Master of Science in Management, Strategy & Leadership
Lead the Future — Start Your Spartan Journey Today
Overview
Agility. Innovation. Vision. The critical issues impacting organizations today need forward-thinking solutions and future-focused leaders who are prepared to face any challenge and effectively guide and grow their organization in today’s fast paced business landscape.
Make tomorrow’s business happen today! Michigan State University’s Master of Science in Management, Strategy and Leadership provides you with a practical education experience, impactful skills and critical knowledge base to develop your leadership excellence in:
- Team and organizational leadership
- Strategic management
- Negotiation and conflict resolution
- Human resource management
- Managerial decision making and ethics
- Organizational learning and change management
- Competitive business strategy
The Broad College of Business has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) since 1953.
Required Courses
-
Analyzing Your Organization
-
Competitive & Business Strategy
-
Creating an Ethical Organization
-
Developing Managerial Skills
-
Human Resource Management for General Managers
-
International Management
-
Leadership & Team Management
-
Leading A Strategy Change
-
Managing the Learning Organization
-
Negotiations and Conflict Resolution
Electives
Choose five of the following:
Total Courses
Tuition
*
Tuition is determined by the University and does not include books or other fees that may apply. These rates are subject to change at any time during the program or enrollment process.
Is the M.S. in Management, Strategy & Leadership Right for You?
This graduate degree is designed for experienced business professionals looking to maximize their potential in managing people and leading organizations, while enhancing their career opportunities.
To be considered for MSU’s online MS in Management, Strategy and Leadership program, you should have:
- 3 years (minimum) full-time managerial experience in a supervisory role and a high degree of potential for advancement to an organizational leadership role
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college
- 3.0 minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA)
International Applicants click here for more information.
MS in Management, Strategy & Leadership Program Application Checklist
Start Your MSU Application ✓
- Complete your online application with a $75 application fee (one-time, nonrefundable)
Order Transcripts ✓
- Official transcripts from all college/university programs or courses of study attended prior to applying to Michigan State University
- Official military transcript (if denoting servicemember or military veteran status in application)
Provide Professional Resume, Essay & Recommendations ✓
- Applicants’ resumes must include up to 20 years of work experience (if applicable).
- Applicants’ resumes must explicitly list supervisory vs. non-supervisory for each role within their work experience. If the role was supervisory, the applicant must include a range of direct reports.
- Applicants with military service must denote rank (and associated pay grade) for every position listed on their resume (military roles).
- 3 letters of recommendation from professional, work-related references, preferably supervisors. Letters should speak to your ability to work within and lead teams, and your contribution to a professional business environment are strongly recommended.
- Statement of intention essay (2 pages), detailing your direct supervisory and/or management experience, and stating how you see the degree furthering your career and organizational goals.
Program Format
The Master of Science in Management, Strategy & Leadership degree is offered through a combination of video-based lectures, an interactive online classroom environment and one-on-one instructor time.
Structured in an accelerated timeframe of sequential, five-week course modules, the program can be completed in under two years, helping you earn your master’s degree and apply your knowledge to your career quickly.
- 100% online
- 15 five-week courses
- 30 credits
- 20-month completion time for most students
You can also choose to specialize your education with two concentrations, Human Resource Management or Strategic Management. Each concentration is comprised of four specialized courses.
Access to a laptop or desktop computer with an internet connection is necessary to complete your MSU Online program. Learn more about specific hardware and system requirements.
Who You’ll Learn From
The program is led by the top management researchers from the AACSB-accredited Broad College of Business, one of the largest top-ranked business schools in the country.
Our top-ranked faculty are dedicated to challenging students to develop forward-thinking solutions to some of the most important issues impacting organizations today and anticipating the challenges of tomorrow.
Top 25 Best Online Master’s in Business Programs
2026 U.S. News & World Report Rankings
Top 5 for Specialties:
#5 overall, among 235 ranked programs
#3 among public institutions – years in the top 5
#4 in Best for Veterans ranking
With an array of top ranks in the specialties:
#1 General Management – 3 years in a row
#1 Health Care Administration – 4 years in a row
#1 Human Resource Management – 5 years in a row
#1 Leadership – among 67 ranked schools
#1 Organizational Behavior specialty – 3 years in a row
#2 Accounting – among 96 ranked schools, in MS-ADA’s first year of participation in this ranking
#2 Marketing – among 54 ranked schools
Faculty Spotlight: Glenn Hodges
Glenn Hodges, Assistant Professor of Management and Director of the Master of Science in Management, Strategy and Leadership program in MSU’s Broad College of Business, has an over two decades managerial and strategist career with corporate giants such as Coca-Cola and Chrysler.
According to Hodges, “While each student has brought their own unique perspective into the program, they have graduated with a deeper understanding of the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the fast-paced, demanding world of management.”
Who You’ll Learn With
You will learn with a diverse, passionate, team-oriented network of leaders like yourself who are looking to maximize their potential in managing effective teams, leading their organizations and advancing their careers.
“I applied something from each course to my job…learning about ‘role negotiation’ helped me create a specialized consulting position within the bank, which is now a formal offering.”
— Heather Serrano, Alumni
“All of [the program’s] courses reaffirm that people make organizations run.”
— Mark Thompson, Alumni
Who Should Consider Enrolling
The MS in Management, Strategy & Leadership is designed for experienced business professionals who want to learn how to further their education and career potential in managing people and leading organizations – with the added flexibility and convenience of online education.
