Earn a Master of Science in Leadership (MSL) From a 100% Online University
Take your leadership abilities to the next level with the online Master of Science in Leadership (MSL) degree program at Trident. In our 100% online master’s program, you will:
- Study how to approach problems in an explorative manner.
- Work to develop an expertise in all facets of organizational leadership.
- Work on your oral and written communication skills.
- Examine skills in ethical and logical decision-making.
- Join and engage with other current and future leaders in our online classrooms and communities.
- Work closely with faculty that possesses a wide range of experiences, backgrounds, and research foci.
Online Master's in Leadership Degree Program Overview
Founded on leadership values of personal integrity, organizational ethics, and service to others, this quality online master’s degree program uses current leadership theory, best practices, and organizational case studies to promote learning. It is designed to meet the diverse and multi-faceted challenges faced in organizational leadership roles.
Offered in a web-based setting, the master’s degree program in leadership allows students the opportunity to earn their graduate degree while employed. This could allow them to further their education without pausing their career progress. Trident also offers monthly course starts that ensure students have access to the classes they need to fulfill requirements whenever they are ready to take them.
See the Trident University Catalog for full descriptions of all program course offerings.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of their degree program, graduates should be able to:
- Apply the leadership common body of knowledge (leadership theories, leader styles, and the impact of influence on teams) to enhance initiatives or processes within the organization.
- Effectively communicate to support organizational goals between leaders and team members.
- Synthesize complex organizational information to provide data-driven, context-specific guidance to organizational stakeholders.
- Implement organizational leadership strategies in a manner that promotes organizational effectiveness.
- Analyze data that impacts an organization from a political, economic, financial, social, cultural, geopolitical, and/or technological context for effective change management.
- Demonstrate ethical leadership and decision-making through synthesis of ethical theories, values, and principles applied to complex organizational situations.
Courses at Trident are industry-relevant. As an MS in Leadership student, you can take a variety of classes, including Organizational Change and Transformation, Mentoring and Developing Employees, and Leadership of Teams.
You must complete 32 semester credits of program core coursework and four credits of elective coursework for a total of 36 semester credit hours. See the Trident University Catalog for full descriptions of all course offerings.
Subject to additional college-or program-specific admissions requirements, the following standard admissions requirements apply:
- You are responsible for submitting a complete application package, including the online application form listing all prior institutions attended.
- You are required to have official transcripts on file with Trident to receive proper evaluation of transfer credits and a decision on admission to the University.
- An official transcript from the institution granting the qualifying bachelor's degree or the most recent masters degree.
- Master's degree students are required to provide official transcripts from the institution granting the undergraduate degree.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on the transcript of the most recently conferred bachelor's or master's degree.
- Academic entrance exams, such as GRE, MAT or GMAT, are not required for admission.
- International students must provide proof of English proficiency (see Trident University Catalog for details).
The following standard transfer policies apply:
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Credits are considered for transfer from:
- Any regionally or nationally accredited college or university
- The American Council on Education (ACE)
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- The DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
- The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL)
- Excelsior
- Other non-traditional forms of learning as deemed appropriate by College Deans or designees
- Decisions on the transfer of credits are ultimately at the discretion of the College Deans or designees. Students may formally appeal transfer decisions to the Provost or designee.
- Appeals must be submitted in writing and must be accompanied by supporting documentation or evidence such as a course syllabus.
- Students are urged to review the specific policy statement applicable to each degree program regarding maximum transferable credits to the program and concentration, or both.
- Transfer credits will not be included in the calculation of overall GPA.
- Graduate coursework submitted for transfer must have been completed within the prior seven years unless the content is deemed outdated or no longer equivalent or relevant by Trident.
- Trident may accept for transfer to the master's degree up to 20% of graduate level credits from other accredited colleges or universities. All transferred courses must have a minimum grade of “B-” or better.
Transfer students can review the full transfer credit policy in the Trident University Catalog.
Tuition cost for the master's program:
| tuition type | per credit | per course | per year* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $567 | $2,268 | $10,206 |
| Retired Military / Veteran / And Their Immediate Family Members** | $425.25 | $1,701 | $7,654.5 |
| Military & Immediate Family Members / Department of Defense Federal Civilian Employees** | $325 | $1,300 | $5,850 |
| Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve U.S Military Service Members** | $250 | $1,000 | $4,500 |
*Assumes no transfer credit and that student in a 36 credit program enrolls in an average of 18 credits per year for 2 years.
**Tuition per credit represented with applicable military grant applied.
University Fees:
- Books and Supplies: $0
- Course Materials: $0
- Diploma Copy: $30 (optional)
- Food, Housing, and Transportation: N/A
- Graduation Fee: $150
- Official Transcript: $10
- Other Expedited Shipping Fees: varies based on region
- Payment Plan Set-up: $35-$55 (non-refundable)
- Student ID Card: $10 (optional)
- Technology Fee: $0
- Other fees may apply and are subject to change without advance notice.
Seeking more information on the cost of attending Trident University? Visit Trident's Financial Aid Resources page where you will find financial aid tools including Trident's Net Price Calculator and Shopping Sheet, a guide to assist in early financial planning for college.
Want to save time & money on your degree? Receive credit for eligible past experience and military service with Trident Fastrac.* Click here to learn more.
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Faces of Trident
Meet Kimo Q., MBA, Class of 2022, Triple Trident
Hear him share about his academic journey at Trident.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Master of Science in Leadership is a degree program designed to help students prepare to pursue a potential career path in organizational leadership. Students who study in this program will explore topics related to the interdependence of organizational systems at various levels, organizational leadership that promotes diversity and ensures accountability and organizational sustainability, and complex challenges that exist within the internal organization and the external environment.
Master’s degree programs are typically designed to take two years to complete; however, depending on a student’s previous credits*, proficiency, and other factors, this time could be shorter or longer. Many students who attend this program work full-time, and some elect to take dual credit while in their bachelor’s program. Monthly start dates give students flexibility in timing their coursework.
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
In this program, students can take courses in a variety of subject areas including organizational change and transformation, mentoring and developing employees, and leadership of teams.
An MSL degree program at Trident provides an opportunity to study skills designed to help you prepare to pursue leadership roles using the best practices and current leadership theories for a global business environment. Your classes may include exploration of organizational case studies, all facets of organizational leadership, and ethical and logical decision-making skills. With a program created around adult learners’ needs, you will have access to support and flexibility while working and attending the program.
The total number of credits required for this program is 36 credit hours. Students will complete 32 semester credit hours of core coursework and four credits of elective coursework. Additional credits may include transfer credits* from a professional certificate, diploma, or a military occupation or ranking.
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Eligible students with military experience, active and retired, may be able to receive credit for military service*. Please refer to Trident Fastrac for more information.
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Trident offers 8-week sessions for its students pursuing associate, bachelor, or master’s degree programs. Refer to the academic calendar for a schedule of class start dates.
