Master of Science in Leadership School of Leadership and Professional Advancement Duquesne University

Master of Science in Leadership at Duquesne University

The Master of Science (MS) in Leadership program at Duquesne University is designed for individuals who want to make a difference -- in their professions, in their personal lives, in the world.

Leadership skills are essential for all levels of an organization and across all sectors. This program is ideal for those with specialized professional training -- such as accountants or engineers -- who need or want to improve their leadership skills. It provides adult students with the flexibility needed to incorporate rigorous academic study with personal and professional responsibilities.

Students can complete their programs entirely online or -- in some cases -- on campus. They also have access to academic resources such as the university's library, an online writing center, and professors and advisers. Furthermore, students become part of a "peer-learning network" that includes people from the community, corporations, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and military branches.

There are no standardized tests (such as GMAT or GRE) required for application.

Master of Science in Leadership

The MS in Leadership program can be completed in about 2 years and includes 15-week fall and spring terms and an 8-week summer term during both years. The program also includes general and concentration options.

The general option consists of 15 credits of leadership core courses and 21 credits of elective courses in business ethics, community leadership, global leadership, information technology, leadership, professional administration, and liberal studies. The curriculum also includes a leadership colloquium or capstone project that demonstrates participating students' masteries of leadership theories, principles, and practices.

MS in Leadership, Business Ethics Concentration

The business ethics concentration of the MS in Leadership program emphasizes ethical theory as well as the application of ethics and leadership in business environments. Students strengthen their ability to resolve conflicts, solve problems, motivate others, communicate effectively and share knowledge. They also learn how to make decisions using analytical, ethical, and leadership perspectives.

The program's curriculum includes 15 credits of business ethics core courses, 15 credits of leadership core courses, and 6 credits of elective courses.

MS in Leadership, Community Leadership Concentration

Students who choose the community leadership concentration learn about organizational design and development, the societal impact of individuals and organizations, nonprofit governance, and community development.

They complete 15 credits of community leadership core courses, 15 credits of leadership core courses, and 6 credits of elective courses.

MS in Leadership, Global Leadership Concentration

The curriculum for the global leadership specialization focuses on 3 areas: skills for cross-cultural interaction, knowledge of critical global issues, and international leadership skills.

It includes 6 credits of core courses and 30 credits of elective courses that cover international leadership, ethical governance, and other topics related to the global environment.

MS in Leadership, Information Technology Concentration

Students who choose the information technology concentration take 15 credits of information technology courses, 15 credits of leadership core courses, and 6 credits of elective courses.

They gain the skills needed to manage technological change within complex organizational environments. They also learn how to successfully integrate information technology with business processes to ensure organizational success.

MS in Leadership, Liberal Studies Concentration

The curriculum for the MS in Leadership with a liberal studies concentration incorporates liberal arts and social science perspectives into the study of leadership. Thus, students gain an in-depth understanding of how economic, political, and social issues impact organizations.

Students complete 9 credits of liberal studies core courses, 18 credits of leadership core courses, and 9 credits of elective courses.

MS in Leadership, Professional Administration Concentration

The MS in Leadership program with specialization in professional administration is ideal for individuals who are ready to advance their careers into management or administration.

Students complete a curriculum that includes 15 credits of professional administration courses, 12 credits of leadership core courses, and 9 credits of elective courses.

They graduate from the program with the expertise needed to oversee administrative processes; to coordinate, analyze, and present information; and to supervise human and financial resources.

MS in Leadership, Sports Leadership Concentration

Students who choose the sports leadership concentration gain several sports management competencies including in-depth knowledge of the sports industry, the ability to negotiate professional contracts, and the ability to manage organizations in the sports industry.

They complete 6 sports leadership courses and 6 leadership core courses for a total of 36 credits. The knowledge and skills attained through this program will enable sports industry professionals to bring increased value to their organizations.

Expert Faculty Members at Duquesne University

Accomplished faculty members with scholarly and industry expertise are the foundation of the MS in Leadership program. They are drawn from the School of Leadership and Professional Advancement, other schools within the university, and the professional community.

Professor G. K. Cunningham is a well-published researcher in the fields of humanitarian demining, joint and multinational campaign planning, and the international implications of leadership and ethics. He was a delegate of the US military to the Ottawa Convention on the prohibition of antipersonnel landmines.

Bernhard Behrend is a lawyer with over 25 years of experience in mediation.

Eileen Eckhart-Strauch served in the role of budget and strategic planning coordinator in a large state agency for 12 years.

Mr. Derda is an Adjunct Instructor and the Associate Athletic Director for External Relations at Duquesne University. He has more than 25 years of sales and marketing experience in the sports industry including 18 years with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Jim Wolford-Ulrich, PhD, Associate Professor, School of Leadership and Professional Advancement has over 25 years as an adult educator. Dr. Ulrich has worked in industry as a Manager of Executive Development and Succession Planning for a telecom company and as Director of Organizational Development in healthcare.

Barbara Vittitoe, PhD, is a retired naval officer who held numerous leadership positions and led large units in a variety of areas. After her 24-year naval career, Barb worked for Harley-Davidson Motor Company in an organizational development and training role. Barb recently joined the Global Leadership Development Group of Amazon.

Janie M. Harden Fritz, PhD, Associate Professor of Communication & Rhetorical Studies, is coeditor (with Dr. Becky L. Omdahl) of Problematic Relationships in the Workplace (Peter Lang Press, 2006) and co-author (with Dr. Ronald C. Arnett and Leeanne Bell) of Communication Ethics Literacy: Dialogue and Difference (Sage, 2009). Dr. Fritz's work has been published in several academic journals.

Duquesne University

Founded in 1878, Duquesne University is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the northeastern region of the United States. It is one of the leading Catholic universities in the country.

Duquesne offers more than 10,000 students 189 undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate certificate programs. It is recognized nationally for its academically rigorous programs.

For example, Duquesne University ranks as one of the top universities in the 2013 edition of the "Princeton Review's" Best 377 Colleges. It also ranks within the top tier of "US News & World Report's" 2012 edition of America's Best Colleges.

• Tuition & Fees
• In-state tuition *$17,388
• Out-of-state tuition *$17,388
• International student tuitionNot Reported
• * Tuition for full-time graduate student per academic year
• Fees
• Per-academic year fees$1,656.00
• Per-term feesNot Reported
• One-time feeNot Reported
• * Fees for full-time graduate students
• Financial Support
• Financial award applicants must submitNot Reported
• Application deadlines for financial awardsNot Reported
• Types of financial support availableNot Reported