The Interdisciplinary Leadership Programs are flexible, online, interdisciplinary programs which are designed to provide graduates with understanding of the leadership practice, theory, research and policy necessary to develop organizations and people for a changing world. In the tradition of a Catholic, Jesuit institution, student’s dialogue in an interdisciplinary environment designed to increase their understanding of how to work with, develop, and motivate others. Self-reflection is encouraged and incorporated into each course and eventually integrated into a personal statement of one’s leadership vision. The Interdisciplinary Leadership Programs are unique from two perspectives. First, the programs are designed, developed and delivered from a program perspective rather than a course perspective. Both programs themes and learning outcomes are developed and assessed from a program perspective. Individual courses will specify which of the program themes and learner outcomes are addressed. Courses are delivered in a logical sequence that begins with foundation theory, concepts, and application followed by more skill focused courses. Second, the programs are designed, developed and delivered from an interdisciplinary perspective. By definition the term interdisciplinary (when applied to the academic setting) means “involving two or more academic, scientific, or artistic disciplines” (http://www.merriam-webster.com/). This rather universal definition of the term is appropriate for The Interdisciplinary Leadership Programs, which incorporate a number of disciplines in order to serve students in a number of professions. The traditional discipline-based model that has been the foundation of educational institutions is not necessarily the best way to address the complex, real-world problems nor can it support the aims of graduate programs in leadership
