OVERVIEW
A Master's in Management Degree Focused on Promoting Workplace Growth and Innovation
Being a manager who confidently leads organizations and motivates people—the kind companies want to hire and employees want to work for—takes skill and practice. If you have your sights set on an influential leadership role in business, government, startups, or nonprofits, earning your master's in management (MIM) is a great place to start. You can take the next step in your career and be prepared for a raise, promotion, or career shift. An M.S. in Management and Leadership can be the key to helping you reach your goals.
Compare this degree: Also considering the MBA degree program? This article can help you understand the differences.
Graduates can finish within
12 Months*
WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.
*WGU Internal Data
Tuition per six-month term is
$4,805
Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. Finish faster, pay less!
Average salary increase
$9,171*
M.S. Leadership and Management graduates report an average salary increase of $9,171 after completing their degree at Western Governors University.
*WGU Internal Data
COURSES
Masters in Management and Leadership Courses
Program consists of 10 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
This program is composed of the following courses. You will typically complete them one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and master the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.
One year master's degree students can complete all of their coursework in just two WGU terms. You will set a schedule with your Program Mentor to enable you to finish your program quickly. Learn more about the one year program at WGU.
To ensure WGU graduates acquire the knowledge and skills sought by employers, our M.S. in Management and Leadership was developed with significant input from experts and business leaders who serve on our Business Program Council. The management and leadership curriculum is designed to prepare you to lead and influence individuals, companies, and communities.
10 Courses
Program consists of 10 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
Capstone Project
Special requirements for this program
WGU’s online M.S. Management and Leadership includes a capstone project that requires you to synthesize core knowledge from across the degree program and apply research skills in order to address a management or leadership challenge in a real-world organization.
Skills For Your Résumé
As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for.
- Leadership: Fostered an inclusive and collaborative environment, valuing input from all team members, resulting in increased team cohesion, productivity, and innovative solutions.
- Management: Demonstrated exceptional ability to identify the needs of others, enabling effective coaching, mentoring, and skill development, leading to professional growth and improved performance.
- Coordinating: Successfully implemented managerial functions, utilizing planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling strategies.
- Communications: Utilized persuasive and effective communication techniques to guide outcomes, facilitating successful negotiations and driving positive results in various projects and initiatives.
- Performance Management: Implemented comprehensive systems for managing, evaluating, and influencing work performance and employee engagement.
- Planning: Conducted rigorous assessments of plans, ensuring their efficiency and effectiveness in achieving specific goals, leading to enhanced performance and goal attainment.
"WGU allowed me to continue doing the things I love, spending time with my family, and traveling for my job. Another major plus was that the competency-based system enabled me to focus my time in the areas I needed to learn to further my career.”
—Shonna Wessels
M.S. Management and Leadership
WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in 1 year
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
TUITION STRUCTURE
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
SUPPORT
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
EXAMS
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
SCHEDULE
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
TIME TO FINISH
As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in 1 year
Why WGU?
Earning Potential
After graduation, WGU management and leadership master's degree graduates report earning $10,500* more per year. Are you ready to make more money?
*WGU Internal Data
Entirely Online
Competency-based education means you can move as quickly through your degree as you can master the material. You don't have to log in to classes at a certain time—you are truly in the driver's seat of your education.
Ready For Your Next Step
The Management and Leadership degree at WGU is 100% online, which means it works wherever you are. You can do your coursework at night after working at your full-time job, on weekends, while you're traveling the world or on vacation—it's entirely up to you.
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.
COST & TIME
An Affordable Master's Degree in Leadership and Management
By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
A College Degree Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time
Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused teaching program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.
"WGU was a game changer for me. I had tried before to get my masters, but all the online schools seemed so complicated. WGU made it easy and the support was great! As a father of 2 with a full-time and weekend job, I needed support and they were great."
—Joseph Ancona
M.S. Management and Leadership
CAREER OUTLOOK
Climb the Ladder to Success—Earn a Master of Science in Management Degree Focused on Taking You to the Top
Business. Government. Nonprofit. Startup. With the right knowledge and experience, you can drive your career toward executive-level organizational leadership in any direction you choose. Once you’ve learned how to promote growth, creativity, and innovation in an increasingly complex work environment, you will be sought after as a manager, director, vice president, or even a member of the c-suite. Take the next step in your career and earn a master's degree in management and leadership.
