Master of Science in Leadership

South University’s Master of Science in Leadership (MSL) program is designed to strengthen the leadership qualities in our students. The focused leadership coursework helps students enhance their skills in leadership, communication, and problem solving as they prepare to effectively manage people and teams in multiple types of organizations.

The MSL program at our campuses is offered as a hybrid course of online and on-campus learning which combines the independence of online learning alongside the engagement of in-person collaboration. The hybrid model meets in person once per course for more in-depth discussions.**

Leader laughing with coworker

Course Requirements

Master of Science in Leadership: 48 Credits

All campuses operate on 10-week quarters. In May 2025 all campuses, except Online Programs, will offer a hybrid 10-week quarter program.

Foundation: Personal Leadership: 12 Credits
Capstone: 4 Credits

Admissions Requirements

Admissions criteria for the Master of Science in Leadership (MSL)

Graduate Admissions - Masters level

Prospective students are required to submit the following:

  • Completion of application for admission
  • Official transcripts for bachelor or graduate degree within 5 weeks of the class start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance). (All credentials earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES or AICE-member credential evaluation service). Please speak with an admissions representative for more information.

Note: See program notes and specific requirements below for each graduate - masters level degree program

Specific requirements for admission to classified graduate status are:

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Completion of application for admission.
  • A 2.0 overall grade point average or higher on completed requirements for the baccalaureate degree, or an earned graduate degree from an accredited institution.

For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Examine how individual, cultural, societal, ethical, legal, and psychological factors shape leadership strategies that impact both individual and organizational stakeholders.

  • Communicate clear and persuasive arguments that support leadership initiatives.

  • Apply critical thinking to drive effective leadership solutions to complex challenges.

  • Apply information literacy skills to make informed decisions, solve complex leadership challenges, and effectively guide organizations.

Career Outlook

These are some of the career options* you can explore when you have earned your degree:

  • Training and Development Managers
  • Organizational Change Management Manager
  • Fundraising Managers
  • Organizational Management

Individuals in these roles are typically found within various sectors, including but not limited to, corporations, public relations agencies, nonprofits, governmental offices and the military. They are established in their field seeking to develop the business, communication, and problem-solving skills needed for leadership roles in public, private, and nonprofit organizations.

Brightspace video screenshot
Classroom Portal

New Student Orientation

The New Student Orientation helps students develop skills and behaviors of a successful college student:

• Learn about South University and the resources available to support their success.
• Practice using the same tools they will encounter in their courses, including Discussions, Microsoft Word/PDF document uploads, and Quizzes.
• Build confidence navigating University systems through an interactive Virtual Scavenger Hunt Quiz.
• Actively engage with course content rather than simply acknowledging completion.

BrightSpace

BrightSpace is an online learning management platform that keeps students connected to classwork and instructors.

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