Program Overview 

Established in 1991 as a joint program between Mount Saint Vincent University and Saint Mary’s University, MDW is constantly evolving to suit the needs of women in management. 

MDW is a dynamic program that offers you an opportunity to expand your knowledge base, develop your management skills and extend your professional network.

Three days per month for nine months, you will learn the skills and strategies necessary to take on new challenges and advance in your career.

Balancing theory and practice, you will apply classroom learning directly to your workplace through projects that broaden your understanding of your organization.  To ensure relevance, there are major workplace-based assignments.  In consultation with instructors, you and your sponsors are encouraged to adapt assignments to fit your organization’s needs, using actual data and circumstances.  

Class size is limited to facilitate personal development through class exercises and activities, small group discussions, role-playing, and case studies.

The program is intended for women who work in government, private industry, business, and non-profit organizations. The learning environment is enriched when there is participation from all sectors.  Participants must have worked for three or more years in: first line or supervisory level management, a professional position, or a position which provides management preparation skills.  

program objectives

MDW is designed to: 

• Provide you with an overall understanding of the management process

• Address concerns that are specific to women in management

• Enable you to acquire the skills to become an effective manager in any organization

• Assist you in developing an active network of women with similar career goals

• Open the door for you to explore many new and exciting career opportunities

• Provide you with the chance to bring your career interests to the attention of your employer

sponsors

In order to apply to the MDW program, you will require a sponsor.  Most participants are sponsored by their employers, either by a supervisor or someone else within the organization.  Usually, employers provide full or partial financial sponsorship; however, some participants pay their own tuition.  Even if your sponsor does not fund your participation in the program, he/she should play an active role in lending mentoring support to help you carry out your assignments.

program support

The program coordinator maintains ongoing contact with participants, sponsors, and instructors to ensure the program functions smoothly. A management committee is responsible for the curriculum, instructors, and evaluation of the program. The committee includes the program coordinator, the Director of Distance Learning and Continuing Education at Mount Saint Vincent University and the Acting Director of Continuing Education at Saint Mary’s University.

assessment criteria

You must pass all modules for successful completion of the program. Assessment methods vary with each module. Performance is assessed on the basis of class participation and quality of assignments.

performance standards

You should be prepared to commit an average of 10 to 12 hours each week for completion of projects, readings and assignments.

attendance

Consistent effort and regular attendance are keys to success in the program. Those absent for reasons beyond their control must complete required assignments and demonstrate to the instructor that they have achieved the required level of knowledge.

certification

A Management Development Certificate will be awarded jointly by Mount Saint Vincent University and Saint Mary’s University upon successful completion of the program. Certificates are presented by representatives of both universities at a graduation luncheon in June.