WGU's Master of Science in Management and Leadership is designed to prepare you for your next career move. You already have crucial skills that have helped you succeed—now it's time for the next step. In this degree program you'll develop the comprehensive managerial and leadership skills you need to execute organizational change, drive strategic initiatives, and develop high-performance teams—the qualifications today's employers are actively looking for in candidates to fill the top levels of leadership. This M.S. business program could be the first step toward an exciting, lucrative, and rewarding career move.
Return on Your Investment
On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2023 Harris Poll Survey of 1,655 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
6%
Employment of top executives is projected to grow 6% through 2033.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Make an Executive Decision About Your Career—Earn Your Management and Leadership Master's Degree
Confident leadership is required in every industry, and strategic management is needed at every successful organization. If you're ready to take the next big step in your management career, WGU's Master of Science in Management and Leadership can teach you how to make the kinds of smart decisions about employees, business plans, company policies, budgets, and resources that today's recruiters are looking for.
Our 700-plus M.S. Management and Leadership alumni have great jobs and satisfying careers:
Job Titles
- President
- Vice president
- Branch chief
- Director of operations
- Executive director
Diverse Industries
- Private companies
- Healthcare organizations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Government
- Colleges and universities
Major Employers
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Adventist Health
- HCA
- Scholastic
- State of Nevada
WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers
ADMISSIONS & TRANSFERS
Masters in Management and Leadership Admission Requirements
To be considered for this master's program, students must:
- Submit all transcripts verifying receipt of your bachelor’s degree from a recognized, accredited institution.
NOTE: You do not need to take the GRE or GMAT to be admitted to this program. Learn why we don't require these tests.
Transfer Credits
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.
FINISH FASTER
The One-Year MSML
WGU's unique competency-based model allows you to move faster through your degree program. This online Master of Science in Management and Leadership degree gives you the flexibility you need to earn your degree on your terms. You don't have to leave your job to pursue a master's in business leadership—something you and your employer will both appreciate. No logging in, no set class times—you are in the driver's seat of your education.
WGU's one-year* MSML allows you to finish your degree program in only 12 months for just $9,510.
* Program can be completed in as little as 12 months. Pricing is based on 12-month completion of the program. Students that do not complete in 12 months and need longer to complete the program will need to pay for additional terms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Management and Leadership
A master's degree in leadership and management can be crucial for your career. Many opportunities may only be open to those who have a master's degree in management, so pursuing this degree can absolutely be worth it. Many graduates see an increase in salary, promotions, new opportunities, and increased job stability with a master's degree in management. These benefits make the cost and time of a degree extremely worthwhile.
A master's degree in leadership can set you up for many exciting and rewarding careers including:
- Business manager
- Project manager
- Recruiter
- HR manager
- Director
- Vice-president
- CEO
- COO
A master's degree in management can set you up for many lucrative and rewarding careers. Most careers that require a management master's degree have salary levels over $100,000 per year. Your experience and industry will play a large role in your salary level as well.
An online university can be an ideal choice for a master's degree in leadership. An online program can allow you to continue to work full-time while pursuing your degree so you don't have to put your career on hold. You can also start implementing the things you learn in your program directly into your career. You may also be able to utilize your experience and knowledge to accelerate your courses and finish faster, saving you time and money.
Courses in a management and leadership degree program will often include subjects such as:
- Managing human capital
- Managing organizations and people
- Communication
- Business acumen
- Ethical leadership
- Strategic management
- Change management
Yes, a master’s degree in management is definitely worth it. Since a management degree teaches you leadership skills, it is applicable in many different career fields. As a graduate with a master’s in management, you’ll be well equipped to step up as a leader and communicate effectively within whichever work environment you choose, whether that’s a corporate workplace or somewhere different.
A Master of Science in Management and Leadership can qualify you for a lot of careers and positions including:
- President
- Vice president
- Branch chief
- Director of operations
- Executive director
- Human resources manager
- Operations manager
- Project manager
A master’s degree in management can be better than an MBA for those who don’t yet have a lot of work experience. While an MBA may be ideal for those who have worked professionally for a few years and want to return to school for more education, a master’s degree in management can be better if you’re looking to jumpstart your career with a higher degree soon after completing a bachelor’s or undergraduate degree.
The best master’s degree for management is one that’s flexible and tailored to your busy life. A degree like the one offered at WGU can help you jump into your career with the credentials and qualifications you need to progress quickly and find success and fulfillment. A master’s degree in management and leadership will prepare you to be a great leader and drive change and progression in your chosen workplace.
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?
