The Biola University Crowell School of Business will launch a new Master of Arts in Leadership and Innovation in Fall 2021. Students will have the opportunity to attend courses intended to shape them personally and professionally in order to become a better leader in the workplace and in personal relationships. The program closely matches the courses in Biola’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program and includes newly developed courses in partnership with Biola’s Talbot School of Theology.

“In this program you will learn how to build an innovative culture that drives results which are future oriented while bringing a redemptive leadership grounded in the heart of God,” said professor of leadership and ethics Helen Mitchell. “Lead from out front while envisioning a future reality that fulfills God’s plans and purposes.”

Courses in the program include “The Innovative Leader”, “Theology of Leadership”, “Sources of Innovation” and “Capstone for Leadership and Innovation.” In the spirit of Crowell’s motto, “Business as Ministry,” the program stresses biblical integration with innovative leadership.

The program also features a one-on-one mentorship curriculum with faculty who have over 25 years of business experience. Professor of business, Dr. Jeff McHugh, explained the versatility of the degree and its applicable nature.

“According to a recent IBM survey of chief executives around the world, creativity and innovation is the most sought-after trait in leaders today. No one can deny that creative thinking has enabled the rise and continued success of countless companies,” said McHugh.

Students in the program are required to complete 36 units, with most taking six units per trimester, to complete the program in two years. Of the 36 units, 12 of them are unique to the program, and the remainder correspond with Biola’s MBA program. However, the Master of Arts in Leadership and Innovation program aims to focus on innovation in the business world.

The program’s goal is to equip students to engage in leadership roles in a variety of firms and industries as well as in firms they might develop themselves. The skills students learn are applicable to any role that requires one to lead others in the workplace while doing so innovatively. McHugh emphasized the need for creative minds in the business field.

“As more jobs become automated, thanks to AI and robotics, creativity as a skill will be more important than ever. It’s the tool everyone can use to break patterns, generate new ideas, and make big leaps for their organizations,” said McHugh.

Learn more and apply to Biola’s Master of Arts in Leadership and Innovation for the fall semester. The program will be offered online only starting in Fall 2023. 

Learn more about Crowell School of Business.

Written by Sarah Dougher, media relations assistant. For more information, contact Jenna Loumagne, assistant director of media relations and strategic communications at  jenna.loumagne@biola.edu.