Executive Master’s in Strategic Leadership


An Affordable, Hybrid-format Information Technology Management Program for Successful IT Leaders.

Focus on:

Strategic Thinking and Organizational Strategy

PROGRAM TYPE

Executive Residency Master

LOCATION

Hybrid

LENGTH

19-20 Months

CREDITS

32

TUITION COST

$545/credit hour

Master’s in Strategic Leadership (MSSL): Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

The hybrid Executive Residency Master of Strategic Leadership (MSSL) program equips graduate students with the essential skills needed to prepare them for current or future leadership roles in a broad range of management practices. With a focus on strategic thinking and organizational strategy, NCWU’s Executive Residency MSSL program provides the knowledge students need to lead dynamic organizations to solve complex problems. Students will also gain the knowledge and skills necessary for team building and process efficiency.

The Executive Residency Master of Strategic Leadership is designed for both international and domestic students pursuing Master’s degrees with short residencies. Our hybrid, on-campus class days foster meaningful interactions with our dedicated faculty, peers, and distinguished guest speakers, linking course content to the latest industry trends. Explore these concentrations in Strategic Thinking and Organizational Strategy TODAY and get a jump start on your leadership skills.

The North Carolina Wesleyan University Executive Residency Master of Strategic Leadership is a hybrid (online/in person) format and consists of 32 credit hours to accommodate those seeking work or who are already working. The 19-20 month program consists of 16-week and 8-week courses along with a 16-week Internship.

This hybrid program is unique in that students have a choice of an accelerated option, taking two courses per term, to complete their Master in Leadership degree in less than 20 months.

FACT: According the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Leadership careers are projected to grow 6% by 2033.

health professional teaching class, Certificate of Graduate Study in Public Health

Highlights of Executive Residency MSSL Program:

  • 32-hour program

  • Complete in as-little-as 19-20 months

  • F1-Visa Qualified Program

  • Blended Format (Online & In-person)

  • Limited Weekend Residencies

  • Supportive Advisors

  • Faculty with Industry Experience

  • Affordable Tuition

One of the Most Affordable Online MSSL Programs in the Southeast

NC Wesleyan is the only private, non-profit university currently offering an online Master of Science in Strategic Leadership in NC! It is also VERY affordable compared to other similar executive leadership programs in the southeast. A master’s degree in Strategic Leadership from NCWU is among the best in the business community and many of our graduates have gained the management knowledge and leadership skills that set them apart from their peers. Plus they save on tuition costs instead of being burdened by high student loan debt as other similar programs offer.

Explore these concentrations in Strategic Thinking and Organizational Strategy TODAY and get a jump start on your leadership skills.

Personal, Practical, Purpose-Driven Facts

$116,880

Average Salary for Management Occupations

6%

Industry Growth for Top Executives and Managers

#1

Most affordable private, nonprofit colleges in NC

100%

Accredited Program

 

Program Features & Highlights:

Convenient

Balance work, home and school with primarily online classes along with in-person, scheduled, concentrated weekends on campus!

Flexible

 Complete your degree at your pace with a full-time or part-time schedule. Featuring multiple start times per year, begin when you are ready. 

Affordable

NCWU’s graduate tuition rates are extremely competitive compared to other graduate schools in the U.S.

Experienced

Our engaging faculty have real-world professional experience to ensure you are challenged and supported through practical coursework.

About Executive Residency Format

Our Executive Residency Programs are 19-20 month, interactive programs that allow students to work while attending hybrid (online/in person) classes. Each program fosters meaningful interactions with our dedicated faculty, peers, and distinguished guest speakers, linking course content to the latest industry trends.

As an F1-Visa Qualified Program, international students can continue their education in the U.S. and pursue a master’s degree with one concentrated residency weekend each semester here on our campus in beautiful eastern NC. Apply today and take the first step towards elevating your career!

