University of Indianapolis –School for Adult Learning
Curriculum Guide for Strategic Leadership and Design Major
SLD
Master of Science
Courses must be taken in sequential order. Bracketed courses must be taken during the same term.
SLD-505 Foundations of Adult Learning (3 credits)
Understanding adults and how they learn; researching adult learning and the brain; investigating the variables in adult learning;
exploring adult learning and strategic leadership
SLD-500 Leadership and Design Theory (3 credits)
Knowing who you are as a leader; understanding the systems within an organization operationally; investigating strategic design as it
relates to these systems; developing a plan to lead organizational design
SLD-510 Cognitive Systems: Building a Learning Organization (3 credits)
Providing an environment for learning (information sharing); conducting a cultural assessment – conducive/nonconducive for effective
information sharing; learning organizations and the development of a vision; learning organizations and change
SLD-515 Conflict Systems Management (3 credits)
Strategically managing conflict; understanding the dynamics of conflict; assessing the conflict culture; valuing positive and negative
conflict; mediating conflict; recognizing potential for conflict in competent organizations
SLD-520 Human Performance Development: Capability Building (3 credits)
Developing human potential (capability building); determining and alleviating performance gaps; mentoring and cognitive coaching;
training to increase potential; exploring the relationship between human performance and organizational systems; determining the role
of the hierarchy of human needs in capability building
SLD-525 Human Performance Appraisal (3 credits)
Determining the relationship between leadership and appraisal; examining performance appraisal models; designing a performance
appraisal model; developing a competency-based training model; designing rubrics for performance appraisal; developing effective
feedback models
SLD-530 Managing Information Technology Systems (3 credits)
Strategically aligning and integrating IT and the organization; examining effective IT leadership; designing an effective IT change
process; investigating IT and organizational governance; planning (both short and long term) of IT within the context of the organization
SLD-535 Systems Architecture: Problem Analysis and Solution Design (3 credits)
Determining substantive diagnosis and analysis of problem and its potential resolution; benchmarking using quantitative and qualitative
statistical analysis; conducting an environmental scan; designing, planning, implementing, and evaluating change
SLD-540 Organizational Design (3 credits)
Designing an organization capable of generating and implementing a strategic plan; designing infrastructures that lead to substantive
critical decisions; analyzing anomalies within the organization that misrepresent the organization
SLD-545 Measurement Systems (3 credits)
Evaluating the effectiveness of the organization; looking through the lens of a Chief Measurement Officer (CMO); analyzing the
systems within the organization for compatibility; making measurement make a difference (transformational measurement); designing
an organizational performance measurement
SLD-550 Strategic Thinking, Analysis, Planning, and Evaluation: The Capstone (6 credits)
Engaging in lateral and parallel thinking; examining the differences between strategy and leadership; researching and developing tools
for analysis and types of analysis; examining industry advantages and disadvantages; foreshadowing trends in strategic leadership
Notes:
1. A student ID and university e-mail account are mandatory upon enrollment for all courses that use the university intranet
or learning management system for class assignments.
2. The Masters of Science in Strategic Leadership and Design requires 36 credit hours.
3. All courses must be taken at the University of Indianapolis. Transfer credit hours will not be accepted.
4. Courses may be taught in a hybrid format.
5. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to remain in the program.
Remember: If you have any questions about the Masters of Strategic Leadership and Design major or its requirements, contact the Graduate
Admissions and Academic Advisor for the School for Adult Learning, Robbin Sally (788-2119, Esch Hall 103). Courses and requirements
sometimes change, so keep in contact with your advisor.
Updated 02/2015