Learning Communication & Leadership Online: Mid-program Residency

Eleven months after beginning the MASCL journey and after completing three rigorous online modules that focus on strategic communication and leadership; organizational culture, leadership and change; and, leadership communication strategies students once again meet face-to-face with their learning team, faculty and administrators at the mid-program residency. During this intense weekend they get to practice their communication and leadership skills as they give team presentations, individual presentations in the TV studio, and prepare for and hold a press conference, and other presentation opportunities and that the faculty spring on them. Faculty and speech coaches give each student extensive feedback to fine-tune their abilities and all presentations are video taped for further critique. Although the residency weekend is extremely busy students hone their communication and leadership skills there is plenty of time for bonding, networking and just having fun.

“The mid-residency cemented an already strong relationship with my teammates. It was great getting feedback on our speeches and the press conference. I felt it truly was a positive learning experience.” (student feedback)

We are currently accepting applications for the September 5 - 7, 2008 Orientation residency. You can find the online application and more information about the program on the MASCL website.

Learning Communication & Leadership Online: On-campus Residencies

Seton Hall University’s online MA in Strategic Communication & Leadership (MASCL) program is different from other online leadership and/or communication programs in four specific areas: 1) MASCL uses a cohort or learning team model; 2) it has three required on-campus residencies; 3) the curriculum is rigorous and practical; and, 4) there is a very high level of online interaction between students and faculty.

As in most online programs much of the learning in MASCL takes place online. However, a great deal of learning also takes place during the on-campus residencies. In fact, the residency weekends are one of the most important elements of MASCL. Just recently, three alums described the residency weekends as “the glue that holds MASCL together.” The three required weekend-long residencies are designed for students to meet face-to-face and really get to know their learning team teammates, network with one another and the faculty, and practice and improve their communication and leadership skills. The residency weekends allows the students to really connect with the 150+ year old bricks and mortar campus and they provide opportunities to mingle, network, and have plenty of laughs. Everyone works hard, and has a lot of fun!

At the end of an Orientation Residency one student commented, “This weekend was wonderful, and I left feeling so fortunate that our team has such extensive knowledge in many diverse areas of management and leadership - in combination with great chemistry!”

A few months ago Learning Team 25 started its MASCL Journey. One of the learning team members captured the start of that journey on her blog. To find out how she felt about this experience go to:
Netta@Seton Hall
Netta@Seton Hall 1

Learning Communication & Leadership Online: The Other MBA

Students have referred to MASCL as the MBA without the math, as an executive MBA or as an alternative to the MBA. One student remarked that, "an MBA is about management, while MASCL is about leadership." Along with engagement and regular participation in five highly interactive, team-based online modules, students are required to attend three on-campus residencies to practice their leadership and communication skills, as well as to socialize and network with their learning team, faculty and administrators. MASCL is an innovative student-centered program that uses a cohort model where students progress through the program as members of a very diverse learning team. The program draws business people, professionals and military personnel from all levels and positions within their organization, and from very diverse fields and industries (profit, nonprofit, business, management, professional, military - pharmaceutical, finance, health care, software, electric utilities, telecommunications, technology, sales, marketing, PR, corporate communication). A serious program for serious learners, MASCL appeals to individuals who are high achievers and have a desire to succeed.

We are currently accepting applications for the September 5 - 7, 2008 Orientation residency. You can find the online application and more information about the program on the MASCL website.

Learning Communication & Leadership Online

When I first thought about "learning communication and leadership online," I wasn't sure that it was possible. However, after teaching in Seton Hall University's online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Leadership (MASCL)program for the past ten years I've found out that not only is it possible, it happens all the time. Students in leadership positions apply what they are learning to improve their organizations. Students who think they have leadership potential seek opportunities to use their new knowledge and skills. And, students who were unsure of their leadership capabilities gained the confidence to take on leadership roles and succeed. One graduate of the program expressed this in this way:

"Seton Hall's MASCL program taught me an unusual lesson- leadership of one (myself). The program opened my eyes to many possibilities and as a result, I left a job I had been with for 17 years, and moved to Tampa. I now work in the Oncology division of Genzyme Genetics, visiting physicians to discuss testing options for patients suffering with cancer. Leadership is born in the discovery of ourselves and the recognition of our unique skills. Leadership grows as we apply these skills and influence people toward their goals. Leadership matures when we can look at our accomplishments, and understand our shortfalls while celebrating our learnings. I thank the people in this program for giving me the insight to realize this and the courage to act upon it." Kathy (Learning Team 17)

MASCL is an accelerated program that focuses on the softer but crucial skills of leadership, communication and change management.. The MASCL program is designed to be very results-oriented, with the "learn it and apply it" philosophy at the core of its curriculum and structure. MASCL provides highly motivated mid-career professionals the opportunity to strengthen and enhance their LEADERSHIP, COMMUNICATION, and ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT skills as they complete the program's 36 credits over the course of 18 months.

We are currently accepting applications for the September 5 - 7, 2008 Orientation residency. You can find the online application and more information about the program on the MASCL website.