Admission Requirements
Applying to MSU degree programs is straightforward. Candidates should have:
- 3 years (minimum) full-time managerial experience in a supervisory role.
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university or college.
- 3.0 minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA).
Contact a student success representative and get started on the application or enrollment process for admissions. They are available to assist you Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. EST.
Toll Free: 855-300-1310
International: +1 813-612-4295
Time Commitment and Cost
Time Spent Learning Weekly
MSU’s Master of Science in Management, Strategy & Leadership program is completely online. There is no set time commitment each week. However, students should expect to spend a few hours on coursework, including readings, discussions and assignments.
Cost Per Credit Hour
Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,160
Total Credits Needed: 30
* Tuition is determined by the university and does not include books or other fees that may apply. These rates are subject to change at any time during the program or enrollment process.
Career Opportunities
Benefits of Earning your MS in Management, Strategy & Leadership
The world of business is constantly changing. To stay ahead of the competition it can be beneficial to have a well-rounded understanding of management, strategy and leadership. Earning an MS in this field can provide you with the skills to pursue advanced careers in today’s business environment. The program will teach you how to develop and implement effective strategies, manage talent and resources and build strong teams.
Return on Investment
A degree in management, strategy and leadership can lead to a variety of different paths. Many management and leadership graduates go on to work in fields such as consulting, human resources or project management. Others use their degree to start their own businesses.
Projected Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment for management occupations is projected to increase 8 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the median rate for most other occupations.
For more information on other management occupations, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/home.htm
Potential Outcomes
This is a master’s level program and requires at least three years of full-time experience in a supervisory role to be eligible to apply. The MSL program is geared toward active working professionals – leaders especially – who are looking to broaden and hone their skills.
Graduates of the MSL program may qualify for a wide range of national positions, including:*
- Product manager
- Program manager
- Controller
- Director of product management
- Marketing product manager
- Director of payment innovation
- Director of software engineering
- Finance manager
- Digital product manager
- Marketing manager
* Source: EMSI/Burning Glass Job Postings – Occupations: Mgmt. Occupations (11-0000); Education: Master’s; Skills: Strategic Mgmt., Innovation, Corporate Strategy, Strategic Decision Making; Timeframe: Apr ‘21 – Mar ‘22
Explore Graduate Certificate Options
Michigan State University also offers three for-credit online graduate certificates for professionals who want to improve their skills in one specific area of organizational leadership. These 100% online programs feature five courses (9 credits), including those in MSU’s Master of Science in Management, Strategy & Leadership. The credits you earn while completing your graduate certificate can be applied toward a master’s degree should you choose to pursue one in the future.
MSU’s online graduate certificates include:
HR Management and Development
The Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management and Development can help you connect the core functions of HR to overall business strategy. The program provides a comprehensive overview of HR, including staffing, compensation, training and development, talent management and diversity. You can gain the skills to build a high-performing HR team.
Leadership and Managing Teams
The Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Managing Teams is designed to help you recognize and leverage the relationship between leader behavior, employee motivation and behavior, and your organization’s bottom line and productivity. You can develop skills in negotiation, ethical leadership, and managing diversity. In addition, the program can teach you the skills and knowledge to manage teams successfully and build strong organizations.
Strategic Management
The Graduate Certificate in Strategic Management can help you learn proven tools and frameworks to make sound business decisions that drive results today and profitability well into the future. The program’s curriculum covers a range of topics essential for success in the current business world, including strategic decision making, competitive analysis, and leading organizational change and new ventures. In addition, you will have the opportunity to put your learning into practice through a capstone project that allows you to apply your knowledge to a real-world situation.
Why MSU Online?
Michigan State University is one of the leading research universities in the world. With a variety of online graduate degrees and certificates, MSU provides countless opportunities for students across the country to explore their interests and prepare for future careers. The faculty are among the most qualified in their field and are committed to providing a high-quality education online. In addition, MSU has a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, with programs and resources available to support all students. As a result, MSU Online is an ideal choice for students who wants to earn a quality education.
Frequently Asked Questions
The MSMSL is designed for working professionals. Expect approximately 6–8 hours per week per course — one live lecture (recorded if you miss it), discussion boards, readings, and short assignments. No lengthy research papers.
Not necessarily. About 30% of enrolled students don’t have direct supervisory experience. Dr. Hodges reviews every application holistically — indirect leadership, project management, and cross-functional experience all count when described clearly in your resume and statement of intention.
Absolutely. Some VP and above roles at major organizations require a master’s degree just to be considered. Beyond the credential, the program deepens existing skills and fills genuine gaps — and pursuing graduate education at a senior level signals continued growth to decision-makers.
The standard timeline is approximately 20 months, but many students extend intentionally to maximize employer tuition assistance. After your first two semesters, doubling up on courses is permitted with GPA approval. 87% of students complete the program within 5 years.
Yes — ranked #4 by U.S. News & World Report for veterans and military students. Military tuition assistance is widely used, and Dr. Hodges reviews veteran applications holistically, giving significant weight to military service as professional experience regardless of your educational path.
Disclaimer:
National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth. Information provided is not intended to represent a complete list of hiring companies or job titles, and certificate or degree program options do not guarantee career or salary outcomes. Students should conduct independent research for specific employment information.
Tuition
* Tuition is determined by the University and does not include books or other fees that may apply. These rates are subject to change at any time during the program or enrollment process.
