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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.

Overview

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
Application Deadline

December 4, 2024

Start Date

January 6, 2025

View Start Dates

Academic Calendar

Spring 2025
Application Deadline

December 4, 2024

Start Date

January 6, 2025

Apply Now

AACSB Accredited Logo

The Broad College of Business has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) since 1953

Curriculum & Tuition

Required Courses

  • MGT 801 Analyzing Your Organization

    MGT 801

    Analyze how your organization manages people, group processes and organizational design. You’ll have the opportunity to review various aspects of your organization’s processes related to the management of people and suggest a plan to improve process effectiveness related to motivation, diversity, leadership, group performance and culture.

  • MGT 804 International Management

    MGT 804

    This course is focused on gaining knowledge of how a multinational corporation competes successfully in the marketplace, with a particular emphasis on the MNC’s global strategy levers and organizational factors within the context of its industry globalization drivers.

    Skills: Strategic Thinking, People Management, Collaboration/Coordination, Innovation/Creativity, Analysis, Culture/Cross-Culture, Global Mindset, Change Management, Critical Thinking

  • MGT 810 Human Resource Management for General Managers

    MGT 810

    Identify the human resource management functions all managers perform as you explore human resource activity design, administration and evaluation. You’ll also review needs assessment, program implementation and evaluation, information management and decision support, and international human resource management.

    Skills: Leadership, Strategic Thinking, People Management, Collaboration/Coordination, Communication, Decision Making, Innovation/Creativity, Analysis, Adaptability, Coaching, Change Management

  • MGT 817 Managing the Learning Organization

    MGT 817

    Learn how to assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities within an organization. This enables you to match future employee skill needs with appropriate learning strategies as well as link employee knowledge, skills, and abilities with overall organizational strategies.

    Skills: Leadership, Strategic Thinking, People Management, Collaboration/Coordination, Adaptability, Coaching, Global Mindset, Critical Thinking

  • MGT 824 Developing Managerial Skills

    MGT 824

    Learn how to manage people, group processes, and organizational design. Theories and research are applied to developing managerial skills in motivation and leadership with an understanding of diversity, organizational culture, and structure.

  • MGT 840 Leadership & Team Management

    MGT 840

    Develop your leadership and team development abilities through evidence-based management, readings, and laboratory application.

  • MGT 842 Leading A Strategy Change

    MGT 842

    Analyze issues related to role of leadership in the change process, with an emphasis on the need for and execution of change in strategy.

  • MGT 850 Competitive & Business Strategy

    MGT 850

    Learn concepts and methods that integrate previous training in functional areas of management. You will understand the total firm perspective and ways top managers create and sustain competitive advantage in today’s challenging global marketplace.

  • MGT 863 Negotiations

    MGT 863

    This course will cover important topics regarding strategic negotiations, negotiation preparation, buyer-supplier relationship assessment, international negotiations, and negotiation simulation.

  • MGT 881 Creating an Ethical Organization

    MGT 881

    Ethical awareness and sound judgment are essential for individual success and organizational effectiveness. In this course, we will examine the ethical aspects of individual and corporate decision-making and provide practical resources for making ethical decisions within the business context.

Electives

Choose five of the following:

  • MGT 811 Fundamentals of Human Resource Staffing

    MGT 811

    Scientific, legal, and administrative issues in talent acquisition, placement, and promotion.

    Skills: Strategic Thinking, People Management, Collaboration/Coordination, Communication, Decision Making, Analysis, Culture/Cross-Culture, Global Mindset, Critical Thinking

  • MGT 814 Managing Diversity in the Workplace

    MGT 814

    Explore how organizations can benefit from differences in ethnicity, age, tenure, education and more. You’ll also discover some of the challenges that may arise and learn techniques to manage conflict.

    Skills: Leadership, People Management, Communication, Decision Making, Culture/Cross-Culture, Adaptability, Global Mindset, Change Management, Critical Thinking

  • MGT 818 Talent Management & Development

    MGT 818

    How do you manage human resources to realize an organization’s goals and mission? Learn strategies for employee recruitment and development, performance management, succession planning and retention, career management and leadership development.

    Skills: People Management, Coaching

  • MGT 822 Developing Reward & Compensation Systems

    MGT 822

    Learn how to apply compensation principles to organizational objectives and strategically use compensation systems to attract, motivate and retain employees. You’ll also discover the managerial aspects of paying employees at all organizational levels.

    Skills: People Management, Analysis, Global Mindset, Critical Thinking

  • MGT 828 Strategic Control

    MGT 828

    Design of strategic management control systems and use of managerial accounting data to support strategy implementation, performance monitoring, and change.

  • MGT 843 Innovation and Entrepreneurship

    MGT 843

    Managing innovation and launching a new business.

  • MGT 856 Corporate Strategy

    MGT 856

    Discover the management strategy behind multi-business firms, conglomerates, and business groups. Topics will focus on mergers and acquisitions, firm scope, strategic alliances, corporate governance, and strategic leadership.

  • MGT 873 Strategic Decision Making

    MGT 873

    Process of strategic decision-making. Identifying issues that impede or improve decision success. Contextual factors that influence the decision process.

Total Courses

Required Courses
20 Credits
Electives
10 credits
Total
30 credits

Tuition

Cost Per Credit Hour
$1,130
Total Credits Needed
30 credits

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.

