Master of Psychology of Leadership at Pennsylvania State University

The M.P.S. degree in Psychology of Leadership is designed for individuals who are in the early and middle stages of their organizational careers, currently in or aspiring to leadership positions. The content of the program is appropriate for individuals employed in a wide range of functional specialties and industry sectors, including public agencies.

The M.P.S. degree in Psychology of Leadership examines the nature and role of leadership across varied organizational settings. Leadership is broadly defined as the process of influencing others (individually or collectively) in organizational settings. The program is based on well-supported psychological research and theory that have been shown to increase leadership effectiveness in work groups and organizations. While based in research, the program emphasizes the application of learned knowledge. Courses address the ways that various aspects and techniques of leadership can enhance the motivation, attitudes, and performance of individuals and teams in organizations.

1. Graduates will be able to explain relevant theories underlying and related to the psychology of leadership.
2. Graduates will be able to apply psychological theories to leadership issues and situations.
3. Graduates will be able to synthesize theories to communicate a comprehensive understanding of the psychology of leadership.
4. Graduates will be able to analyze leadership situations in order to evaluate leader behaviors and predict their effectiveness in self and others.
5. Graduates will be able to analyze leadership situations with respect to ethics and understand the implications of leader behavior in self and others.
6. Graduates will be able to evaluate their own leadership behaviors and plan steps for improvement.
7. Graduates will be able to plan strategies for improving leadership and organizational effectiveness.