Leadership

Austin, TX

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Degree Overview

Master of Science in Leadership

The Master of Science in Leadership (MSL) at South University, Austin is designed to help students prepare to be tomorrow’s leaders in a variety of organizations. The Leadership program offers students the opportunity to develop their style of leadership by developing their communication, analytical, and management skills. Students also have the opportunity to hone their problem-solving skills as they pursue their degree.

The MSL program 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.

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Per Credit Hour

$415

For the Master of Science in Leadership hybrid program.

Complete in as little as 12 classes

$19,920

No additional fees.

Online & on-campus

Hybrid Program

5-week online courses with 1 on-campus, in-person class, which meets on a Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission 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.

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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

LEA5100 Leadership, Organization Theory and Change 4.0 Credit Hours

LEA5125 Leadership Ethics, Culture, and Politics 4.0 Credit Hours

MBA5001 Organizational Behavior and Communication 4.0 Credit Hours

Core: Organizational Leadership: 32 Credits

LEA5130 Team Building and Group Dynamics 4.0 Credit Hours

LEA5140 Emotional Intelligence and Leadership 4.0 Credit Hours

LEA6150 Coaching and Professional Development 4.0 Credit Hours

LEA6175 International Leadership 4.0 Credit Hours

LEA6180 Strategic Negotiations 4.0 Credit Hours

LEA6185 International Negotiations 4.0 Credit Hours

MBA6501 Strategic Human Resources Management 4.0 Credit Hours

MBA6505 Organizational Development and Change Management 4.0 Credit Hours

Capstone: 4 Credits

LEA6999 Strategic Leadership and Implementation 4.0 Credit Hours

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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

_{*South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.}

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Outcomes

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

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.
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.

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Fill out the form and a representative will contact you today to better understand your academic goals plus answer any questions you may have.

Campuses offer flexible learning formats* including: on-campus, virtual instructions, and online courses.

*Clinical, practicum, and externship requirements exist in certain programs and require field experiences. Learning formats may not be flexible.

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Success Stories

Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers

We're committed to helping our graduates make impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our business and technology alumni and the difference they make.

B. Christian Randolph

Class of '25

Doctor of Business Administration - South University's Online Programs

“I chose the business program of study because I am a healthcare professional, entrepreneur, and business operations specialist with a real estate background. South University offers a variety of programs related to these fields. I was able to merge my strengths to reach my career and educational goals.”

Elisabeth Jackman-Knights

Class of '15

Bachelor of Business Administration-South University, Online Programs

“They (SU Instructors) would keep me on track with what classes I had upcoming and help prepare me for what to expect in the class. They would try to understand my life outside of school and make suggestions of how best to navigate the program to ensure that I was at all times poised mentally to endure the class at hand.”

Annette Tornberg

Class of '13

Associate of Science in Business Administration-South University, Online Programs

“I feel that if I did not go back to school to further my education, my job search would not have come to this conclusion. I attended college twice in my twenties, but dropped out due to lack of enthusiasm. Going back to school and completing it online is why I am now finally employed. Don’t give up. You are never too old to learn.”

Tonya Hampton

Class of '13

Bachelor of Business Administration-South University, Online Programs

“I love being a leader. South University helped me reach my full potential in management skills. The faculty and staff always went out of their way to make sure that the University had a positive impact on its students.”

Lauren Elsberry

Class of '12

MBA in Healthcare Administration-South University, Atlanta

“This program has helped make me better. It improved my time management. It improved my organization. I think because of its accelerated pace, it created those unexpected benefits. The classes I have taken in the AMBA program are relevant to my new position. I know my degree was something they looked at. South University has a good reputation; people have heard of it.”