Young Harris College offers new master's program
Young Harris, GA (10/02/2026) — Young Harris College is offering a new master's program - Master of Science in Leadership & Supervision - designed to provide an accelerated graduate program for emerging and working professionals looking to transition into leadership.
The first cohort of students hit the classroom this August for the three-semester-long online program. Students study a range of leadership courses ranging from Critical Decision Making and Ethical Judgment to Leading with Authenticity.
"The Master of Science in Leadership and Supervision is a real-world curriculum designed for the practitioner," said Dr. Todd Jones, dean of graduate programs for YHC. "The courses cover topics including learning from experience, leading change, effective supervision, and employee coaching."
The goal for the program is to equip students to successfully lead in the role they are currently in, whether that role is an individual contributor or a more seasoned supervisory leader, Jones said.
Logan Pate, financial aid counselor at YHC and member of the inaugural class, agreed: "The MSLS program is giving me insight into the challenges of being a leader and a supervisor. I am gaining a better appreciation for being a supervisor and leader while also acquiring practical skills to use throughout my career. MSLS encourages us to think critically, communicate effectively, and connect the learning material to our real-life experiences."
Jenni Schmidt, a graduate student in the MSLS program, appreciates how the program brings professional experience into the classroom.
"Dr. Jones and the rest of the faculty are bringing their extensive professional experience into the program while bridging theory with practice, creating a collaborative learning environment where we are encouraged to engage in discussion about the material," Schmidt said. "I would highly recommend the MSLS program to anyone who is looking to take that next step in their career, increase confidence in their decision-making, or develop a better understanding of what it means to be a leader. The knowledge and self-assurance that I am gaining through this program has had a positive effect on my personal and professional development.
"This program is affordable, professors are approachable, and the workload is planned well for me as a working professional and mother," she added. "The curriculum focuses not just on learning theory but on real-life application to my career today. I have been able to take actionable steps based on the information taught and am grateful for such a great opportunity to further my understanding of leadership and supervision."
Fellow graduate student Alyssa Geis agreed. Enrolled in the MSLS program, Geis loved the online opportunity of the program.
"I'm a proud 2007 alum of Young Harris College and was intrigued to see a new virtual learning opportunity available," she said. "When reviewing the Master of Science in Leadership and Supervision degree program content and coursework, I knew I wanted to apply. Within the first couple of weeks of class, I felt excitedly challenged and was already able to apply my new learning to my current professional role. My ultimate goal is to secure a formal leadership position, and I'm confident this program will equip me with the knowledge and skills to get me there."
Jones feels the MSLS helps position graduates to take that next step in their career path.
"The program focus is to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills to position them in a career trajectory that will achieve increased leadership roles in their current organization and better prepare them for future roles wherever their career takes them," Jones said. "More simply, the Master of Science in Leadership and Supervision is the beginning of a lifetime of learning essential for an adaptive leadership and supervisory career journey."
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