Leadership
Request Information
Master of Science in Leadership
Master of Science in Leadership (MS) | 48 Credits
College of Business
South University, Richmond’s Master of Science in Leadership degree program is designed to teach students how to become a leader and act as the future business leaders of tomorrow able to lead teams, departments, and individuals. By studying skills such as strategic thinking, collaboration, and communication, graduates will be prepared to adapt to the changes and drive innovation in a fast-paced global environment. Students will also have the opportunity to learning from various faculty1 members who work in these industries and share their real-world experience to better help hone these skills.
Why Choose Our Program?
• Learning That Fits Your Life: Our online class options allow you to create a balance between your personal and educational goals.
• Graduate in as little as 15 Months:2 If you’re a full-time enrolled student, you can complete the degree program in as little as fifteen months.
• Affordable Tuition: The Leadership degree’s base tuition is under $20,0003, excluding additional fees, and various grants and scholarships can be applied4 to further reduce costs.
• Military Grants Available: Military grants are available for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.
Your Path to Success
Hone your skills as a leader through South’s leadership program. Leaders are expected to have strategic thinking skills alongside being reliable communicators. Enhance these skills and more as part of the leadership program. The leadership degree tuition is under $20,000 with some additional fees with more financial aid available to those who qualify. This makes the leadership program an affordable choice as you refine your skills and learn to become a leader.
How You’ll Learn: Hybrid Format— At our campuses, each five-week course features four weeks of online classes and one on-campus Saturday session that you’ll move through in 10-week quarters.5
1Faculty credentials and experience may vary.
2Average time to completion is based on successful, continuous, and full-time enrollment.
3Assumes successful progression through the program. Additional charges will apply for retaking any courses.
4Please see Financial Aid to understand full eligibility and condition requirements. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
5The MSL hybrid program has an in-person component that may not be flexible.
South University, Richmond, and South University, Virginia Beach, are certified to operate in the Commonwealth of Virginia pursuant to Title 23, Chapter 21.1, §23-276.4 of the Code of Virginia by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (James Monroe Building, 101 North 14th St; Richmond, VA 23219; 804-225-2600; www.schev.edu).
Complete in as few as
15 Months
Average time to completion is based on successful continuous full-time enrollment.
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 Saturday on-campus, in-person class.
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.
Course Requirements
All campuses operate on 10-week quarters. In May 2025 all campuses, except Online Programs, will offer a hybrid 10-week quarter program.
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.
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.
What's New
Latest News and Blogs
Sep 02, 2026
Alumni Spotlight: Tampa BSN Grad Returns for MSN
See how Tampa grad Nikisha Clouden is using her BSN to help patients and what made her decide to come back to South University to pursue her MSN.
Sep 01, 2026
7 Qualities You Need to Become a Great Nurse Educator
From clinical expertise to communication, see what it takes to become a nurse educator and how to get started on your nurse educator career.
Aug 26, 2026
Alumni Spotlight: Clinical Counselor & Lead Therapist
Learn how Betty Sangle earned her degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and how her time at South University helped prepare her to assist her community.
Aug 25, 2026
What Makes a Good Nurse Administrator?
Explore seven qualities of successful nurse administrators, and learn how an MSN could help you build your nursing leadership skills.
Aug 18, 2026
How to Choose Your Healthcare Career
Explore your healthcare career options, and get tips on how to choose a career that aligns with your interests, strengths, and professional goals.
Aug 11, 2026
What’s Next After CNA? 9 Career Paths to Consider
If you’re a CNA thinking about a career change, this blog explores popular options, like nursing, healthcare management, public health, and more.
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.
Success! Your request was submitted. We'll be in touch soon!
In the meantime, you can view some of our FAQs.
If you want to talk to an admissions representative ASAP, please contact us at (888) 444-3404.
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.