Online Master of Science (MS) in Leadership
journey today.
Leadership is at the heart of every organization’s success. It’s the fundamental driving force that shapes the vision of the company and motivates team members. Effective leaders understand how to provide direction, foster motivation and shape vision, and when to empower others to lead. Developing the mindset and skills of a strong leader means learning to balance strategic direction with trust in your team’s capabilities.
The Master of Science in Leadership, offered by the Colangelo College of Business, provides an in-depth study of senior-level business skills combined with the ethical principles of servant leadership. This master’s in leadership degree program can help you further develop your leadership style. You will also examine the core principles of communication, team-leading and decision-making in business.
Explore the fundamentals of how to inspire and lead others through proven leadership theories and current research. Learn alongside leadership-focused peers and benefit from the guidance of dedicated faculty. GCU places a strong emphasis on ethical decision-making in leadership and is invested in empowering future business leaders to become effective servant leaders.
Some of the core domains and competencies integrated into the Master of Science in Leadership online program are:
Self-leadership
Practice self-reflection and self-awareness skills
Leading others
Positively influence others and work toward shared objectives
Leading an organization
Formulate a strong vision and support innovative change toward improved outcomes
Christian leadership
Embrace a dedication to improving oneself, people and communities
Earn Your Master’s in Leadership Online
Grand Canyon University offers a vibrant online learning community for master’s degree students. Earn your master’s in leadership online with a flexible schedule of online courses. GCU’s online learning platform is designed to support connection and student engagement.
The Master of Science in Leadership coursework can help you cultivate your leadership style. You can work to develop your ability to communicate an organization’s mission and vision to diverse audiences and key stakeholders. This MS in Leadership program explores advanced business leadership models and critically evaluates modern management strategies.
Some topics covered in the master’s degree in leadership include:
Strategic management
You will be taught how to manage human capital through best practices in talent management, workforce diversity and employee development.
Effective leadership
Practice applying leadership skills across major organizational functions, including marketing, finance, information systems and operations management.
Ethics
Examine models of ethical problem-solving and how to apply them in leadership scenarios.
Models and theories
Explore business leadership models and theories through a variety of perspectives.
The Master of Science in Leadership degree can prepare you with skills and foundational knowledge that is readily transferable to a broad spectrum of career fields.
With an MS in Leadership, you may pursue careers in domestic and international corporations, management consulting, training and development or entrepreneurship.
Median annual wage for management occupations in May 20241
Potential Leadership Roles With an MS in Leadership
With a Master of Science in Leadership degree, you may be able to pursue the following careers:
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. Whether you're joining us on campus or logging in from home, you can be confident that your education meets the standards set by our accrediting body.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re considering earning your MSL degree, read through some commonly asked questions to learn more about this degree and potential career options.
If you're looking to potentially grow as a leader, an MS in Leadership could be a great fit. Our program is designed to help you build skills in leadership and team development to run a business effectively. It’s especially valuable for those with entrepreneurial goals or anyone looking for practical leadership experience that applies across a wide range of industries.
Deciding what degree is best for your individual circumstances depends on your professional and career goals. A Master of Science in Leadership degree can be a great choice for professionals who would like to create change and impact by focusing on people and organizational dynamics. Meanwhile, many students enroll in an MBA program to acquire a broader business education in finance, accounting, management, marketing and entrepreneurship. Students interested in both programs may be well suited for the online MS/MBA dual degree program in leadership.
Students in the MS in Leadership online and on-campus degree from GCU should:
Gain the foundation you need to be an effective leader. Earn your MSL from GCU.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, April, 18). Management Occupations. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug. 25, 2025.