Master's in Leadership
The Masters in Leadership prepares its students to practice expansive and ethical leadership across sectors - civil service, non-profits, education, philanthropy, and corporate organizations. Students can tailor their learning experience, choosing to cover more breadth across topics or dive deeply into one focus area. Core coursework emphasizes leadership theory, systems thinking, and data-driven decision-making, while custom pathways provide opportunities for specialization in applied, skills-based areas.
You will learn to design and implement strategies that advance equity, strengthen organizational capacity, and respond to evolving workforce and societal needs. Upon completion of the program, you will be prepared to not just drive meaningful organizational change, but to make true social impact. Whether you are new to leadership, seeking to take on greater leadership responsibility, or pivoting into a new field, this degree will develop your abilities and propel you towards your professional aspirations.
Program Format
- 30 credits comprised of core courses, specialized topics, and electives you get to choose
- Fully online with a blend of synchronous and asynchronous work, giving you the flexibility to study how and when you can
- Part-time or Full-time study available so you can set your own timeline. Full-time students typically take 1-2 years, part-time students typically take 2-3 years.
- Evening virtual classes to accommodate a typical workday allowing you to balance your studies with your professional and personal commitments
Courses all year round - available in fall, spring, and summer
Both part-time and full-time master's students are eligible for tuition scholarships
Program Objectives
The Master of Arts in Leadership Program will enable students to do the following:
- Understand and navigate historical legacies that have shaped the context of today’s society
- Lead with strategic insight, emotional intelligence, cultural competency, and integrity
- Utilize evidence-informed decision making
- Build coalitions and influence organizational dynamics.
- Design and implement change initiatives that promote parity and justice
- Create and adapt narratives and communications for effective implementation
Programs Requirements and Timelines
The master's program consists of 10 courses for a total of 30 credits. Students all build shared principles in taking the four core courses. Core coursework emphasizes leadership theory, organizational change, and equity frameworks, while focused pathways provide opportunities for specialization in applied, skills-based areas. Students may then choose to pursue one of four Specializations, or design an individualized Custom Pathway by selecting courses across multiple specializations.
All students begin with four foundational courses (12 credits) in leadership studies that build essential skills for leading people and organizations. From there, you can choose to remain on the standard leadership pathway, pursue one of our four specializations, or design your own custom pathway.
Leadership Specializations:
- Organizational Learning and Leadership
- Sustainable and Impact Investing
- Negotiation and Communication
- Strategic Planning and Evaluation
You can find a full list of our offerings on our Courses Page.
Office of Graduate Admissions
We invite you to learn more about this program.
Transfer of Credit
Leadership master’s students may apply for transfer of credit for graduate-level courses taken at Tufts or at other institutions. Certificate students may not transfer in courses taken outside of Tufts to satisfy certificate requirements. However, DEIJ-L certificate students who apply for and are accepted into the Leadership master’s program may transfer certificate credits to the master’s degree.