New leadership degree enhances career options

April 23, 2009

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (April 23, 2009) - SUNY Plattsburgh will begin offering a new degree in leadership that emphasizes skills needed by organizations in the North Country and Adirondack region.The Master of Science in leadership, offered beginning the fall 2009 semester, will provide opportunities for coursework both at the Plattsburgh campus and branch campus at Adirondack Community College in Queensbury. It is designed to appeal to aspiring leaders in business, non-profits, education, government, healthcare and other realms.

According to Dr. Suzanne Catana, program coordinator, the program enables students to investigate new ideas, to expand their knowledge and professional skills and to experience learning through direct, real-world applications.

"The leadership program fills a gap in our educational systems by developing the skills and competencies of leaders, a step beyond the typical management-focused program," Catana said. "Our program emphasizes development of the individual as a leader in his or her personal life, in organizations and in the community in which he or she lives."

The degree program was designed in response to a projected increase in the number of management-level positions that will emerge as nanotechnology and support enterprises grow in the region, Catana said. Classes are offered in the evenings, on weekends, in the summer and online to meet the needs of working professionals who have an interest in pursuing the degree on a part-time or full-time schedule.

Individuals wishing to start the program this fall still have time to apply. The college has extended the acceptance date for applications to this program until June 30.

For more information, call Graduate Admissions at 518-564-4723 or visit www.plattsburgh.edu/academics/leadership/.