NCWU’s MSSL program focuses on leadership concepts with additional emphasis on strategic thinking and organizational strategy.

Upon completing your strategic leadership degree program, you will be equipped with the right skills and knowledge to work effectively in all leadership positions.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2018). there are a projected 807,000 new management occupation jobs being added to the US economy between 2022 and 2026.

Management can be defined in many terms but leadership has a defining role in all management positions. A strategic leadership degree helps prepare individuals to lead dynamic organizations through complex problems while providing the knowledge and skills necessary to develop the people and the processes long-term.

Because management leadership positions bring together individuals with diverse educational backgrounds, there is no pre-requisite undergraduate degree to apply for this program. However, a strong interest in, or background/education in business or a related field is encouraged.

Students must have earned a baccalaureate degree, or it’s equivalent, from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, with a minimum of a 2.5 overall GPA (on a 4.0 scale).

The GRE is not required for admission to this program.

Courses are 100% online. The majority of coursework will be asynchronous, however, most courses in this program will require some synchronous meetings in order to foster peer discussion, feedback, and review with the faculty instructor.

All courses and program-related content (such as orientation) are conducted online, so there is no requirement to attend any program content on campus.

Yes, there will be opportunities to apply relevant classroom theory to real-world problems during the course of this program. Students will also be able to apply what they are learning to their current position immediately while enhancing their resume with experiences and knowledge for career growth.

The learning outcomes in this MSSL program differ from the Masters in Business Administration in that the M.B.A. is primarily a traditional business track program for CEO’s or those who need a background in accounting, finance, economics and marketing.

The Master of Strategic Leadership (MSSL) generally focuses 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.

Student’s CAN NOT complete both the MBA and MSSL as 6 courses overlap, therefore it is required that a decision is made as to which degree they would prefer to pursue. Students can switch between the programs one time only.

Students CAN NOT come back to earn the MSSL after earning the MBA and vice versa. However, if a student attains an MSCJ or MPH with NCWU and wants to then pursue either the MBA or MSSL, they can.

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

Students complete the program over the course of Fall, Spring, and Summer I, for a total of about 10 months.