Oaks School of Leadership (OSL)

OSL equips students for effective leadership in ministry, business and non-profit leadership through hands-on leadership training and an accredited degree.

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Experience

Gain hands-on experience in leadership that complements classroom learning. Complete 4 years of leadership experience in a healthy, vibrant and growing church. Experience includes staff mentorship, project management, volunteerism training, access to pastoral staff and weekly staff meetings, schedule flexibility and accountability.

Accredited Degrees

Most OSL students will major in:

BA in Church Leadership
BA in Business
BS in Human Services

Students pursuing other degrees at the undergraduate or graduate level can apply to participate in the OSL Program and be eligible for OSL and/or Oaks-related scholarship opportunities.

Financial Aid

SAGU students who choose OSL may be eligible for federal financial aid. Students may also qualify for select scholarships available exclusively through The Oaks Church.

Earn your degree and gain experience at OSL.

Internships

There are more than 25 internship opportunities through SAGU OSL in business, ministry, leadership, non-profit, missions, church planting and education. Internships spread across Oaks Worship, Oaks Kids, Oaks Local + Global (missions), Oaks Youth, Oaks Powerhouse (kids evangelism), Oaks School of Leadership, Pastoral Care, Connections, Creative Arts, Media, Spiritual Formation, Small Groups and Oaks Young Adults. SAGU OSL also has business-related opportunities with local business partners of the Oaks Church.

Graduate Success

The graduation and job placement rates for OSL are high. More than 600 students have gone through OSL over the past 8 years. Many serve in high-caliber leadership positions around the world.

Leader-Mentor Program

Students have the option to begin a mentor relationship with a high-impact leader after the first year. This relationship continues throughout the educational experience and, in most cases, beyond graduation. Students have a monthly 1-on-1 with their mentor including coaching, prayer and accountability.

Each pastor on staff at the Oaks Church is committed to developing these future leaders in ministry. By the time a SAGU-OSL student graduates, they have the experience, understanding and ability to be a successful leader.

Leadership in ministry begins with relationships. Mentorship is a key component of establishing a framework to train up and coming leaders. To accomplish this, the Oaks Church requires that each pastor on staff invests 25% of their time and effort to mentor.

Delivery

Students have the option to learn online and in person.

Degree Overview

The requirement for each degree is 120 credit hours (or approximately 40 courses). Eight of the courses are leadership intensive (LDR), internship-based courses that rely upon a mix of leadership instruction, mentorship and involvement at the Oaks Church. Each student enrolls in one of these LDR courses per semester.

8-12 courses are taught face-to-face at the Oaks Church campus. The remaining courses are completed at SAGU's main campus.

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