Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Leadership Program

FAQs for Prospective Students

Below, you will find some of the commonly asked questions regarding admissions into our Leadership graduate program. Additional information may be found on the Office of Graduate Admissions website. If you don't see the answer to your specific questions, please contact the department.

  • The Leadership Program accepts applications on a rolling basis. We have both fall and spring admissions and students can start in either semester. To make sure you have adequate time between acceptance and beginning your studies we recommend you submit your application for the...

    Master's:
    Fall - April 15th
    Spring - December 1st

    Certificate: 
    Fall - May 15
    Spring - December 1st
     

    For more information on the official deadlines for the program, please contact Graduate Admissions.

  • Both the Certificate Program and the MA Program are fully online.

  • The Leadership Program offers tuition scholarships for master’s candidates. Eligible candidates typically receive between a 20% - 40% tuition scholarship, with a maximum scholarship of 50%.

    The program cannot provide full tuition scholarships, nor do we award teaching or research assistantships. Learn more about tuition and fees.

    Certificate applicants are not eligible for tuition scholarships.

  • The Leadership program evaluates each candidate’s application for evidence of strong academic preparation for graduate level work, relevant field and/or work experience, demonstrated emerging knowledge of issues related to the field, quality letters of recommendations, and a personal statement addressing these issues as well as goals for the degree. Master's applicants will be asked to submit an additional video responding to prompts as part of their applications.  Additional information may be found on the Program Admissions website or on the Office of Graduate Admissions website.

  • Full-time master’s students can complete their degree in as few as 18 months, but more typically around 2 years. Part-time master’s typically complete their degree between 2-3 years. Certificate students typically complete their degree between 1-2 years.

  • Our Leadership programs are designed for emerging and mid-career professionals seeking to grow in roles that demand inclusive, ethical, and adaptive leadership. The programs prepare graduates to lead with integrity across a variety of organizational contexts. With our flexible part-time option, many of our students are working professionals. Many have engaged in leadership work for the majority of their careers. Other applicants have been working in adjacent roles but may want to pivot. There is no one type of Leadership student - our program is special because of the varied backgrounds and perspectives our students bring.


     

  • Students can choose from a variety of academic pathways. All students begin with the four core courses to build a common foundation. Core coursework emphasizes leadership theory, organizational change, and equity frameworks. Students may then choose to pursue one of several specializations, which provide opportunities for focus in applied, skills-based areas. Students can take the following specializations:

    • Organizational Learning and Leadership
    • Negotiation and Communication
    • Sustainable and Impact Investing
    • Strategic Planning and Evaluation 

    Students can also opt into the General Studies or Custom Pathway, which consists of the four core courses and six elective courses from the approved list.

    Please see the Courses page for the full list of offerings