Master of Science in Leadership Online

About the Business Leadership Masters Degree

Become an inspirational leader with a Master’s in Leadership. In today’s complex and rapidly changing world, skilled leaders are needed across all industries and organizations. An advanced degree in leadership helps prepare professionals to guide teams, implement change, and drive performance.

Houston Christian University’s online Master of Science in Leadership combines Biblical principles and business fundamentals to develop ethical, strategic leaders. Rooted in HCU’s Christian tradition, the program provides customized leadership development applicable across corporate, ministry, non-profit, or public service settings.

An Accessible and Balanced Program

Houston Christian University has structured its MS in Leadership to be accessible and achievable for working professionals. The 30-credit program has:

  • No prerequisites, making it open to candidates from any undergraduate background
  • 8-week online terms, enabling completion in just 3 semesters by taking 2 classes per term
  • Fall and Spring admission cycles, with online classes running every semester
  • A competitive price point of $18,750 tuition and fees when completed in 3 semesters

The flexible and affordable program provides an excellent leadership development option for recent undergraduates like HCU student-athletes completing their eligibility.

Who Should Pursue a Master’s in Leadership?

A master’s in leadership appeals to professionals seeking to:

  • Transition from an individual contributor role to a people or project management position
  • Lead change initiatives in an existing leadership role
  • Launch a consulting business focused on leadership training and development
  • Leverage leadership skills in a ministry or non-profit setting
  • Complement technical or functional expertise with strategic leadership abilities

Benefits of Earning an MS in Leadership

Houston Christian University’s 30-credit leadership master’s degree equips students with essential leadership competencies, including:

  • Strategic Thinking – Evaluate organizational performance, set vision-driven goals, and develop executable growth strategies.
  • Managing Change – Diagnose needs, identify solutions, and lead teams through transformation while minimizing disruption.
  • Influential Communication – Connect with diverse stakeholders through impactful written, verbal, non-verbal and digital communication.
  • Organizational Behavior – Leverage psychology and group dynamics to boost team collaboration, inclusion, engagement and output.
  • Ethical Judgment – Employ Biblical teachings to guide values-based decision making as a principled leader and role model.
  • Global Mindset – Operate effectively across cultures and geographies to seize international opportunities.

These in-demand skills open doors to leadership positions across functions like:

  • Human Resources
  • Marketing
  • Information Technology
  • Finance
  • Sales
  • Ministry
  • Non-Profit Management

Graduates are also empowered to thrive as independent consultants and small business owners.

Career Advancement With an MS in Leadership

The focused leadership development provided in an MS in Leadership program leads to expanded career opportunities across industries. Typical roles pursued with this degree include:

  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
  • Chief Operational Officer (COO)
  • Executive Pastor
  • Consultant
  • Vice President / Senior Director
  • Operations Manager
  • Regional Manager
  • Senior Project Manager
  • Head of Business Unit
  • Executive Director
  • Founder/CEO of startup

By earning an advanced leadership credential backed by strategic management capabilities, MS in Leadership graduates unlock their highest echelon of career advancement and income potential. The coursework also equips entrepreneurial students to found and scale their own ventures through leadership competencies like strategic planning, change management, talent development, and results-driven execution.

Unlock Your Full Leadership Potential

The modern organization requires a pipeline of visionary, empowering, and achievable leaders ready to drive meaningful progress. An MS in Leadership degree helps prepare executives, managers, directors and other professionals seeking maximum leadership impact across business, nonprofit, government, and ministry sectors.

With real-world applicable course modules and instruction from accomplished business faculty, an MS in Leadership unlocks career advancement possibilities matching your ambition and passion for leadership.

Degree Plan for MS in Leadership

Master of Science in Leadership Degree Plan

Admission Requirements
  1. Official Transcripts – Official transcripts should be sent directly to OnlineVerification@HC.edu from the college or university that awarded your bachelor’s degree. Transcripts from any additional coursework since that time should also be submitted.
  2. Personal Statement – Please submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing your desire to attend the HCU Online Graduate School and how you feel a degree from HCU will assist you in your academic and professional careers.
  3. Résumé/CV – Email a current resumé to OnlineVerification@HC.edu.
Accreditation

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