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
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Analyzing Your Organization
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Competitive & Business Strategy
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Creating an Ethical Organization
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Developing Managerial Skills
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Human Resource Management for General Managers
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International Management
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Leadership & Team Management
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Leading A Strategy Change
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Managing the Learning Organization
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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 $100 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
U.S. News & World Report Rankings, 2017-2025
Top 5 for Specialties:
HR Management – #1
General Management – #1
Health Care Administration – #1
Organizational Behavior – #1
Leadership – #2
Marketing – #2
Best Online Master’s in Business Program Specialties, U.S. News & World Report Rankings, 2025
No. 5 Best Online Master’s in Business Programs for Veterans
U.S. News & World Report Rankings, 2025
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: $1,130
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
Earning a master’s degree in Management, Strategy & Leadership can prepare you to take on managerial roles in a variety of industries in the corporate sector, the nonprofit sector or the public sector. The program teaches how to develop and implement strategic plans, build and motivate teams and effectively manage change. In addition, you can gain the skills necessary to lead organizations through times of transition.
Both an MBA and MS degree signify that the holder has completed a course of graduate level study in business or management. An MBA, or Master of Business Administration, is a general degree that covers a broad range of business topics such as accounting, finance, marketing, operations and strategy. A MS, or Master of Science, is a more specialized degree that focuses on a specific area of business. In terms of career options, an MBA typically provides more flexibility as it is seen as a general degree that can be applied to many different types of businesses. A MS may be seen as more valuable for positions that require in-depth knowledge of a particular business expertise. Both degrees can lead to successful careers in business and management.
For more information, please read our blog, MBA vs. MS? What’s the Difference Between the Degrees?
Upon completion of your online MSU program, you will receive a master’s degree in Management, Strategy & Leadership. This advanced credential can show employers that you have earned the specialized training for careers leading teams and promoting organizational success.
A successful career in management, strategy and leadership requires a combination of skills. First and foremost, you need to think critically and analytically. This means being able to assess a situation, identify the key issues and develop creative solutions. You should also have strong communication skills, both written and verbal. This will help you to effectively communicate your ideas to others and persuasively present your arguments. In addition, being organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to plan and execute complex projects, is key. Finally, you should be able to inspire others and build positive relationships. These qualities can help you develop a strong team and create an environment where everyone is working toward a common goal.
Strategic managers are responsible for guiding their organization to attain long-term goals. They apply their analytical skills to understand industries and devise strategies. They possess interpersonal and communication skills to lead organizational change. Strategic managers look for ways to align people, structure and systems to carry out improvements in business and corporate strategy.
Michigan State University’s online degree program does offer financial assistance opportunities, making it a competitive option for those who are interested in pursuing a career in the fields of human resources and business management.
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.
