Advance Your Leadership Skills
Examine advanced skills in leadership and prepare to lead organizations through change. Apply online at GCU!
Written By
GCE Editorial Team
Examine advanced skills in leadership and prepare to lead organizations through change. Apply online at GCU!
A Master of Science in Leadership (MSL) can equip you to inspire teams, drive strategy and lead change across diverse industries.
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Approved and verified accurate by the Assistant Vice President of GCU Marketing on Oct. 24, 2025.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
A Master of Science in Leadership (MSL) degree may prepare you to position yourself to potentially pursue leadership positions in your current industry or in a new industry that are aligned with your career qualifications. Through a curriculum focused on organizational dynamics, effective communication and leadership, this program can help you build a versatile foundation for navigating professional environments.
At Grand Canyon University, the MSL degree is designed to prepare learners to make a positive impact on their industry. It teaches a variety of hard and soft skills that are readily transferable to a range of fields, including competencies in servant leadership, conscious capitalism and organizational development.
What can I do with a master’s in leadership? Explore potential career paths, then review different types of leadership degrees and the skills they teach to determine the best fit for you.
An MSL can be worth it if you’re interested in enhancing your career qualifications to position yourself for potential leadership positions in your industry. It might also be a smart move to earn a graduate degree if you’re thinking of transitioning into a new industry or a new type of role. Even if you aren’t planning any career moves right now, an MSL can allow you to examine advanced competencies in leadership that may be immediately applicable to your current work.
What is a master’s in leadership like in terms of skill development? In addition to teaching competencies in servant leadership and organizational development, you can expect the curriculum to teach a wide range of soft skills, such as:
Leadership degrees come in several forms. A Master of Science in Leadership may also be offered as a Master of Arts in Leadership at some schools. Another option is the Master of Business Administration (MBA), which is available with a leadership emphasis at GCU.
While the MBA and the MSL (or MA) share some core areas, the MLS focuses specifically on leadership, whereas the MBA emphasizes broader business skills.
Some of the topics that the MSL at GCU teaches include:
In contrast, some of the topics that the MBA with an Emphasis in Leadership at GCU teaches include:
To determine which is right for you, consider how the curriculum of each program might align with your career goals. If you’re more interested in examining leadership styles and methods, then the MSL might be right for you. Business problem-solvers might prefer the MBA.
Many learners choose GCU’s MSL for the following reasons:
If you’ve decided that earning a Master of Science in Leadership is the right choice for your career goals, Grand Canyon University invites you to apply to the Colangelo College of Business. Take classes online or in the evenings to accommodate your busy schedule. Fill out the form on this page and speak with a university counselor about earning an MSL at GCU.
What can you do with a master’s in leadership? There are possibilities in every industry to consider, as leaders are important for every type of organization. Some of the career paths you might consider pursuing could include:
General and operations managers plan, direct and coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations. Also called business managers, their responsibilities are broad and often span multiple departments or locations. Their work is essential to ensuring that an organization runs smoothly and efficiently.
Some specific tasks may include:
According to the BLS, general and operations managers earned a median annual salary of $105,350 as of May 2024.(See disclaimer 1)
Sales managers lead an organization’s sales team by setting objectives, analyzing performance data and implementing strategies to boost results. They play an essential role in increasing revenue and maintaining customer satisfaction. Sales managers typically work in office or retail environments and may travel to meet clients or attend industry events.
Common responsibilities include:
According to the BLS, sales managers earned a median annual salary of $138,060 as of May 2024.(See disclaimer 2) The job outlook for this role is positive, with a projected growth rate of 5% from 2024 through 2034, which is faster than average. This growth reflects the ongoing need for skilled professionals to lead sales teams and drive business success, with about 29,000 openings expected during this timeframe.(See disclaimer 3)
Also known as management consultants, management analysts help organizations improve efficiency, reduce costs and increase profitability. They often work independently or for consulting firms, analyzing data and recommending strategic changes to enhance operations. Their work is valued across industries, especially during times of organizational change or growth.
Some specific tasks may include:
According to the BLS, management analysts earned a median annual salary of $101,190 as of May 2024.(See disclaimer 4) The job outlook is strong, with a projected growth rate of 9% from 2024 through 2034, which is much faster than average. This indicates a growing demand for professionals who can help organizations navigate complex challenges, with about 94,500 openings expected during this decade.(See disclaimer 5)
An administrative services manager plans, implements and coordinates daily operational activities for an organization or facility. In large organizations, they may be responsible for one specific function, such as recordkeeping, while at smaller organizations, they may have a hand in multiple areas of function.
Some specific tasks for this leadership career may include:
According to the BLS, administrative services and facilities managers made a median annual salary of $106,880 as of May 2024.(See disclaimer 6) The BLS projects a 4% job growth rate from 2024 to 2034, as fast as average, indicating a need for about 18,300 new jobs.(See disclaimer 7)