Archie W. Dunham College of Business

Master of Science in Leadership Online

Driving Purpose-Led Leadership Through Biblical Principles and Business Excellence

Visionary leaders stand at the forefront of every successful organization, ministry, and enterprise. At Houston Christian University’s Archie W. Dunham College of Business, the Master of Science in Leadership program forges these transformative leaders who combine strategic insight with unwavering ethical foundations. This distinctive online program equips professionals to guide teams, implement change, and drive performance across all sectors while remaining rooted in Christian principles.

Request Information
Begin Your Journey

Program Highlights

  • Accelerated Completion Path: Complete the 30-credit program in just 3 semesters through focused, intensive study designed for working professionals
  • Flexible Online Format: Engage in dynamic 8-week terms that blend synchronous and asynchronous learning, allowing for both structured guidance and independent study
  • Inclusive Admission Requirements: Enter from any undergraduate background with no prerequisites required—ideal for career changers and emerging leaders
  • Expert Faculty Mentorship: Learn directly from accomplished business faculty who bring decades of executive leadership experience across corporate, ministry, and nonprofit sectors
  • Year-Round Enrollment: Start the journey in fall or spring, with continuous enrollment options to maintain momentum
  • Strategic Investment: Build leadership capabilities at $18,750 total program cost, with financial aid and payment plans available

Overview and Requirements

Degree Plan

The MS in Leadership curriculum integrates essential leadership competencies:

  • Strategic Thinking and Execution: Master the art of evaluating organizational performance, setting vision-driven goals, and developing executable growth strategies that drive results
  • Change Management Expertise: Learn to diagnose organizational needs, identify solutions, and guide teams through transformation while minimizing disruption
  • Influential Communication: Develop the ability to connect with diverse stakeholders through impactful written, verbal, and digital communication across all organizational levels
  • Organizational Behavior Mastery: Understand the psychology of team dynamics to boost collaboration, inclusion, and engagement while maximizing productivity
  • Biblical Ethical Framework: Apply Christian principles to guide values-based decision making as a principled leader and role model
  • Global Leadership Perspective: Build competency in operating across cultures and geographies to seize international opportunities

Courses

Core Leadership Requirements (24 credits)

  • Leadership Theory and Managerial Practices: Examine foundational leadership theories and their practical application in modern organizations
  • Organizational Behavior: Study human behavior in organizational settings and learn to optimize team performance
  • Leadership Ethics and Values: Develop a framework for ethical decision-making rooted in Biblical principles
  • Effective Executive Communication: Master strategic communication techniques for leading across all organizational levels
  • Leading Organizational Change: Learn to guide organizations through transformation while maintaining stability
  • Leading Diverse Teams: Build skills in creating inclusive environments and leveraging diversity for innovation
  • Financial and Operational Stewardship: Develop business acumen essential for organizational sustainability
  • Strategic Global Leadership: Explore leadership challenges and opportunities in an interconnected world

Specialized Focus Areas (6 credits selected from)

  • Servant Leadership: Apply Biblical principles of servant leadership to modern organizational contexts
  • Leadership Coaching and Development: Master techniques for developing and mentoring future leaders
  • Non-Profit Leadership: Learn specialized skills for leading mission-driven organizations
  • Governmental Leadership: Understand unique challenges of public sector leadership
  • Project Management: Develop expertise in leading complex organizational initiatives
  • Transformational Leadership: Study advanced approaches to organizational transformation

What Can I Do With an MS in Leadership from HCU

Careers and Salary Outcomes

The program prepares graduates for advanced leadership positions:

  • Executive Leadership: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), leading organizational strategy and growth
  • Ministry Leadership: Executive Pastor, Ministry Director, guiding spiritual and operational direction
  • Operational Leadership: Operations Director, Regional Manager, optimizing organizational performance
  • Strategic Consulting: Management Consultant, Leadership Coach, advising organizations on transformation
  • Business Unit Leadership: Division Head, Department Director, driving functional excellence
  • Entrepreneurship: Startup Founder, Business Owner, launching and scaling ventures
  • Non-Profit Leadership: Executive Director, Program Director, advancing mission-driven initiatives

Professional Impact

MS in Leadership graduates emerge equipped to:

  • Drive Strategic Growth: Lead initiatives that expand organizational reach and impact
  • Transform Organizations: Guide sustainable change while maintaining operational excellence
  • Build High-Performance Teams: Create environments where teams thrive and excel
  • Launch New Ventures: Apply entrepreneurial leadership to create successful enterprises
  • Advance Ministry Impact: Strengthen faith-based organizations through strategic leadership
  • Lead Through Change: Navigate organizations through complex transformations
  • Champion Ethics: Implement values-based decision-making frameworks

Admissions Requirements

  1. Official transcripts demonstrating bachelor’s degree completion
  2. Personal statement (300-500 words) expressing leadership aspirations
  3. Current professional resume/CV
  4. No GMAT/GRE required

Pursue Strategic Leadership at Houston Christian University

The MS in Leadership program develops principled leaders who drive meaningful progress across business, ministry, and non-profit sectors. Through real-world applicable coursework and instruction from accomplished faculty, students build the strategic and ethical foundation needed for maximum leadership impact.

Take the next step toward transformative leadership. Request information about the MS in Leadership program today.

Request Program Information
Start Application

Houston Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.