Leadership
The Master of Science in Leadership prepares you to meet the evolving challenges of today's world by helping you cultivate a personal leadership philosophy.
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The Master of Science in Leadership prepares you to meet the evolving challenges of today's world by helping you cultivate a personal leadership philosophy.
As today's workforce continues to diversify, leadership tasks and responsibilities have become more complex. Leveraging students’ interdisciplinary backgrounds, this master's degree in leadership combines real-world lessons with an action-learning approach that is designed to build and strengthen your leadership capabilities.
Our approach focuses on developing the leadership potential within each student and prepares them for the skills and expertise that are critically needed in today’s constantly changing global marketplace. The program combines real-world lessons with an action-learning global approach that is designed to build and strengthen the leadership skills needed to effectively cultivate, lead, manage and inspire teams through ever-changing workplace environments. Through this program, we teach you how to imagine and drive change.
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Unique Features
- Online program designed for working professionals and those looking to enhance their career experience
- Specialize your focus by choosing from seven different concentrations
- Participate in a capstone project
- Opportunity for integrated experiential learning
Program Objectives
- Develop and bolster your leadership competencies
- Explore key leadership areas such as: management, ethics, strategic thinking, and organizational culture
- Prepare for the challenges and opportunities associated with leading in a global world
- Exercise leadership skills through action-learning and research projects
- Improve your ability to lead and work both independently and collaboratively
Unique Transfer Credit Opportunities
Start with your Certification. Leave with your Graduate Credential.
HR Professionals with SHRM or HRCI certifications can be awarded advanced standing transfer credit toward a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management, the MS in Human Resources Management, or the MS in Corporate and Organizational Communication and the MS in Leadership – both of which have concentrations in Human Resources Management.
About the SHRM and HRCI Certification Transfer Credit Opportunities:
Why consider a graduate degree from Northeastern University? We recognize the knowledge and HR competencies demonstrated by those who have earned their SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certifications. As a result, credential-holders have the unique opportunity to accelerate through a Northeastern University Graduate Program by applying this credential in exchange for transfer credit.
Successful applicants for the Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management:
Will receive 3 quarter hours of transfer credit - a 17% savings in tuition - for HRM 6015 Introduction to Human Resources Management.
Successful applicants for a master's degree program with their SHRM-CP or PHR:
- Will receive 3 quarter hours of transfer credit - a 6% savings in tuition.
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 14 courses, rather than 15.
- Transfer credit is awarded for the following courses: HRM 6015 Introduction to Human Resources Management.
Successful applicants for a master's degree program with their SHRM-SCP or SPHR:
- Will receive 6 quarter hours of transfer credit - a 13% savings in tuition.
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 13 courses, rather than 15.
- Transfer credit is awarded for the following courses: HRM 6015 Introduction to Human Resources Management and HRM 6005 Creating a High-Performance Organization.
Contact us today for more information by completing the form on our page.
Accreditation Description
In October of 2016, the Master of Science in Leadership with a concentration in Project Management accreditation was re-affirmed for the maximum five-year accreditation cycle (originally accredited in 2009) by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC), the world's leading association for project management professionals. Accreditation is achieved by meeting the GAC’s rigorous standards, which include an assessment of program objectives and outcomes, a review of onsite and online resources, evaluations of faculty and students, and proof of continuous improvements in the area of project management.
Graduates of our GAC-accredited program are granted a substantial 12-month reduction credit toward the experience requirement when they complete an application for any PMI certification. This means that those applying for the PMI certification will only need 24 months of project management experience, instead of 36 months as outlined by GAC. This new benefit applies retroactively to our program’s initial accreditation date of 2009.
| Enrollment Data | |||||
| Annual Enrollments | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
| MS in Leadership. Project Management Concentration | 134 | 124 | 90 | 67 | 64 |
| Degrees Conferred | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
| MS in Leadership. Project Management Concentration | 51 | 46 | 43 | 20 | 20 |
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Program Costs
Requirements
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): Identify your educational goals and expectations of the program. Please be aware that Northeastern University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose.
- Professional resumé
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities such as a faculty member, colleague, or mentor, preferably one from your current employer
- English language proficiency proof. Students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
- Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date
- TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or NU Global Exam scores
Admissions Dates
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend following the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term.
| Recommended Admissions Deadline: | |
|---|---|
| International out-of-country application complete (start date: January 19, 2021) | December 1, 2020 |
| International in-country application complete (start date: January 19, 2021) | December 15, 2020 |
| Domestic application complete (first half start: January 19, 2021) | January 1, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (second half start: February 22, 2021) | February 12, 2021 |
| Recommended Admissions Deadline: | |
|---|---|
| International out-of-country application complete (start date: April 12, 2021) | February 8, 2021 |
| International in-country application complete (start date: April 12, 2021) | March 8, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (first half start: April 12, 2021) | April 2, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (second half start: May 24, 2021) | May 14, 2021 |
| Recommended Admissions Deadline: | |
|---|---|
| International out-of-country application complete (start date: July 12, 2021) | May 10, 2021 |
| International in-country application complete (start date: July 12, 2021) | June 7, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (start date: July 12, 2021) | July 2, 2021 |
| Recommended Admissions Deadline: | |
|---|---|
| International out-of-country application complete (start date: September 20, 2021) | July 19, 2021 |
| International in-country application complete (start date: September 20, 2021) | August 23, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (first half start: September 20, 2021) | September 7, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (second half start: November 1, 2021) | October 18, 2021 |
General Requirements
Electives
Complete at least one of the following:
Complete at least one of the following:
Concentrations
Choose one from the following:
Required Courses:
Electives:
Complete three of the following. (Students waived out of HRM 6015, complete four of the following).
Required Courses
Note: Students with project management experience are not required to take PJM 5900:
Electives
Complete one of the following. (Note: Students who are not required to take PJM 5900 complete two of the following).
Please note: This curriculum is for marketing purposes only and is subject to change. Official curriculum can be found within the course catalog.
Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace. This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.
Our Faculty
Our faculty represents a wide cross-section of professional practices and fields ranging from finance to education to biomedical science to management to the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside students to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.
By enrolling in Northeastern, you gain access to a network of more than 255,000 alumni and 3,350+ employer partners, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and global nongovernmental organizations. Our current students and faculty across strategically located regional locations further foster a lifelong, global community of learning and mentoring.
Benefits of a Northeastern Master's Degree
Below is a look at where our Leadership alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
-
Where They Work
- Boston Public Schools
- State Street
- Raytheon
- United States Air Force
- Massachusetts General Hospital
-
What They Do
- Education
- Business Development
- Community and Social Services
- Operations
- Human Resources
-
What They're Skilled At
- Leadership
- Public Speaking
- Management
- Teaching
- Strategic Planning
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.