Strategic Leadership, MS

A confident business student smiles

Program Summary

Learning to Lead with Passion and Purpose

With a Master’s in Strategic Leadership from Roberts Wesleyan University, you’ll gain the skills to inspire, motivate, and lead teams in businesses and non-profits. Become the kind of leader your team wants to follow.

12-20 Months, Full or Part-Time

100% Online

41 Credits

FREE APPLICATION

Transform Your Leadership, Transform Your Team

With a Master’s in Strategic Leadership from Roberts Wesleyan University, you’ll gain the skills to inspire, motivate, and develop your team. Become the kind of leader your team wants to follow.

Unlike a traditional MBA, our program merges technical knowledge with integrity, servant leadership with global perspective, focusing on the human side of leadership. Develop essential qualities like strategic agility, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making—leadership tools that create lasting impact. Ready to take your leadership to the next level and transform your career?

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Download a program guide with detailed information on cost, courses, and outcomes

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In your pursuit of success, never compromise your character. It's your integrity that will sustain you in the long run.

Tony Dungy

I remember Professor Joel Hoomans saying at the start of the program, “School isn’t the most important thing in your life. You’ve got to get an ‘A’ in your family and an ‘A’ in your job. Over the next year and a half, there could be times when you need to get a ’B’ somewhere, and it’s ok if that is school.”
I'm the type of person to put a lot of pressure on myself and his statement gave me the freedom to breathe and believe it would be ok. It was empowering, and I ended up doing great!

Kristen Nielsen, Class of 21

When I began this program, I was an assistant. Now, I’m in a much larger department branch and I’ve started to lead my own team.
Having earned this Strategic Leadership degree was the key to accepting the job with confidence.

Ruth, Class of 2022

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Business Programs Online & In Rochester, NY

What will you learn?

  • Leadership Grounded in Integrity: Our graduate and professional programs are designed to develop your leadership skills to be effective in your field, grounded in ethical decision-making and integrity. Make a positive impact in your workplaces and communities.
  • Education Beyond Skill Development: We focus on educating the whole person. Professional competencies are paired with a strong emphasis on character and purpose, empowering you, an adult learner, to excel in your career as a principled leader with transferable skills. We provide education for what's next.
  • Values-Driven Curriculum: Our courses integrate core values like compassion, ethical responsibility, and community engagement, essential qualities for working adults aiming to lead with purpose in today’s challenging environments.
  • Becoming a Trustworthy Leader: We prepare graduate students to be trusted professionals. We’ll help you foster ethical workplace cultures and build strong, collaborative teams based on character, empathy, and respect.
  • A Foundation for Positive Change: Our programs will help you change more than just your job title, it’ll help you change your community. A Roberts education will help you contribute to meaningful change and lead with a higher sense of mission and service.

Cost of Strategic Leadership, M.S.

Total Program
Sticker Price:

$38,950

Less than

26%

of students 
pay this amount

25%

tuition discount for benefit-eligible 
employees, spouses, and dependents 
of our corporate partners

Graduate Financial Aid

Coursework and Capstone

The Master of Strategic Leadership Program is comprised of many components -- core leadership competency development in addition to principles of business administration, incorporated to result in a unique capstone project. Here is a sampling of classes

Browse course descriptions

Success is not about the size of your bank account; it's about the lives you impact and the positive change you bring to the world.

Christine Caine

Admissions Requirements

Requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
  • Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a scale of 4.00, depending on the depth of professional experience

Not required:

  • Entrance Exam (GRE/GMAT)
  • Business Degree
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Master of Strategic Leadership (MSL) program accredited?

Yes, the Master of Strategic Leadership program at Roberts Wesleyan University is fully accredited, ensuring that it meets rigorous quality standards. Our accreditation demonstrates a commitment to delivering a high-quality educational experience that supports your professional development and career goals.

The School of Business at Roberts Wesleyan University has received specialized accreditation for its business program(s) through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs please view our IACBE member status page.

Public Disclosure Statement.

MSL and Master of Business Administration (MBA) sound similar in practice, but these master's programs are quite different.

An MBA focuses on tactical business components (finance, marketing, etc.), while Roberts' MSL emphasizes strategic thinking, ethical development, and people-focused leadership.

The MSL program is designed for working professionals who are seeking to enhance their leadership skills. While there are no strict work experience requirements, the program is tailored to individuals with some level of professional experience who are ready to advance into strategic leadership roles. This diverse cohort enriches the learning experience, allowing students to benefit from each other's industry knowledge.

The MSL program at Roberts Wesleyan University stands out due to its unique focus on character-driven leadership and ethical decision-making. Unlike traditional MBA programs, the MSL emphasizes strategic thinking, conflict resolution, and leadership that is rooted in strong values and integrity. This makes it an ideal choice for those aiming to lead not only with business acumen but also with a vision for positive organizational impact.

Roberts Wesleyan is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment. The MSL program brings together students from varied professional and educational backgrounds, encouraging diverse perspectives that are crucial for effective leadership. Courses and activities are designed to enhance cultural competence and emotional intelligence, skills that are vital for navigating today’s global business landscape.

The MSL program features small class sizes, typically 15-20 students per cohort. This intimate setting allows for personalized attention, ensuring that each student has ample opportunity to interact with faculty members. Professors are dedicated to student success, offering regular opportunities for one-on-one interactions and mentorship.

Roberts Wesleyan provides comprehensive career services to support students throughout their journey. This includes career coaching, resume building, and networking events with industry leaders. The program also connects students with an engaged alumni network, offering invaluable opportunities for mentorship and career advancement after graduation.

The MSL program employs a mix of case studies, project-based learning, and collaborative group work. This combination ensures that students learn both theoretical frameworks and practical, hands-on skills.

There are no exams in the program. The curriculum is designed to enhance strategic leadership capabilities, with a strong focus on ethical decision-making, strategic agility, and effective communication.

Yes, if you graduated from one of Roberts' undergraduate business programs, you may qualify for advanced standing in one of our Master's degree programs. 

This distinction allows students to waive one or more courses, decreasing the total program cost.

Examples of Careers

  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Director of Human Resources
  • Director of Operations
  • Sr. Vice President of Customer Satisfaction
  • Business Owner
  • Community Operations Manager
  • Real Estate Agent

Examples of Employers

  • Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
  • Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.
  • Xerox Corporation
  • NYS Department of Health
  • City of Rochester
  • Paychex, Inc.
  • East House, Inc.
  • Breakthrough Solutions

Yes, the program is available in a 100% online format, allowing flexibility for working professionals.

Questions?

Meet Your Enrollment Representative!

Maurice Hopkins
Assistant Director of Admissions

Call Or Text Send An Email Schedule A Meeting

Virtual Open House

December 3rd, 6 PM

Register Now

Start Dates

January 6, 2025

May 5, 2025