Master of Arts in Leadership Program Online

Certificate
Graduate

About the Program

Ready to take the next step in your career or elevate your skills as a leader? The University of Olivet’s fully online Master of Arts in Leadership is designed for professionals like you who want to lead with vision, confidence and purpose. 

Whether you’re in Michigan or you reside in another state, this flexible, mission-driven program prepares you to grow your impact both in your organization and your community. Rooted in our founding principles of doing good to others, the curriculum equips you with practical, people-centered strategies to lead boldly in a complex and changing world, all while balancing the demands of work and life. 

“As someone dedicated to advancing equity and opportunity within nonprofit organizations, particularly those serving children and families facing socio-economic disparities, I believe the MAL degree is equipping me with the tools to lead with both competence and compassion.” – Kelley Parish, CFLE, Master of Arts in Leadership student

MA in Leadership Online: Designed for Working Professionals

Our fully online Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL) courses are delivered in convenient eight-week terms—two sessions each during the fall, spring, and summer—providing the flexibility you need. You can begin the program in any first session of the fall, spring, or summer terms. 

Flexible Online Program 

Whether you thrive in live weekly sessions or prefer the freedom to study on your own time, The University of Olivet’s Master’s in Leadership program allows you to learn in a way that fits both your life and your learning style. 

Leadership Master’s Degree Online with Three Concentrations

The Master’s in Leadership degree features concentrations that let you specialize in your area of interest and grow as a leader within a targeted field. These concentrations are also available as 15-credit graduate certificates. 

Creativity, Innovation and Change 

Learn how to break down complex challenges and design innovative, real-world solutions that drive meaningful change. Using proven frameworks and hands-on strategies, you’ll develop small wins that lead to big transformations. You’ll also explore how to align teams around a shared purpose and uncover what inspires people to perform at their best. 

Leading and Managing Nonprofit Organizations 

Develop the skills to lead ethically and effectively with boards, staff, and volunteers. Gain expertise in fundraising and financial management to ensure sustainability while mastering strategic planning to keep your organization focused, engaged, and mission-driven.

Sport Coaching Leadership 

Explore the unique challenges of coaching through the lens of sociocultural, legal, and ethical issues that shape the sports industry today. Learn how to set high standards for responsible and sustainable leadership, preparing you to lead athletic teams and organizations with integrity and vision. Whether you aspire to coach or manage sports programs, you’ll gain the skills to become an effective, forward-thinking leader who makes a lasting impact both on and off the field. 

Leadership Colloquium and Learning Community 

As a student in the online Master’s in Leadership program, you’ll attend the Courageous Leadership Colloquium, featuring speakers with leadership expertise. You will also participate in interactive skill-building sessions and have the opportunity to build your network of peers and mentors.  

Additionally, you are welcome to attend the UOlivet Leadership Learning Community’s monthly workshops and discussions on leadership, inclusion, courage and transformational change.  

Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Degree 

If you’re a high-achieving undergraduate student at The University of Olivet, we invite you to apply for early admission to the Accelerated Master of Arts in Leadership program. This combined degree option allows you to begin graduate-level coursework early, with select courses counting toward both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees, saving you time and adding value to your academic journey. 

Accreditation 

The University of Olivet is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to ensure that rigorous standards of academic excellence are met. The Master of Arts in Leadership program is aligned with the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) 2023 Leadership Education and Development Standards and the International Leadership Association (ILA) General Principles for Leadership Programs (2021). 

Affordable Online Master’s in Leadership Program

Since 1844, The University of Olivet has built its legacy on inclusion, welcoming students from all backgrounds. As an online student at this Michigan-based university, you’ll feel a strong sense of belonging and support, no matter where you live. Below are more reasons to choose UOlivet’s Master of Arts in Leadership program. 

  • Be a Force for Inclusion – The Master of Leadership program emphasizes leadership as a force for inclusion and positive change, aligning your growth with a greater purpose. 
  • Get the Flexibility You Need – Designed for adults juggling multiple responsibilities, the fully online format allows you to balance your education with your professional and personal life without putting your career goals on hold. 
  • Customize Your Path – With concentrations in Nonprofit, Organization or Sport Coaching Leadership, you can tailor your studies to align with your career goals and passions. 
  • Join a Community, Wherever You Are – While fully online, the program will provide you with a strong sense of community, offering meaningful interaction with faculty and peers who support your success. 

What is Leadership? 

Leadership is a process whereby an individual uses their knowledge, skills and abilities to influence a group of individuals to achieve a common goal.  

Why is Courage an Important Part of Leadership? 

Courage is a foundational leadership characteristic because it enables leaders to take meaningful action, even when the stakes are high. Courage… 

  • Fuels difficult decisions  
  • Empowers truth-telling 
  • Inspires others 
  • Supports innovation and change 

Why Completing Your Leadership Master’s Degree Matters 

A Master of Arts in Leadership will equip you with the critical thinking, strategic insight, and people-centered skills needed to lead effectively in today’s complex, fast-changing world. Whether you’re advancing in your current role or shifting into a new one, this degree helps you: 

  • Build credibility as a capable, forward-thinking leader in any industry. 
  • Develop practical skills in communication, conflict resolution, and organizational change. 
  • Adapt to change, leading through uncertainty with confidence and resilience. 
  • Open new career opportunities in your current organization or in other roles. 

It’s not just about having a credential. It’s about learning how to lead with clarity, purpose and influence in whatever area you’re called to lead.  

Career Outlook for Those With Master’s Degrees in Leadership 

A Master of Arts in Leadership allows you to pursue a variety of careers in numerous industries in Michigan and across the U.S. Career opportunities in this field are projected to grow steadily through 2029, with job growth estimated at 2.9% in Michigan and 4.7% nationally, reflecting strong demand for skilled professionals. Below are a few careers to consider.  

Career  Michigan Annual Salary  U.S. Annual Salary 
Human Resources Manager  $130,858  $139,134 
Fundraising Manager  $106,572  $123,219 
Managers, All Other  $83,745  $101,305 
Management Analyst  $89,701  $100,961 

Source: Lightcast 

For more information on careers, salaries and employment trends, refer to the Master of Arts in Leadership program in the Academic Catalog. 

Apply for the Master of Arts in Leadership Online Program Today 

With a Master’s in Leadership, you’ll graduate with the tools you need to bring people together around a common goal and provide them with a shared vision and purpose to turn that goal into a reality. Now is the time to take the lead. Apply today 

Faculty & Staff

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Olivet, MI 49076

 

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