume or CV are required to be uploaded with the online application. The Enrollment Committee will then review the application and determine an acceptance status within 24 business hours. A determination letter will then be sent, and in return, an acknowledgment of its receipt will be needed. The Admissions, Financial and Student Services Team will finalize any other necessary items to complete Enrollment.
Claremont Lincoln University reserves the right to request additional items as deemed necessary by the enrollment committee to determine student readiness for the graduate level workload. Claremont Lincoln University reserves the right to accept, provisionally accept, or deny students upon the evaluation of all admission documents.
Here is what some of our current and past students are saying about Claremont Lincoln University. We are committed to being a student-centered community and are proud of how we have continued to establish dialogue and long-lasting relationships with our graduates by showcasing their action-oriented and impactful work across the globe.
"All in all, I am better equipped to be an agent of positive change. I have found ways to use my education in my current work environment and in the volunteer work I do in education and with non-profits."
"In speaking to the CLU core, every student can expect an immersion in developing skills that will enhance personal leadership and self awareness. I hope that CLU meets every students' expectations with a bit of surprise and magic mixed in."
"I am a lifelong learner and am convinced that our reward is commensurate with our effort. Some students will just want to be able to place an M.A. after their name while others are seeking ways to change the world. With the mix of world class professors and an exemplary cohort, I believe students will not finish the program in the same mindset that they started. Everything fit together so perfectly and the scaffolding made the entire program manageable."
"I am most proud of heeding the prompt to "reinvent" myself during the 18-month program and to put my energy in an environment where I can make a difference."
"The Master's of Social Impact program taught me to take a grassroots approach to development."
"CLU has been such a blessing to my life. CLU helps strengthen my leadership skills through mindfulness, meaningful dialogue and collaborations that allow us to suspend assumption, approach non judgmentally and create strong foundations of shared vision in order to not forget the human part of our world, as we seek our purpose and deeply feel and understand our "why" in our journey towards change."
Many hard working professionals contribute to a Claremont Lincoln University education. Here are just a few of the great faculty and staff that you will meet at CLU:
Chuks Agada is both a scholar and practitioner in the field of Human Resources. As a scholar, Dr. Agada has established a reputation in curriculum enhancement, instructional design, and the integration of technology into online courses. Dr. Agada has taught the subject of human resources for a decade. As a practitioner, Dr. Agada has gained professional experience in various human resources leadership and consultation roles for many notable organizations such as GE, LinkedIn, and HSBC Banking Corp. Dr. Agada’s current research interests include Talent Acquisition, Artificial Intelligence in Human Resources, and Talent Management.
Marisa Bryant retired after serving over 20 years in the United States Marine Corps. Dr. Bryant’s background and specializations range from Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Emergency Management, and Human Resource Management. As a former online student herself, and a strong advocate for online learning and learners, Dr. Bryant understands what it is to be on both sides of the learning equation. Along with teaching at Claremont Lincoln University, Dr. Bryant teaches at five other higher learning institutions: Ashford University, American Military University, Colorado State University-Global Campus, Walden University, and Upper Iowa University.
With over ten years of experience in the fields of Human Resources and Business, Vanessa Claus enjoys sharing her knowledge and expertise with students. Dr. Claus began working in Human Resources as a junior in college and loved learning about HR processes, enjoyed working with others, and found passion and excitement in training/development initiatives, thereby creating the basis for her educational path. After completing an internship with a large hospital system that has locations throughout the United States, Dr. Claus went on to pursue two advanced degrees: a Master’s of Science in Human Resources and Organizational Development (Eastern Michigan University) and a PhD in Human Resource Development (Texas A&M University). While obtaining her degrees, Dr. Claus worked in the HR sector (e.g., training and development, consulting) and in the educational sector (e.g., student development). Dr. Claus is committed to lifelong learning and development and recently obtained her credentials as a Certified Professional Career Coach and Certified Professional Resume Reviewer. Dr. Claus loves teaching for CLU and enjoys student interactions.
Shawni Jackson-Triggs, Ph.D. is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. She is the founding director of the Bob Virgil Center of Entrepreneurship at Harris-Stowe State University and has assisted many people within the St. Louis Community to start and develop their business. Dr. Jackson currently works as a Learning Delivery Specialist and has over 20 years’ experience in Training and Delivery. She holds a PhD in Organization and Management, a MBA in Business Administration, a BA in Sociology & Anthropology and is a certified Life Coach.
Jennifer Ewing has been practicing human resources and health and safety management for over twenty-nine years in both union and non-union environments. Ewing is certified as both a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and a Senior Certified Professional through the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP). Ewing holds her MBA from Michigan State University and her BSBA from Central Michigan University. Additionally, Ewing has been an adjunct professor for over sixteen years and enjoys passing along her experience and knowledge to her students.
Dean Gualco has a doctorate from the University of the Pacific, an MBA, and an MPA from the University of Southern California. Dr. Gualco served as an HR Director for two California cities, for the Governor of California (in a JPA under his administration) and at the University of California. Dr. Gualco is the author of 10 books, the latest titled A Nation of Business: Building a Business in the ‘Make it on your Own’ Generation, and has appeared in over 200 national media forums in support of these publications.
Eboni Mathis is an online instructor and business professional with over 20 years’ experience in higher education. Dr. Mathis has taught both domestically and abroad. Dr. Mathis is an avid equestrian and poet. As a student success cheerleader, Dr. Mathis enjoys watching students pursue their goals.
Kerry Mitchell is passionate about empowering individuals and organizations to reach their fullest potential. Dr. Mitchell has spent more than 20 years partnering with nonprofit, government, and Fortune 500 organizations to create engaging workplaces. Dr. Mitchell has graduate degrees from University of Denver and Fielding Graduate University. Dr. Mitchell’s doctorate is in Human and Organizational Systems and her dissertation explored workplace empowerment and what it means to different generations. Dr. Mitchell uses this knowledge to help organizations create thriving environments for employees of all generations.
In addition to owning her business, Dr. Mitchell teaches college courses, serves on advisory boards, and volunteers with many nonprofits focusing on literacy. Dr. Mitchell has most recently worked with Jesuit Worldwide Learning to teach online for refugees in camps across the globe. Dr. Mitchell is the co-author of several journal articles and presents at many conferences. She is currently researching women’s experiences working with other women and continuing to write about employee empowerment.
Nicole Runyon has been teaching online since 1998. Dr. Runyon’s areas of focus include various management and leadership topics with an emphasis on human resources. Degrees earned include a BA in political science, an MSA in administration, a PhD in education as well as the SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications.
Phyllis H. Sarkaria is a human capital executive, coach, and adviser and serves on the teaching faculty at Claremont Lincoln University. Before starting her consulting practice, Sarkaria was Vice President, Human Resources for Quidel Corporation, a leading manufacturer of medical diagnostic tests, where she oversaw the company's global HR strategy and programs for over 12 years.
Earn your master's degree online in as little as 13 months, starting at $18,150 while developing the skills, behaviors & mindset required to improve the world for the benefit of all.