A master’s degree in leadership is a less quantitative alternative to a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). Instead of focusing on financing, accounting, and marketing, a leadership masters degree emphasizes communication studies. While earning a master’s degree in leadership, students will study cross-cultural communications, coaching techniques, team-building strategies, and strategic thinking. This degree is advantageous for professionals who have already mastered the quantitative aspects of business, but who hope to become leaders within their organizations.
Why a Master’s Degree?
Degrees in leadership aren’t limited to students with a bachelor’s degree in business administration . A master’s degree in leadership can help students and professionals of all backgrounds advance their career opportunities by bolstering leadership and communication skills. In a diverse workforce that is quickly becoming part of a globalized economy, cross-cultural communication and global ethics are becoming essential for business leaders to make informed decisions and unite diverse groups of people. A leadership degree prepares students to make the best decisions for a company and its employees.
Getting Into a Master’s Degree Program
Students earning degrees in leadership typically come from a wide range of backgrounds. Here are a few common requirements students can expect when applying for to a graduate school leadership:
- An undergraduate degree
- Desired GPA as evidenced by transcripts from all universities and colleges attended
- Desired GRE or GMAT scores
- Supplemental documents such as resume, recommendation letters, and statement of purpose
Inside a Master’s Degree Program
For full-time students, a master’s degree program in leadership typically takes two to three years to complete. Students will take classes that discuss leading teams, managing an organizational culture, becoming an ethical leader, managing a diverse workforce, and training strategic leaders. Specializations are also available in this field, allowing students to pursue careers in areas like health care administration. Students following a professional track will conduct a project as a capstone requirement, usually in the last semester of study.
Students who opt for an online master’s degree program in leadership can expect to receive course information through online platforms. This type of program allows students to access course lectures and assignments within a flexible timetable from any remote location with Internet access. Some programs may also require students to participate in synchronous events such as live conferencing or video chats. Most of the time, however, students can expect to participate in class discussions via instant messaging, live chats, online forums, or e-mail messages. Capstone projects may require students to visit an on-site location such as a workplace or other organizational environment.
What’s Next for Master’s Degree in Leadership Holders?
Students who graduate with a degree in leadership are primed to enter leadership positions within many different departments and organizations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, training and development managers earn an average salary of $89,170 a year. Similarly, the average salary for health service managers is quoted at $84,270 a year by the BLS. While these figures do not consider region differences or experience levels, they serve as a basic guideline for salary expectations.