• Direct Credit: Upon verification of completing the Signature Class, students receive three credit hours for MBA 610: Using Technology and Information.
• Total Potential Credit: Graduates are eligible to receive up to six credit hours total toward the 30-hour MBA degree.
• Transcription: These equivalency credits appear on the student’s transcript only after all other degree requirements have been met. There is no tuition cost or transcription fee for these specific credit hours.

• Statement of Expertise: A 3–5 page statement illustrating leadership capacity, effectiveness in leading initiatives, and a commitment to civic engagement.
• Professional Resume: An updated resume detailing leadership responsibilities and relevant credentials.
• Review Process: The MBA Program Director and the Associate Provost of Adult, Online, and Graduate Education review these materials, and approval is granted at their sole discretion.

• Application Fee Waiver: The standard $25 application fee is waived for eligible Leadership Springfield graduates
• No Entrance Exams: There is no GRE or GMAT requirement for admission, though all other standard admission requirements must be met.
• Alternative Pathways: If a student chooses not to pursue the full MBA, these same Leadership Springfield credits can also be applied toward the Business Leadership Certificate or the Master in Integrative Leadership (MILE).

• MBA 610 (3 hrs): Satisfied by Leadership Springfield Program Equivalency.
• Core Courses (18 hrs): MBA 621, 632, 651, 660, 676, and 685.
• Selected Track (9 hrs): Either the General Business Track (MBA 645, 646, 647) or the Accounting Track (MBA 603, 623, 612).

Academic Credit and Equivalency

Eligible Leadership Springfield graduates can receive up to six graduate credit hours toward the 30-hour MAC degree:

• Direct Equivalency: Upon verification of Signature Class completion, students automatically receive three credit hours for COMM 626: Being a Leader through Language.
• Transcription: These equivalency credits are applied to the student’s transcript at no cost only after all other degree requirements have been satisfied.
• Petition for Additional Credit: Graduates may petition for the remaining three credit hours (for a total of six) based on their professional experience and leadership accomplishments.

The Petition Process

To be considered for the additional three credit hours, students must submit:

1. Statement of Expertise: A 3–5 page statement illustrating leadership capacity, effectiveness in leading initiatives, and a commitment to civic engagement.
2. Professional Resume: An updated resume detailing leadership responsibilities and credentials.
3. Review: These materials are reviewed by the Program Director and the Associate Provost, and credit is awarded at their sole discretion.

Additional MOU Benefits

• Application Fee Waiver: The standard $25 application fee is waived for Leadership Springfield graduates. 
• No Entrance Exams: There is no GRE or GMAT requirement for admission to the MAC program.
• Certificate Pathway: If you prefer a shorter credential, these credits also apply toward the 12-hour Communication and Organizational Leadership Certificate, which can later be stacked into a full Master’s degree.

MAC Program of Study with LS Equivalency

The MOU establishes the following structure for the 30-hour degree:

• Area 1 (Organizational Communication): Includes COMM 626 (Satisfied by LS Equivalency) plus COMM 621, 622, 623, and 701.
• Area 2 (Training & Development): Includes SCI 621, SCI 633, and COMM 625.
• Area 3 (Strategic Leadership): Students choose two courses from a list including Social Media Strategy, Advanced Org Leadership, and Conflict Management.
  • Note: Students with extensive credentials may petition to use their professional experience to satisfy one course in Area 3 (other than COMM 626)

Academic Credit & Course Equivalency

Eligible graduates can receive up to six credit hours toward the 30-hour MILE degree:

• Direct Credit (3 Hours): Upon verification of Signature Class completion, students receive credit for one course within their first chosen certificate. The specific course satisfied depends on which certificate building blocks are selected:
  • Communication & Organizational Leadership: Satisfies COMM 626 (Being a Leader through Language).
  • Nonprofit Leadership: Satisfies MNCL 603 (Fundraising and Philanthropy).
  • Public Safety Leadership: Satisfies MILE 630 (Effective Project Management).
  • Data-Driven Leadership: Satisfies MILE 630 (Effective Project Management).
• Petition for Additional Credit (Up to 3 Hours): Students may petition for an additional three credits (for a total of six) to be applied toward a course in their second certificate.

The Petition Process

To receive the additional three hours for professional experience, students must submit:

1. Statement of Expertise: A 3–5 page statement illustrating leadership capacity, effectiveness in leading initiatives, and a commitment to civic engagement.
2. Professional Resume: An updated resume detailing leadership responsibilities and credentials.
3. Review: Materials are reviewed by the Program Director and the Associate Provost, and credit is awarded at their sole discretion.

Financial and Admission Benefits

• Application Fee Waiver: The standard $25 application fee is waived for eligible Leadership Springfield graduates 
• No Entrance Exams: There is no GRE or GMAT requirement for admission to the MILE program.
• Transcription: Equivalency credits are applied to the transcript at no cost only after all other degree requirements have been met.

