A process by which an individual can guide, direct and influence the work and behavior of others toward the achievement of specific goals in a given situation is known as Leadership. Individuals with relevant work experience who want to advance their leadership skills can pursue the master’s in leadership online program. An online leadership master’s will help students acquire knowledge, skills, and dispositions at a leadership level. It will help them become more effective in their current roles, learn to make ethical decisions, and lead the organization. Graduates of online leadership master’s degree can work in various leadership positions like a corporate trainer, human resource manager, school principal, health service manager, C-level executive, and more. This guide expounds on the master’s in leadership online degree and covers all its critical aspects that prospective students need to know.
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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College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|
#1 Pepperdine University 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, California 90263 | $37,300 | 83% |
#2 Averett University 420 W Main St, Danville, Virginia 24541 | $11,790 | 42% |
#3 Gonzaga University E 502 Boone Ave, Spokane, Washington 99258 | $14,499 | 85% |
#4 Saint Louis University One North Grand Blvd, Saint Louis, Missouri 63103 | $21,960 | 80% |
#5 Crown College 8700 College View Drive, Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota 55375 | $10,350 | 61% |
#6 Fort Hays State University 600 Park St, Hays, Kansas 67601 | $3,726 | 50% |
#7 American Public University System 111 W Congress St, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414 | $6,660 | 49% |
#8 Southeast Missouri State University One University Plaza, MS2025, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701 | $5,858 | 54% |
#9 Charleston Southern University 9200 University Blvd, Charleston, South Carolina 29406 | $5,085 | 49% |
#10 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 1 Aerospace Blvd., Daytona Beach, Florida 32114 | $18,756 | 62% |
#11 Lincoln Christian University 100 Campus View Drive, Lincoln, Illinois 62656 | $8,712 | 46% |
#12 Minot State University 500 University Ave W, Minot, North Dakota 58707 | $8,992 | 46% |
#13 Trine University 1 University Ave, Angola, Indiana 46703 | $43,508 | 64% |
#14 Baker University 615 Dearborn Street, Baldwin City, Kansas 66006-0065 | $11,466 | 62% |
#15 University of Northwestern-St Paul 3003 Snelling Ave N, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55113 | $8,982 | 68% |
#16 Regis University 3333 Regis Blvd, Denver, Colorado 80221 | $14,063 | 62% |
#17 Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota 700 Terrace Heights, Winona, Minnesota 55987 | $10,890 | 57% |
#18 Concordia University-Saint Paul 1282 Concordia Ave, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104 | $8,550 | 53% |
#19 University of Wisconsin-Platteville 1 University Plaza, Platteville, Wisconsin 53818 | $7,831 | 59% |
#20 University of South Dakota 414 E Clark St, Vermillion, South Dakota 57069 | $6,123 | 60% |
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.
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.
The Master of Arts or MA in leadership online is oriented towards subjects of liberal arts and humanities. It focuses more on research with a theoretical approach. This type of degree is suitable for individuals intending to pursue their doctoral studies.
The Master of Science or MS in leadership online has a more scientific and technical approach with subjects from the STEM field. It gives professional competency to students with gaining more practical skills. The M.S program also consists of research.
The Master of Education or M.Ed. leadership online focuses on theories and skills that can be applied across education. It focuses more on the practical aspects of the program.
Note: Some business schools offer a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis on leadership.