Executive Master's in Strategic Leadership Program Overview

Admissions Criteria for Both Domestic & International Students:

  • NCWU Graduate Application (FREE)
  • Completed Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, minimum GPA 2.5
    Executive Residency Graduate Programs may require specific degree or equivalent work experience
  • Official Undergraduate Transcripts
    If not from a US institution, International Students will be required to pay for and submit a World Education Services (WES) evaluation.
  • Resume with contact information for two references
  • Statement of Purpose
  • English Proficiency Exam Results (only if undergraduate degree is not from a US institution)
MBA program business men reviewing charts

What are the courses like in the Executive Master of Strategic Leadership, MSSL at NCWU?

The Executive Master of Strategic Leadership (MSSL) program at North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) includes core leadership courses and a broad focus on all aspects of leadership and applies to a number of positions in business, industry, education, and non-profits. A heavy focus on strategy as a method to improve organizational effectiveness. The Executive MSSL program is comprised of 32 graduate-level credit hours.

The Executive MSSL program will require students to complete a research project that integrates the technical and scientific knowledge they have gained throughout the program.

Executive Residency Graduate MSSL Program Hybrid Option*
Tuition – $17,440 ($545.00 per credit hour x 32 hours*)
Processing Fee: $250 (applied to tuition)
Student Fees 2 – $620.00 ($100 tech fee x 5 sessions + $120 grad fee)
Textbooks/Supplies – $400 (approximate)
Estimated Subtotal- $18,460

100% online degree program
Our also offer a 100% online option MSSL Program that requires a total of 30 semester hours to graduate. Details, tuition and costs can be found here.

 2 Student fees include the technology fee and graduation fee

Note: Tuition & books are based on 2024-2025 academic year and is subject to change each academic year.

Terms Semester Start Date Application Deadline CPT Start Date
Spring 1 1/6/2025 12/1/2024 1/6/2025
Summer 1 5/12/2025 3/1/2025 5/12/2025
Fall 1 8/20/2025 7/1/2025 8/20/2025

Missed an application deadline but still want to enroll?
If you happen to miss the listed deadline, please contact us to discuss if enrollment is still open. We are flexible and will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Graduate students in the MSSL program will learn how to lead dynamic organizations through solving complex problems and develop their people and processes long-term.

  • Demonstrate knowledge of innovation and how innovation creates strategic and economic advantages 
  • Diagnose barriers to creativity and innovation in real-world organizations and identify potential routes to improving creative performance 
  • Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a crisis response 
  • Analyze an organization’s public communications regarding a crisis 
  • Create a crisis management plan using best principles and practices 
  • An understanding of the fundamentals of strategy and strategic planning in public and nonprofit organizations 
  • A working competence in the analytical, process, writing, presentation and reflective skills required for effective practice in the core tasks associated with strategic planning and management 

Learning Outcomes:

  • An understanding of behavioral characteristics and reasons for organizational change, as well as which leadership styles are best suited for different environments and situations
  • Demonstrate knowledge of ethical problems in business and foundations for decisions involving ethical issues
  • Analyze accounting information for decision making and performance evaluation
  • Apply economic theory and methodology to managerial decision making problems within various organizational settings, such as a firm or a government agency
  • A broad understanding of the bredth, depth and application of concepts involving corporate governance, capital budgeting, the cost of capital, leverage, optimal capital structures, Modigliani-Miller (MM) Propositions, dividends, financial statement analysis and mergers and acquisitions
  • A general overview of the legal system and process in the United States

Graduates of NCWU’s Executive MSSL with a focus on strategic thinking and organizational strategy can apply this skillset to a range of career fields including senior positions in for-profit and nonprofit organizations, public administration, human resources, consulting, and federal or state contracting to name a few.

Career Options:

  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Director of Human Resources
  • Director of Operations
  • Project Manager
  • Entrepreneur

Request More Information

Executive Residency Programs Inquiry Form
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Are you a graduate of NCWU?
Have you completed a Bachelor’s/Post-secondary degree from an accredited college or university?
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Deadline is one week before each 8-week session (subject to change each year).

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