How is the MOL different from BOLD?

Many graduates of Biola's BOLD program (the adult degree-completion program for a BA degree) ask us how the MOL program will benefit them, since both degrees fall into the broad category of "Organizational Leadership." So, we decided to let some of our students answer you in their own words. Each of the individuals below is a graduate (or current student) of both the BOLD and MOL programs. We asked them to share with us what some of the differences in the programs were, whether the investment in both programs was worth their time and finances, and what advice they might have for BOLD graduates considering the MOL program. We hope you find this helpful!

Kim Rosiar
Executive Director, Palomar Christian Conference Center

While BOLD is a great experience and a worthy undergraduate program, it pales in comparison to the in-depth study of leadership and the personal growth the student will experience in the MOL program.  While I don’t believe one was more difficult than the other, and the cohort concept is key to the learning experience in both, the emphasis and depth of study in the MOL program is leadership. The BOLD program must cover many of the supporting disciplines important to the leader, i.e. accounting, MIS, statistics, etc., but the MOL focuses on the leader and leadership. The most significant difference for me, personally, was the impact that the leadership concepts and philosophies, as well as the experiential learning, had on my view of leadership and the personal change and development that took place within me. I now view leadership much more like Jesus does – it is about the relationships more than the task at hand. It’s about developing those around me that God has entrusted to my care.

Bob Sokol
Territory Services Director, Best Buy

The MOL program is the best investment I have ever made in myself - and probably the best investment of any kind that I will ever make. It catapulted me into a journey of learning and growth to become a better employee, leader, friend, father, husband, and child of God - that will last a lifetime. The benefits are immeasurable!

Both the BOLD and MOL programs are excellent and do an superb job at integrating faith and leadership. The MOL program deepens knowledge of leadership theories and teaches each individual how to apply them across multiple environmental scenarios. It accomplishes this through the use of business case studies, personal application and experience, text and materials from multiple perspectives, and thought provoking in-class discussions. The BOLD program equips the learner with new knowledge that can be applied in the workplace and life. As a leader, it helped me better diagnose situations more accurately which improved my business unit's performance. The MOL program, on the other hand, leads each participant through a personalized journey of self-discovery and growth while integrating practical leadership principles into a wide range of environments. As a leader, the MOL program has equipped me with new skills and knowledge that have allowed me to impact those around me which has impacted both my business unit and the broader organization's performance. The MOL program challenges you to check you assumptions about leadership, business, and yourself - equipping you with practical tools and knowledge to become a more effective leader, creating positive change in any environment whereas the BOLD program primarily teaches how to apply business principles to your current environment. The BOLD program taught me about leadership and it's application. The MOL program equipped me to become a better leader and impact the world. Attending MOL classes is one of the highlights of my week - every single week!

Some advice for BOLD students considering the MOL:

  • Attend a session at one of the MOL core classes for a preview.
  • I'd recommend rolling right from BOLD to MOL without a semester break - continue while you've integrated school into your life's rhythm.
  • The time to complete MOL homework is about twice that of the BOLD program but MOL homework/time seems to go by twice as fast.
  • Don't plan on being the "smartest person in class" in the MOL program. You will be challenged by peers.
  • The students are amazing and the friendships and networks will last your lifetime.
  • Most MBA programs I researched are similar to the BOLD program and provide practical knowledge - the MOL program equips you for change - in yourself, in others, and to change the world around you.

Henri Wynn
Corporate Responsibility Manager, St. Francis Medical Center

I look at the two programs in this way: BOLD is definitely foundational in terms of learning about types of leadership, where we as students fit into leadership roles and how to manage people as leaders. It taught us how to be a servant leader in the workplace. The MOL focuses on strategically putting our knowledge of leadership to work on process and planning. Case studies play an important role in this learning. My time spent, the investment and money spent in the MOL was absolutely worth it. I would not change a thing. I think two degrees in the same area of study adds credence to my expertise. BOLD students have been given
foundationally the tools to know what it takes to be a great servant leader in the business world. The MOL will teach you how to apply those tools.