MILE Program of Study with LS Equivalency

The MILE degree is a 30-hour program structured as follows under the MOU:

• Fall/Spring Year 1: Certificate #1 (12 hours) — One course satisfied by LS Equivalency.
• Summer Year 1: MILE 600 (3 hours).
• Fall/Spring Year 2: Certificate #2 (12 hours) — One course may be satisfied via Petition.

• • Summer Year 2: MILE 700 Capstone Project (3 hours).

Academic Credit and Equivalency

Eligible graduates can receive up to six graduate credit hours toward the 30-hour MNCL degree:

• Direct Equivalency (3 Hours): Upon verification of Signature Class completion, students automatically receive credit for MNCL 603: Fundraising and Philanthropy.
• Transcription: These equivalency credits are applied to the student’s transcript at no cost once all other degree requirements have been satisfied.
• Petition for Additional Credit (3 Hours): Graduates may petition for the remaining three credit hours (to reach the six-hour maximum) based on their professional experience and leadership accomplishments.

The Petition Process

To receive consideration for the additional three hours of professional experience credit, students must submit:

1. Statement of Expertise: A 3–5 page statement illustrating leadership capacity, effectiveness in leading initiatives, and a commitment to meaningful civic engagement.
2. Professional Resume: An updated resume detailing leadership responsibilities and relevant credentials.
3. Review: These materials are reviewed by the Program Director and the Associate Provost, and credit is awarded at their sole discretion.

Financial and Admission Benefits

• Application Fee Waiver: The standard $25 application fee is waived for eligible Leadership Springfield graduates 
• No Entrance Exams: There is no GRE or GMAT requirement for admission into the MNCL program.
• Certificate Option: These credits can also be applied toward the 12-hour Nonprofit Leadership Certificate if the student chooses not to pursue the full Master’s degree initially.

MNCL Program of Study with LS Equivalency

Under the MOU, the 30-hour degree is structured as follows:

• Core Courses (21 hours remaining): MNCL 601, MNCL 602, MNCL 604, COMM 688, MILE 600, MILE 650, and MILE 700.
• LS Equivalency (3 hours): Satisfies MNCL 603.
• Electives (6 hours): Students select two courses from a list (e.g., Organizational Development, Social Media Strategy, or Effective Project Management).

• • Note: Students with extensive credentials may petition to have one of these electives satisfied via professional experience.

Academic Credit & Equivalency

Eligible Leadership Springfield graduates can receive up to six credit hours toward the 30-hour PSSL degree:

• Direct Credit (3 Hours): Upon verification of Signature Class completion, students automatically receive credit for PSSL 660: Community Engagement, Partnerships, and Program Promotion.
• Petition for Additional Credit (3 Hours): Graduates may petition for the remaining three credit hours (to reach the six-hour maximum) based on their professional experience and leadership accomplishments.
• Transcription: These equivalency credits are applied to the student’s transcript at no cost only after all other degree requirements have been satisfied.

The Petition Process

To be considered for the three additional hours of professional experience credit, students must:

1. Submit a 3–5 Page Statement: This document should illustrate leadership capacity, effectiveness in leading initiatives, understanding of strategy, evaluation of outcomes, and a commitment to civic engagement.
2. Submit a Current Resume: This must detail leadership responsibilities and relevant professional credentials.
3. Faculty Review: These materials are reviewed by the Program Director and the Associate Provost, and credit is awarded at their sole discretion.

Financial and Admission Benefits

• Application Fee Waiver: The standard $25 application fee is waived for eligible Leadership Springfield graduates.
• No Entrance Exams: There is no GRE or GMAT requirement for admission to the PSSL program.
• Stand-Alone Certificate Option: Graduates may also apply three hours of direct credit toward the 12-hour Public Safety Leadership Certificate.

PSSL Program of Study with LS Equivalency

Under the MOU, the PSSL degree structure includes:

• Core Courses: PSSL 600, PSSL 610, PSSL 620, MILE 630, MILE 600, MILE 650, PSSL 670, and PSSL 695.
• LS Equivalency: Satisfies PSSL 660.
• Elective Choice: Students choose one course from MBAV Professional Excel, SCI 621 Educational Technology, or PSSL 680 Emerging Issues in Public Safety Administration.

• • Note: Students with extensive credentials may petition to have the PSSL 680 elective satisfied via professional experience.

Military Education and Training

To petition for credit based on military service:

• Submit official transcripts: You must request that an official copy of your Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript be sent directly to the College of Graduate Studies.
• Evaluation: A maximum of nine credit hours may be awarded toward a 30-hour master’s program. Your graduate program director and the Provost will evaluate these documents for academic credit.

Professional Development and Technical Credentials

In certain programs, such as the Master in Public Service and Safety Leadership (PSSL) or the Master in Integrative Leadership (MILE), you can request a review of career-focused credentials.

