Master of Science in Organizational Leadership – Boston

The Master of Science in Organizational Leadership is dedicated to developing thoughtful, strategic leaders. You’ll be ready to face today’s ever-changing global workplace while making a lasting, positive impact on your organization.

Take a Quick Look

We’re committed to creating an education as unique as your career path. So, whether your goal is a new career or moving up in your field, our innovative programs will get you going your way.

Enrollment
Full-Time, Part-Time
Entry Terms
Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Completion Time
12-18 months
F1 Visa Eligible
Yes
Program Type
Classroom

Overview

Northeastern’s Master of Science in Organizational Leadership prepares you for the challenges and opportunities associated with leading a global community by helping you build a personal leadership philosophy. 

Through a targeted curriculum taught by faculty experts, you’ll explore key leadership areas such as: management, ethics, strategic thinking, and organizational culture. Students can also choose to focus their studies in one of seven concentrations - including our new coaching concentration. 

This unique graduate degree program leverages each student's interdisciplinary background with real-world lessons and an experience-driven learning approach allowing them to build and strengthen their leadership capabilities.  

Upon completion, graduates join an alumni network of more than 1,900 leadership professionals who work at renowned organizations such as Massachusetts General Hospital, Bank of America, the Mayo Clinic, and national universities. 

Program objectives 

  • Develop and bolster your leadership competencies. 
  • Explore key leadership areas such as management, ethics, strategic thinking, team building, and organizational culture. 
  • Prepare for the challenges and opportunities associated with leading globally. 
  • Exercise leadership skills through action-learning and research projects. 
  • Understand what it means to drive change and be a force multiplier within your organization. 
  • Learn to navigate complex business structures, nurture organizational creativity, and instill action to achieve real results. 

Unique Features 

  1. Strengthen skills in our learning laboratory model through role playing, interactive simulations, and consulting for a real-world organization. 
  2. Available online or on campus in Boston – maximum flexibility for working professionals. 
  3. Specialize your degree by choosing from seven different concentrations. 
  4. Participate in a Capstone project. 

Accreditation

Accreditation Description

GAC Seal

The Master of Science in Organizational Leadership is accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC). The GAC Accredited Program seal is a mark of Project Management Institute, Inc.

In October of 2016, the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Project Management accreditation was re-affirmed for the maximum five-year accreditation cycle (originally accredited in 2009) by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC), the world's leading association for project management professionals. Accreditation is achieved by meeting the GAC’s rigorous standards, which include an assessment of program objectives and outcomes, a review of onsite and online resources, evaluations of faculty and students, and proof of continuous improvements in the area of project management.

Graduates of our GAC-accredited program are granted a substantial 12-month reduction credit toward the experience requirement when they complete an application for any PMI certification. This means that those applying for the PMI certification will only need 24 months of project management experience, instead of 36 months as outlined by GAC. This new benefit applies retroactively to our program’s initial accreditation date of 2009.

Enrollment Data
Annual Enrollments 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
MS in Organizational Leadership. Project Management Concentration 134 124 90 67 64
           
Degrees Conferred 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
MS in Organizational Leadership. Project Management Concentration 51 46 43 20 20

Career Prospects

$130,000

Avg. Salary, Human Resources Manager

$120,000

Avg. Salary, Training and Development Manager

Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace.

Get Set With a Custom Course Plan

Please note: The following is a sample curriculum and is subject to change. Enrolled students should reference the academic catalog for current program requirements.

Concentrations

Follow Our Leaders

The greatest pleasure university professors can derive from teaching is to see their students succeed. Our graduates are force multipliers in this world because they set the right example and lead from the front.”

 

 - Les Stein, EdD, Program Lead, MS in Organizational Leadership

58%

 percent of all U.S. companies say their #1 strategic priority is closing their current leadership skill gaps

Further more, 86% of businesses worldwide say developing new leaders is their #1 challenge.

  • Les Stein

    Dr. Les Stein, Assistant Teaching Professor
    Full bio

Cost and Tuition

$39.8K*

Tuition

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2024-2025 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

Application Deadlines

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:

Domestic Application Guidelines

International Application Guidelines*

*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.

Did you know?

Below is a look at where our Leadership alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

 

  • Where They Work

    • Boston Public Schools
    • State Street
    • Raytheon
    • United States Air Force
    • Massachusetts General Hospital
  • What They Do

    • Education
    • Business Development
    • Community and Social Services
    • Operations
    • Human Resources
  • What They're Skilled At

    • Leadership
    • Public Speaking
    • Management
    • Teaching
    • Strategic Planning

 

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.

Admissions

Let’s Find Your Path Forward

Our enrollment representatives can walk you through the application process and help you explore your program options.

Call Toll Free: 877.668.7727