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Master of Arts in Urban Leadership

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About the Program

The Master of Arts in Urban Leadership is a leading-edge online graduate degree designed by the School of Public Policy and Leadership. We engage the next generation of leaders from across organizational sectors to drive improved community and organizational outcomes. Our students range from transformative leaders, the big thinkers who see the world in a whole new way to front-line administrators who find the opportunity to transform the community through small but impactful organizational changes every day.

View Program Requirements

Benefits of the Urban Leadership Program

Urban Leadership students gain real-world knowledge from urban leaders working locally and in communities throughout the U. S. through carefully curated learning opportunities.

Flexible Online Schedules

Classes are held online, offering flexibility for working professionals with demanding schedules.

Build Your Network

Opportunities to connect with other students, faculty, and professionals in the field are incorporated throughout the program, helping you to build and strengthen your professional network. This program offers hands-on learning to help students harness and sharpen the skills necessary to inspire change and leave a lasting impact.

Design Your Own Legacy Project

Not only will you network with various experts and leaders, but you have the option to design your own legacy project over the course of the program, putting your vision for community change into a tangible plan of action.

Receive Executive Coaching

Students of the Urban Leadership Program have free access to personalized one-on-one executive coaching. Whether you’re thinking about moving up in your career, transitioning to a new organization, or building an organization of your own, our executive coach can help you find the focus, inspiration, and practical steps to achieve your goals.

Learn More About Executive Coaching

Professors of Practice

Dr. Jeffrey L. Buchanan D.P.P, M.B.A

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Dr. Jeffrey L. Buchanan is a retired Fire Chief with more than 21 years of public safety and government experience, and now is a consultant and principal at The.Buchanan.Group LLC. As the Fire Chief for Las Vegas Fire and Rescue (LVF&R), Jeff had oversight of day-to-day operations for more than 800 employees and a total budget that is in excess of 200 million dollars. Previously, Jeff served…
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Tim Burch

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Timothy Burch is a two-time alumnus of the University of Nevada – Las Vegas with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Public Administration. He has invested over 25 years in improving health and human services systems of care while working in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. 20 of those years have been in local government in Clark County (Las Vegas), NV where he has served in…
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Brian Elms

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Brian Elms is the author of Peak Performance and Faculty at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He served as the director of Peak Academy and Analytics for the city and county of Denver for more than five years. Brian specializes in government innovation and process improvement providing management expertise to government agencies, elected officials, and nonprofits. Irreverent, honest and…
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Layke Martin, Esq.

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Layke Martin is an attorney and professor.  She serves as the Executive Director of the Nevada Cannabis Association, where she coordinates legislative and policy agendas, educational programming, community outreach, and member services.  An experienced teacher and administrator, Layke previously served as the Assistant Dean for External Relations at the UNLV William S. Boyd School of…
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Benjamin Morse

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Benjamin Morse has led courses focusing on digital and social media, podcasting, public relations and marketing since 2018. Prior to joining the university, Morse worked in the entertainment industry, including 10 years at Marvel Entertainment where he served as editorial director of digital media to oversee content creation, social media, audio and video production, and more. Morse has been…
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Dave Nourse

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Dave Nourse is an assistant professor in the Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies. He holds a bachelor of science degree in criminology and an master of education degree in counseling from North Carolina State University. He received his doctorate in Educational Technology from UNLV where he focused on how technology can be utilized to help at-risk students graduate from…
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