LEWISTON – In response to the challenging economy and the need to offer more versatile, relevant and locally based higher education opportunities, the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College now offers new programs designed to help Maine residents.

A graduate certificate in leadership studies is one of the USM’s newest graduate certificate options. The certificate provides advanced level grounding in leadership theory and research and the skill sets required to work effectively in multiple contexts.

It requires 12 credit hours of graduate courses and draws professionals from nonprofit, corporate and civic sectors. It is an especially attractive option for those seeking additional education in leadership skills, but who are unable to commit to a full degree program.

Similarly, the Creative Leadership and Global Strategy post-baccalaureate certificate draws professionals interested in improving their understanding of the societal, cultural, historical and philosophical aspects of creative leadership from a global perspective.

The certificate program provides an advanced level grounding in leadership theory, the research and practice of deliberate creativity and innovation, and working effectively in multi-cultural and multi-national environments.

Established in 2001, the USM LAC Master of Arts in Leadership Studies program is a graduate program that can be completed in two years on a full-time basis, or three to six years on a part-time basis.

Applications for 2008 fall admission are being accepted. Candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree (in any discipline) at a regionally accredited college or university.

Those who have not yet attended or completed college should consider the ultimate option, the Leadership and Organizational Studies 4+1 program. The program enables students to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Studies entirely at USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College within five years.

“MLS is in the business of creating world leaders one student at a time. Updated opportunities such as certificate programs make returning to college more affordable and less daunting because students are offered the chance to achieve a tangible goal in less time for less money,” said MLS program Interim Chair Professor Tara Coste.

Anyone interested in learning more about and/or pursuing a leadership degree or certificate is encouraged to call the USM LAC graduate programs office at 753-6523 or e-mail [email protected].