Fall 2024 MSL Book List

  • MGT 801
    • Module: A B C
    • Book Title: No textbook required
  • MGT 802
    • Module: A B C
    • Book Title: No textbook required
  • MGT 810
    • Module: A
    • Book Title: Becoming the Evidence-Based Manager: Making the Science of Management Work for You
    • Author: Latham, G. P.
    • Publisher: Boston, MA: Nicholas Brealey Publishing
    • ISBN: 9781473676978
    • Edition: 2nd
  • MGT 824
    • Module: B
    • Book Title: Organizational Behavior: Securing Competitive Advantage
    • Author: Wagner, John A. III, & Hollenbeck, John R.
    • Publisher: New York, NY: Routledge
    • ISBN: 9780367444167
    • Edition: 3rd
  • MGT 804
    • Module: C
    • Book Title: Transnational Management: Text and Cases in Cross-Border Management
    • Author: Bartlett, C.A – Beamish, P.W.
    • Publisher: Cambridge University Press
    • ISBN: 9781108436694
    • Edition: 8th
  • MGT 863
    • Module: A
    • Book Title: Essentials of Negotiation
    • Author: Lewicki, R., Barry, B. & Saunders, D.M.
    • Publisher: McGraw Hill
    • ISBN: 978-1260399455
    • Edition: 7th
  • MGT 842
    • Module: B
    • Book Title: Start With Why
    • Author: Simon Sinek
    • Publisher: Portfolio
    • ISBN: 9781591846444
    • Edition: 1st
    • Comments: Electronic Course Pack is required and available for purchase in the online classroom, D2L. Price will be provided in class with purchase instructions. Students also access many of the articles used in the courses through the MSU Library.
  • MGT 818
    • Module: B
    • Book Title: Performance Management
    • Author: Aguinis, H.
    • Publisher: Sage
    • ISBN: 9781948426480 (the ISBN # changes depending on book format)
    • Edition: 5th
    • Comments: Both print and electronic formats are available to purchase or rent at: us.sagepub.com
  • MGT 814
    • Module: C
    • Book Title: Managing Diversity: Best Practices in the Workplace
    • Author: Jaffer, R.
    • ISBN: 9780578822372
  • MGT 873
    • Module: C
    • Book Title: Thinking Fast and Slow
    • Author: Kahneman, D
    • Publisher: New York, NY: Farrar, Strauss and Giroux.
    • ISBN: 9780374533557
    • Comments: Students also access many of the articles used in the courses through the MSU Library.
  • MGT 856
    • Module: B
    • Book Title: No textbook required

Concentrations

Strategic Management 

Students interested in pursuing a strategic management concentration will complete the following courses:

  • MGT 828 Strategic Control 
  • MGT 843 Innovation and Entrepreneurship 
  • MGT 856 Corporate Strategy
  • MGT 873 Strategic Decision Making

Human Resource Management

Students interested in pursuing a human resource management concentration will complete the following courses:

  • MGT 811 Fundamentals of Human Resource Staffing 
  • MGT 814 Managing Diversity in the Workplace
  • MGT 818 Talent Management and Development
  • MGT 822 Developing Reward & Compensation Systems

Need help?

Let us know if you have questions or need assistance.

Toll Free: 855-300-1310
International: +1 813-612-4295

Take the next step in your career with our program guide!

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Admission Requirements

Broad Spartan MBA students wear graduation gowns and toss their caps into the air.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:

  • Minimum 3 years full-time post-undergraduate experience, ideally in a supervisory role, with a high degree of potential for advancement to an organizational leadership role
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college
  • Minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) strongly preferred

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.

 

Apply Now

Please note, while the application deadline has been extended, if your application is submitted after April 5, 2024 we cannot guarantee consideration for the Summer semester.

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.

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.

  • 1
  • Leadership
  • Speciality ranking (U.S. News & World Report Best Online Master's in Business Programs, 2024)
  • 1
  • General Management
  • Speciality ranking (U.S. News & World Report Best Online Master's in Business Programs, 2024)
  • 2
  • Online Master's Programs
  • Among Public Universities (U.S. News & World Report Best Online Master's in Business Programs, 2024)
  • 4
  • Online Master's Programs
  • Among All Universities (U.S. News & World Report Best Online Master's in Business Programs, 2024)

Top 25 Best Online Master’s in Business Programs, 2017-2024

Top 5 for Specialties

BEST ONLINE MASTER’S IN BUSINESS PROGRAM SPECIALTIES, U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT RANKINGS, 2024

#1
Leadership
HR Management
General Management

#1
Health Care Administration
Organizational Behavior
Marketing

#2
International Business

No. 2 Best Online Master’s in Business Programs for Veterans

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT RANKINGS, 2024

Glenn Hodges headshot

Glenn Hodges

  • Assistant Professor of Management and Director of the Master of Science in Management, Strategy and Leadership program

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.

Photo of Heather Serrano, MSU Alum

“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

Photo of Mark Thompson, MSU Alum

All of [the program’s] courses reaffirm that people make organizations run.”

— Mark Thompson, Alumni

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:

  • Minimum 3 years full-time post-undergraduate experience, ideally in a supervisory role, with a high degree of potential for advancement to an organizational leadership role.
  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university or college.
  • Minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate grade point average (3.0) strongly preferred.

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 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.

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

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.
Learn More  

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.
Learn More  

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.
Learn More  

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

  • What can I do with a master’s in Management, Strategy & Leadership?

    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.

  • What is the difference between an MBA and a MS degree?

    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?

  • What kind of degree will I receive?

    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.

  • What management and leadership skills are helpful for succeeding in this program?

    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.

  • What is the relationship between strategic management and leadership?

    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.

  • Is Michigan State’s online degree in Management, Strategy & Leadership affordable?

    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.