• Eligible Credentials: You may receive up to 6 hours of credit for approved certifications in law enforcement, fire services, emergency management, or 911 services.

Academic Credit & Course Equivalency

• Direct Credit: Eligible graduates receive three graduate credit hours of direct equivalency for MILE 630: Effective Project Management.
• Certificate Impact: Since the Data-Driven Leadership Certificate is a 12-credit hour program, Leadership Springfield graduates only need to complete 9 additional hours (three courses) to earn the credential.
• Transcription: These equivalency credits are applied to the student’s transcript at no cost after all other certificate requirements have been met.

Admission and Financial Benefits

• Application Fee Waiver: The standard $25 application fee is waived for eligible Leadership Springfield graduates.
• No Entrance Exams: There is no GRE or GMAT requirement for admission to the certificate program.

Program of Study with LS Equivalency

To complete the certificate under this agreement, students follow this structure:

• MBAV 601: Professional Excel (3 hours)
• DLST 602: Data-Literacy and Data-Driven Culture (3 hours)
• DLST 606: Data Visualization, AI Insights, and Storytelling (3 hours)
• MILE 630: Effective Project Management (Satisfied by LS Equivalency)

Students who complete this certificate may also “stack” these credits into the Master in Integrative Leadership (MILE) degree, where they can petition for an additional three hours of credit based on their professional experience.

Academic Credit & Course Equivalency

• Direct Credit: Eligible graduates receive three graduate credit hours of direct equivalency for COMM 626: Being a Leader through Language.
• Certificate Impact: Because this is a 12-credit hour program, Leadership Springfield graduates only need to complete 9 additional hours (three courses) to earn the credential.
• Transcription: These equivalency credits are applied to the student’s transcript at no cost after all other certificate requirements have been satisfied.

Financial and Admission Benefits

• Application Fee Waiver: The standard $25 application fee is waived for eligible graduates. 
• No Entrance Exams: There is no GRE or GMAT requirement for admission to this certificate program.

Program of Study with LS Equivalency

Under the agreement, the 12-hour certificate is structured as follows:

• COMM 621: Organizational Communication (3 hours)
• COMM 622: Organizational Development (3 hours)
• COMM 623: Organizational Policy & Internal Communication (3 hours)
• COMM 626: Being a Leader through Language (Satisfied by LS Equivalency).

If you choose to “stack” this certificate into a full 30-hour degree, such as the Master of Arts in Communication or the Master in Integrative Leadership (MILE), you may then petition for an additional three credit hours (for a total of six) based on your professional experience and leadership accomplishments. This petition requires a 3–5 page statement of expertise and a current resume for review by the Program Director and Associate Provost.

Academic Credit & Course Equivalency

• Direct Credit: Eligible graduates receive three graduate credit hours of direct equivalency for MILE 630: Effective Project Management.
• Certificate Impact: Because the Public Safety Leadership Certificate is a 12-credit hour program, Leadership Springfield graduates only need to complete 9 additional hours (three courses) to earn the credential.
• Transcription: These equivalency credits are applied to the student’s transcript at no cost only after all other certificate requirements have been satisfied.

Admission and Financial Benefits

• Application Fee Waiver: The standard $25 application fee is waived for eligible graduates.
• No Entrance Exams: There is no GRE or GMAT requirement for admission into this certificate program.

Program of Study with LS Equivalency

To complete the certificate under this agreement, students follow this structure:

• PSSL 600: Integrated Approaches to Public Safety (3 hours)
• PSSL 610: Strategic Planning and Evaluation (3 hours)
• PSSL 620: Human Resources Management and Employee Wellness (3 hours)
• MILE 630: Effective Project Management (Satisfied by LS Equivalency)

Stackable Pathway and Petitions Same thing: If you have a way to Showcase the versatility of this on the webpage….Its sort of set-apart from the others are we are looking to promote this heavily.

Completion of the Signature Class makes a student eligible for three credit hours applicable to one certificate or degree. If a student chooses to stack this certificate into a full 30-hour degree, such as the Master in Public Service and Safety Leadership (PSSL) or the Master in Integrative Leadership (MILE), they may then petition for an additional three credit hours (for a total of six) based on their professional experience and leadership accomplishments. This petition requires a current resume and a 3–5 page statement detailing relevant expertise for faculty review.

Military Education and Training

To petition for credit based on military service:

• Submit official transcripts: You must request that an official copy of your Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript be sent directly to the College of Graduate Studies.
• Evaluation: A maximum of nine credit hours may be awarded toward a 30-hour master’s program. Your graduate program director and the Provost will evaluate these documents for academic credit.

Professional Development and Technical Credentials

In certain programs, such as the Master in Public Service and Safety Leadership (PSSL) or the Master in Integrative Leadership (MILE), you can request a review of career-focused credentials.

• Eligible Credentials: You may receive up to 6 hours of credit for approved certifications in law enforcement, fire services, emergency management, or 911 services.