MS Management, Strategy & Leadership

Admission Requirements

To be considered for MSU’s online MS in Management, Strategy and Leadership program, you should have:

• 3 years (minimum) full-time managerial experience in a supervisory role and a high degree of potential for advancement to an organizational leadership role
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college
• 3.0 minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA)
  
  

Application Checklist
Start Your MSU Application

• Complete your online application with a $100 application fee (one-time, nonrefundable)

Order Transcripts

• Official transcripts from all college/university programs or courses of study attended prior to applying to Michigan State University
• Official military transcript (if denoting servicemember or military veteran status in application)

Provide Professional Resume, Essay & Recommendations

• Applicants’ resumes must include up to 20 years of work experience (if applicable).
• Applicants’ resumes must explicitly list supervisory vs. non-supervisory for each role within their work experience. If the role was supervisory, the applicant must include a range of direct reports.
• Applicants with military service must denote rank (and associated pay grade) for every position listed on their resume (military roles).
• 3 letters of recommendation from professional, work-related references, preferably supervisors. Letters should speak to your ability to work within and lead teams, and your contribution to a professional business environment are strongly recommended.
• Statement of intention essay (2 pages), detailing your direct supervisory and/or management experience, and stating how you see the degree furthering your career and organizational goals.

What You'll Learn

Michigan State University’s Master of Science in Management, Strategy and Leadership provides you with a practical education experience, impactful skills and critical knowledge base to develop your leadership excellence in:

• Team and organizational leadership
• Strategic management
• Negotiation and conflict resolution
• Human resource management
• Managerial decision making and ethics
• Organizational learning and change management
• Competitive business strategy

The world of business is constantly changing. To stay ahead of the competition it can be beneficial to have a well-rounded understanding of management, strategy and leadership. Earning an MS in this field can provide you with the skills to pursue advanced careers in today’s business environment. The program will teach you how to develop and implement effective strategies, manage talent and resources and build strong teams.

Return on Investment

A degree in management, strategy and leadership can lead to a variety of different paths. Many management and leadership graduates go on to work in fields such as consulting, human resources or project management. Others use their degree to start their own businesses.

Projected Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment for management occupations is projected to increase 8 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the median rate for most other occupations.

For more information on other management occupations, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/home.htm

Potential Outcomes

This is a master’s level program and requires at least three years of full-time experience in a supervisory role to be eligible to apply. The MSL program is geared toward active working professionals – leaders especially – who are looking to broaden and hone their skills.

Graduates of the MSL program may qualify for a wide range of national positions, including:*

• Product manager
• Program manager
• Controller
• Director of product management
• Marketing product manager
• Director of payment innovation
• Director of software engineering
• Finance manager
• Digital product manager
• Marketing manager

* Source: EMSI/Burning Glass Job Postings – Occupations: Mgmt. Occupations (11-0000); Education: Master’s; Skills: Strategic Mgmt., Innovation, Corporate Strategy, Strategic Decision Making; Timeframe: Apr ‘21 – Mar ‘22