Master’s in Leadership and Masters of Business Administration (MBA) have similarities but do not replace each other, nor can they be each other’s substitute. Both degrees offer courses on management and leadership. Here are some of the differences between the Master’s in Leadership and an MBA:
Master of Arts/Master of Science in Leadership | Masters in Business Administration (Leadership Emphasis) |
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Master’s in Leadership is mainly designed for individuals who want to create a change, impact, and lead within an organization. | The MBA in leadership attracts people interested in business and want to acquire knowledge on a variety of topics in business, such as accounting, management, finance, entrepreneurship, and marketing. |
Typically, individuals already working in an organization and have a good amount of experience enroll in the leadership master’s program. | Not all students who enroll in an MBA program have work experience. |
It focuses on the principles of leadership and its aspects. | It focuses on business aspects such as marketing, finance, economics, and so on |
It can be completed within one to two years. | An MBA will take an average of 2 to 3 years to complete. |
Specialization helps students sharpen their skills and knowledge in specific areas of interest. It also has other advantages such as high salaries, career advancement, and industry recognition. Various specialization options are available within the leadership master’s program. Some of these leadership concentrations are:
Area of Specialization | Description |
---|---|
Human Resources Management | This specialization focuses on the application of the study of human resource principles. It consists of various areas of study such as employee relations, benefits, and compensation. |
Public Administration | The main focus of this concentration is leadership skills required in the public sector, such as conflict management, coaching, human resource management, and team building. |
Organizational Leadership and Communication | This specialization focuses on leadership strategies that will prepare students to advance in upper management, middle management, and administrative positions in all fields. |
Marketing Communications Leadership | This specialization provides students with highly demanded and unique marketing skills while acquiring leadership abilities to drive high-performance firms and clients. |
Ministry | This concentration helps in enhancing the professional skills of ministry leaders. |
Project Management | This concentration is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, mindset, and skills to lead and manage others to build high-performing organizations. |
Health Leadership and Management | This specialization provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary for managerial and leadership roles in healthcare settings. |
Sports Leadership | This concentration provides foundational knowledge of the necessary core concepts to run functional areas of a sports team or organization. It will help students develop and refine their leadership abilities in sporting environments. |
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership | This specialization explores race, culture, gender, and ethnicity in executive writing, leadership, evidence-based practices, evaluation and statistics, and the roles of laws and policies. |
Non-Profit Leadership and Management | This specialization provides students with the training and skills required to lead a complex, mission-driven, non-profit organization. |
Some of the other available concentrations in a master’s in leadership online degree program include:
The online master’s in leadership program is designed for individuals who want to acquire leadership skills and expand their opportunities in leadership and management roles. This program requires 30 to 36 hours of coursework to be completed. Students can choose their electives depending on their interests and goals. They will also have to complete a capstone project as a part of the master’s in leadership online degree. To customize their degrees, students can choose from various concentrations that align with their interests and professional goals. Some examples of core leadership courses in the program include:
The master’s in leadership program will provide students with a strong foundation of skills and knowledge to lead in an organization. Among the many skills, students of this degree program would have gained the ability to:
Accreditation is the strict process of evaluation that institutions go through to maintain their standards of educational quality. Accredited universities design and implement their education to the highest standards expected by students, parents, and the industry. Prospective students should choose from accredited leadership colleges for easy employability and a better career outlook. Here are some of the main accrediting agencies in the United States:
More information on accreditation and its importance is available in the Accreditation Guide.
Master’s in leadership online programs are offered in both full-time and part-time options. A full-time master’s in leadership program can typically be completed in about 1 to 2 years. On the other hand, part-time master’s in leadership programs would require about 2 to 3 years to complete. While full-time programs are best for students who can take a break from their jobs and attend school, part-time programs are best for working professionals who will be able to balance their academic, personal and professional life.
Before beginning the application process, prospective students must go through the admission requirements for the master’s in leadership online program. Most of the admission requirements are similar across the universities. But many might have specific requirements depending on the university and program. Here are some of the master’s in leadership admission requirements:
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:
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:
Course | Provided by | Description |
---|---|---|
Various Topics on Leadership | Coursera | Coursera offers various topics on leadership, such as inclusive leadership, leading teams, digital transformation, change managements, etc. |
Various Topics on Leadership | edX | edX offers several courses on leadership topics, such as exercising leadership- foundation principles, innovative leadership, and more. |
Various Topics on Leadership | Udemy | Udemy offers some free courses in leadership such as self-leadership, joyful leadership, becoming a better leader, leadership by design, etc. |
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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
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
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
master’s in leadership provides a deep foundation in leadership ability that combines practical and theory-based applications for evolving and complex organizations. It extends and builds skills and understanding in leadership practices necessary to lead an organization.
Several universities offer a master’s in leadership entirely online. The online option is best for students who prefer flexible study schedules while balancing their work and family lives too.
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:
Some job roles graduates of online master’s in leadership usually take on are:
Here are a few career options for leadership master’s graduates, along with their reported annual median salaries and job growth:
Occupation | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2030) | Job Description |
---|---|---|---|
Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals | $98,420 | 8% (as fast as average) | School principals oversee all the operations in a school while setting performance goals for staff and students. |
Human Resource Managers | $126,230 | 9% (as fast as average) | Human resource managers are responsible for directing, planning, and coordinating the administrative functions of an organization from a staffing perspective. |
Public Relations and Fund Raising Managers | $119,860 | 13% (faster than average) | Fundraising and public relations managers conduct big events and oversee large teams. They improve a company’s public image and perception while raising money for non-profits. |
Training and Development Specialists | $61,570 | 11% (faster than average) | Development and training specialists administer and plan programs that improve the knowledge and skills of their employees. |
Top Executives | $98,980 | 8% (as fast as average) | Top executives devise strategies and procedures to meet an organization’s objectives. They plan and direct the work of businesses and organizations. |
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:
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:
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