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Online Master’s Degree in Leadership Studies (MS)

Take the lead in your career and community with the online Master of Science in Leadership Studies (MS) at Delaware State University. Designed for working professionals across industries, our flexible graduate leadership program builds the practical skills needed to lead with confidence—from strategic decision-making to ethical influence.

Open to students from any academic background, DSU’s 30-credit leadership degree can be completed in as little as one year through accelerated eight-week sessions offered full or part time. You’ll learn from interdisciplinary faculty who combine academic expertise with real-world leadership experience.

As one of the nation’s premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Delaware State offers an inclusive, mission-driven environment where your leadership potential is fully recognized. Whether you’re preparing for a promotion, changing careers or seeking greater impact, our leadership studies program equips you to develop essential skills and drive meaningful change.

Program highlights:

  • Benefit from flexible scheduling designed for working adults
  • Complete your leadership master’s degree in one to two years, 100% online
  • Engage in service-learning with a real-world capstone project
  • Learn practical, applied leadership skills across industries

Admission Requirements

Applicants who wish to seek admission to the M. S. in Leadership Studies (MSLS) must meet the following requirements:

An earned baccalaureate or a higher degree,

An earned cumulative GPA of 2.5 on all coursework

  • Online application for admission.
  • Application fee of $50.00 made payable to Delaware State University.
  • Official transcript(s) of all academic work completed.
  • A current professional resume.
  • Two letters of academic/professional recommendations.
  • A Statement of Purpose/Intent explaining specifically why the applicant wants to be admitted to this program and indicating how their career goals align with the goals of M. S. in Leadership Studies (MSLS). Specifications for the statement: Minimum 1000 words, APA format, grammatical error-free.

The Program Director will review each application and recommend acceptance into the program to the Dean of the School of Graduate, Adult, and Extended Studies, who will extend an offer of admission to the applicant.

What is Leadership Studies?

Leadership studies is an interdisciplinary field focused on the theory and practice of leadership in real-world contexts. It combines research, ethics, psychology, communication and organizational behavior to explore how leaders influence others, solve problems and create positive change.

In DSU’s leadership studies program, you’ll examine topics such as leadership intelligence, followership, organizational culture and strategic planning. You’ll also build skills in digital literacy, academic research and professional communication.

The curriculum integrates leadership theory, applied research and hands-on experience, and the capstone service-learning project gives you the opportunity to apply what you learn to your current position.

The result: a deeper understanding of leadership that’s grounded in experience and ready to be applied immediately in your workplace.

Why Choose the MS in Leadership Studies at DSU?

DSU’s MS in Leadership Studies program is designed with one goal in mind: to help working professionals become confident, capable and ethical leaders. We provide the tools you need to advance in your organization or transition into a leadership role in a new sector.

With 100% online delivery, accelerated eight-week sessions and a curriculum focused on applied leadership, our program fits into your busy life while preparing you for what’s next.

You’ll benefit from:

  • Online convenience with part-time and full-time scheduling
  • A capstone project that applies learning to real-world challenges
  • Interdisciplinary courses designed for professionals from any background
  • A great return on investment with affordable tuition and valuable skills

What Can You Do With a Master’s In Leadership Studies?

Whether you’re aiming to manage a team, lead a department or transition to a new sector, DSU’s Master of Science in Leadership Studies equips you with communication, analysis and strategy skills to make a lasting impact in your career.

Our program is designed to equip you for leadership roles in business, education, government, health care and nonprofit sectors. [ML1] You’ll be prepared to guide teams through change, foster inclusive environments and align people around a shared vision.

Depending on your current field, career opportunities include:

  • Community engagement or DEI coordinator
  • Human resources director
  • Nonprofit program manager
  • Organizational development specialist
  • Training and development lead

DSU’s master’s in leadership also provides a strong foundation for doctoral study or professional certifications. Most importantly, you’ll gain the confidence and clarity to lead with purpose—wherever your path takes you.

Explore Courses in Leadership Studies

The MS in Leadership Studies includes 30 credits of coursework offered entirely online. You’ll begin with a foundational course in leadership research, academic writing and digital literacy tools. From there, you’ll explore leadership through multiple lenses: Organizational behavior, strategic planning and the critical relationship between leaders and followers.

All courses are designed to be immediately relevant to your work and career goals. You’ll sharpen your ability to evaluate sources, communicate professionally and apply leadership theories in dynamic organizational settings. The program concludes with a service-learning capstone that challenges you to solve a real-world issue, demonstrating your leadership growth and readiness.

View one- and two-year degree plans

View course descriptions

Leadership Studies Admissions

To apply to the MS in Leadership Studies program, you must have earned a baccalaureate or higher degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on all coursework. Other requirements include:

  • Online application for admission
  • Application fee of $50 made payable to Delaware State University
  • Official transcript(s) of all academic work completed
  • A current professional resume
  • Two letters of academic/professional recommendations
  • A Statement of Purpose/Intent explaining specifically why you want to be admitted and how your career goals align with the program. Specifications for the statement:
    • Minimum 1,000 words, APA format, grammatical error-free

The program director will review each application and recommend acceptance into the program to the dean of the School of Graduate, Adult, and Extended Studies, who will extend an offer of admission to the applicant.

Additional Requirements for International Applicants

In addition to the requirements noted above, international applicants must submit a WES or ECE evaluation of all academic work completed and results from the TOEFL or IELTS examination if they earned their baccalaureate degree from a non-English-speaking country.

All international students must also meet the visa requirements of the Office of International Student Services (OISS) before a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student Visa (I-20 A-B form) can be issued.

Prepare to Lead Boldly

DSU’s MS in Leadership Studies gives you the tools to lead with impact. Our flexible online format and purpose-driven curriculum are designed for working professionals, allowing you to take the next step in your career without putting your life on hold.

Start shaping your future in leadership. Apply today.