Master of Science in Leadership
The Department of Leadership offers the Master of Science in Leadership (MSL) with three distinct concentrations designed to meet the needs of today's professionals.
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Leadership (MSL) is a 30-hour graduate degree program offered in a fully online format. Our curriculum responds to the dynamic needs of students working in or preparing for rapidly changing professional environments and expectations.
Through the study of leadership theory and practice, our students have an opportunity to gain a greater awareness of their personal leadership skills, new perspectives on leadership styles and practices, and insight into effectively leading individuals, groups, and organizations.
Students choose one of three concentrations outlined below to ensure their educational experience aligns with their interests and professional goals.
Concentrations
Students pursuing this concentration will gain insights on community development and grant writing processes. This curriculum provides an overview of issues important to civic engagement and community needs. These skills will serve students who are interested in exploring public issues and/or engaging groups and organizations in community-based development.
The interdisciplinary curriculum promotes a scientific approach to optimizing organizational outcomes by equipping leaders with the skills to cultivate a diverse, equitable, and inclusive climate. These skills serve students who strive to make organizations more supportive and engaging places to work.
Students pursuing this concentration will gain insights on organizational strategy, conflict management and negotiation, and organizational change. Students are exposed to concepts that increase their capacity to lead people and organizations with strategic agility, enhanced critical thinking skills, and the ability to navigate complex challenges.
NACE Career Readiness Competencies
All concentrations in the MSL program address key competencies identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE):
- Career and self-development
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Leadership
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Equity & Inclusion (specifically emphasized in the DEI concentration)
Related Certificate Programs
The Department of Leadership also offers five graduate certificate programs that can enhance your credentials:
- Community and Organizational Leadership
- Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace
- Grant Writing
- Leading Organizational Change