Master’s in Leadership Online

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Prospective students must list universities that are ranked best in terms of reputation, teaching and experience of the faculty, accreditation, scholarship and funding, faculty research interests, support services, and more. Students should also ensure that the programs and universities align with their personal and professional goals. Here are some of the best master’s in leadership programs online prepared by OMC teams:

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Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

A master’s in leadership online degree helps professionals develop their leadership skills. It will help them lead organizations and teams through complex change. The online leadership degree is designed for professionals who are working and have a good amount of experience but who want to enhance their leadership skills and enter senior leadership and management roles. Students will require 30 to 36 credit hours of coursework to complete their program. Some master’s programs have concentration areas for students to choose from according to their interests.  Students can also select their electives depending on their career interests.

The master’s in leadership is offered in online, offline, and hybrid learning modes. Online learning is flexible and helps students balance their work and studies, while offline students will have to go to university and attend classes face to face. The hybrid learning mode is a combination of both offline and online learning. Students will have most of their classes online and a few of them in person.

Master’s in Leadership Degree Types

There are three types of online master’s in leadership degrees. They are Master of Arts in Leadership, Master of Science in Leadership, and Master of Education in Leadership. Students can choose anyone depending on their personal and professional interests.

In most instances, students must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and submit their scores before applying to a graduate program. However, some universities skip this requirement for students with high GPAs or substantial work experience. Examples of universities offering master’s in leadership no GRE programs include Miami Herbert Business School, University of San Diego, Belhaven University, etc.

An accelerated master’s in leadership online can be completed in lesser time when compared to traditional master’s programs. Students can earn their degrees faster by opting for transfer credits, fast-track programs, and covering more classes in less time. Alternatively, many institutions offer integrated programs combining bachelor’s and master’s degrees that can be completed in 5 years instead of the usual 6 years. Here are examples of some accelerated master’s in leadership:

• North Central University – offers an accelerated master’s in organizational leadership, which can be completed in 12 months. The course structure of this program is intense and fast-paced.
• Manhattan College – offers an accelerated master of science in organizational leadership that is well suited for working professionals.
• Northeastern University  – offers a master of science in organizational leadership that can be completed within one year.

Free courses help in providing additional information on a subject. But free courses are usually not accredited and do not lead to a master’s degree. While there are no free master’s in leadership online courses, in particular, some online platforms provide short free courses in leadership that can help students in their projects and assignments. Some examples are:

One of the important factors to keep in mind while applying to a master’s program is the overall cost, including the tuition fee, transport, housing, and meals. The cost of a master’s program varies from different programs and institutions. Although the added benefit for students pursuing their master’s online is they can save on travel and accommodation, they must still pay for course materials, tuition fees, and distance learning fees. Students can consider various funding mechanisms to fund their master’s in leadership online programs. Some of the funding possibilities are:

Scholarships

Scholarships are one of the popular funding mechanisms among students. They are awarded based on the academic merit of students. Scholarships are funded by private and public institutions, universities, and commercial organizations.

Grants

Students can consider grants as one of their funding options. Grants are usually not offered based on the student’s academic success but are awarded based on specific factors such as region, economic status, or particular areas of education and research.

Graduate Assistantships

Students can work part-time as graduate assistants, helping professors in their academic activity and teaching undergraduates in exchange for a fee waiver or stipend. 

Work-Study Programs

Students can work part-time for several hours while studying to support themselves. Although the money one earns may not suffice for paying the tuition fees, it would help meet other educational expenses. 

Employer Sponsorships

Because most students applying to a master’s in leadership online program are likely to be already employed, they could check with their employers for sponsorship programs or fee reimbursement options.

FAFSA

Prospective candidates of graduate programs can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the FAFSA form to determine their eligibility for financial aid from the federal government.

Discover more about education-funding-related matters: Cost of Master’s | Scholarship Scams | Financial Aid Guide 

Graduate school scholarships are offered to students with excellent academic track records. They are awarded by universities, associations, and external organizations after determining the student’s eligibility and levels of merit. Some examples of scholarships for master’s in leadership online students are:

APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship

The APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship is offered to a graduate student from an underrepresented group who has shown a financial need and is committed to reducing gaps in societal structures and issues that adversely impact communities of color, particularly communities of African origin.

Award/Amount

$4,000  

Application Deadline   

January 31, 2023

The Responsify Empowering Others Scholarship

This is given to students who can demonstrate, in a self-reflective essay, how their major may be used to empower others.

This scholarship is awarded by Pittsburgh to graduate students who pursue a master’s degree in theology

Award/Amount 

$1,000

Application Deadline 

October 05, annually

Elite Lawyer Scholarship

The Elite Lawyer Scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student, the next generation of leaders passionate about bettering their communities.

Award/Amount

$1,000

Application Deadline   

January 19, 2023

Graduates with a leadership online master’s can work in a wide range of settings in various leadership and managerial roles. Some examples include but are not limited to:

• Corporate Sectors
• Healthcare Settings
• Schools
• Government Agencies
• Consultation Company
• Community Organizations
• Non-Profit Sectors

Some job roles graduates of online master’s in leadership usually take on are:

• Leadership Development Program Manager
• Corporate Trainer
• Consultant
• Sales Manager
• School Principal
• C-Level Executive
• Community Service Manager
• Health Services Manager
• Staff Officer
• Project Coordinator

Here are a few career options for leadership master’s graduates, along with their reported annual median salaries and job growth:

Individuals looking to enhance their career prospects and get a boost in their salary can get certified in their field. Certifications help widen one’s job opportunities and gain additional knowledge. When it comes to online master’s in leadership, there are no particular certifications required for graduates as the master itself is sufficient to increase their career potential. Nevertheless, some organizations offer training and certifications for leadership professionals, such as:

1. Korn Ferry – Certifications-Korn Ferry is a consulting organization offering extensive training and certifications for leadership and working professionals. Their objective is to improve project performance and deliver organizational success. They offer leadership and professional development programs that will benefit a professional organization.
2. Certified Leadership Professional (CLP)-The Certified Leadership Professional (CLP) designation is given to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, abilities, and competencies in leadership. Essentially a Canadian certification, candidates are required to meet the Canadian College for Leadership & Management (CCLM) requirements.

Tapping into various resources will help leadership professionals stay relevant in the field. One can stay up to date with colleagues and gain a wider perspective on their subject. Connecting with peers, joining organizations, staying up to date with journals and publications, and attending seminars and workshops are some ways of gaining a competitive edge over others. Some valuable resources for master’s in leadership online professionals are:

1. Interaction Associates  – Interaction Associates is a pioneer of collaborative leadership, creative problem solving, and group facilitation. Companies around the world use their tools to foster inclusive behavior, engage personal accountability, engage employees, and achieve their results.
2. Klemmer and Associates – Klemmer and Associates aims to support corporations and individuals to increase their results. They provide personal mastery services, private team training, and more.
3. American Management Association (AMA)  -The American Management Association (AMA) offers various training programs and webinars on leadership, such as HR management, business enhancement, project management, finance and accounting, leadership, management & supervisory skills, etc.  
4. American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)  -The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) is the premier association management organization covering organizations and individual association professionals. ASAE nurtures a community of smart, creative, and interesting people and helps them achieve previously unimaginable performance levels.
5. NMA – The Leadership Development Organization – NMA – The Leadership Development Organization is a not-for-profit professional association dedicated to “the growth and development of its members by empowering them with the leadership skills needed in today’s workplace and beyond.”