Master of Science in Leadership
Online Degree ProgramTake your leadership abilities to the next level with the online Master of Science in Leadership (MSL) degree program at Trident. Founded on leadership values of personal integrity, organizational ethics, and service to others, this quality online master’s degree program uses current leadership theory, best practices, and organizational case studies to promote learning. It is designed to meet the diverse and multi-faceted challenges faced in organizational leadership roles.
Offered in a web-based setting, the master’s degree program in leadership allows students the opportunity to earn their graduate degree while employed. This could allow them to further their education without pausing their career progress. Trident also offers monthly course starts that ensure students have access to the classes they need to fulfill requirements whenever they are ready to take them. In our 100% online master’s program, you will:
- Study how to approach problems in an explorative manner.
- Work to develop an expertise in all facets of organizational leadership.
- Work on your oral and written communication skills.
- Examine skills in ethical and logical decision-making.
- Join and engage with other current and future leaders in our online classrooms and communities.
- Be part of an online learning community that shares your passion for business.
- Work closely with faculty that possesses a wide range of experiences, backgrounds, and research.
The Trident Difference
EdActive™ Learning Approach
Students are presented with a question or issue. They do their own research, apply their own experience and present their solution. Feedback and suggestions are received and the student applies the learning to their next task.
Flexibility
With flexible, 100% online classes you can manage your own time to deliver on deadline, with milestones to keep you on track. Faculty is responsive to student needs without daily micro-management.
Affordability
Trident is competitively priced with no application or lab fees. Scholarships and grants are available for those who qualify*.
Accreditation
Trident University International is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
*University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University’s Catalog or on its website and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.
Upon successful completion of their respective program option, graduates should be able to:
- Apply the leadership common body of knowledge (leadership theories, leader styles, and the impact of influence on teams) to enhance initiatives or processes within the organization.
- Effectively communicate to support organizational goals between leaders and team members.
- Synthesize complex organizational information to provide data-driven, context-specific guidance to organizational stakeholders.
- Implement organizational leadership strategies in a manner that promotes organizational effectiveness.
- Analyze data that impacts an organization from a political, economic, financial, social, cultural, geopolitical, and/or technological context for effective change management.
- Demonstrate ethical leadership and decision-making through synthesis of ethical theories, values, and principles applied to complex organizational situations.
Courses at Trident are industry-relevant. As an MS in Leadership student, you can take a variety of classes, including Organizational Change and Transformation, Mentoring and Developing Employees, and Leadership of Teams.
You must complete 32 semester credits of program core coursework and four credits of elective coursework for a total of 36 semester credit hours. See the Trident University Catalog for full descriptions of all course offerings.
The following standard transfer policies apply:
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Credits are considered for transfer from:
- Any regionally or nationally accredited college or university
- The American Council on Education (ACE)
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- The DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
- The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL)
- Excelsior
- Other non-traditional forms of learning as deemed appropriate by College Deans or designees
- Decisions on the transfer of credits are ultimately at the discretion of the College Deans or designees. Students may formally appeal transfer decisions to the Provost or designee.
- Appeals must be submitted in writing and must be accompanied by supporting documentation or evidence such as a course syllabus.
- Students are urged to review the specific policy statement applicable to each degree program regarding maximum transferable credits to the program and concentration, or both.
- Transfer credits will not be included in the calculation of overall GPA.
- Graduate coursework submitted for transfer must have been completed within the prior seven years unless the content is deemed outdated or no longer equivalent or relevant by Trident.
- Trident may accept for transfer to the master's degree up to 20% of graduate level credits from other accredited colleges or universities. All transferred courses must have a minimum grade of “B-” or better.
Transfer students can review the full transfer credit policy in the Trident University Catalog.
Want to save time & money on your degree? Receive credit for eligible past experience and military service with Trident Fastrac.* Click here to learn more.
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.| tuition type | per credit cost | total tuition cost1 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $567 | $20,412 |
| Retired Military Veteran |
$425.252,3 | $15,309 |
| Military Immediate Family Members Department of Defense Federal Civilian Employees |
$325 | $11,700 |
| Active Duty Reservist National Guard |
$2502,3 | $9,000 |
1Total Tuition Cost displayed is based on the total number of credits required for the program and may vary based on transfer credit applied. In addition, all students will be charged a one-time graduation fee of $150. Other fees may apply and all fees are subject to change without advance notice. See the University Catalog for more information.
2 Tuition per credit represented with applicable military grant applied.
3 Tuition rate available to immediate family members (does not apply to DOD Federal Civilian Employees.
Seeking more information on the cost of attending Trident University International? Visit Trident's Financial Aid Resources page where you will find financial aid tools including Trident's Net Price Calculator and Shopping Sheet, a guide to assist in early financial planning for college. Students can find information regarding Cost of Attendance on the Trident Tuition and Fees page.
Ways to Save
Scholarships & Grants
Trident offers an assortment of scholarships and grants to help make college more affordable for our students.*
*University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University’s Catalog or on its website and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.
Credits for Prior Learning
Trident may award graduate credit for professional training and certifications.* Students may submit the request for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) during the admissions process. For questions or assistance contact an Admissions Advisor at admissions@trident.edu.
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Master of Science in Leadership is a degree program designed to help students prepare to pursue a potential career path in organizational leadership. Students who study in this program will explore topics related to the interdependence of organizational systems at various levels, organizational leadership that promotes diversity and ensures accountability and organizational sustainability, and complex challenges that exist within the internal organization and the external environment.
Master’s degree programs are typically designed to take two years to complete; however, depending on a student’s previous credits*, proficiency, and other factors, this time could be shorter or longer. Many students who attend this program work full-time, and some elect to take dual credit while in their bachelor’s program. Monthly start dates give students flexibility in timing their coursework.
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
In this program, students can take courses in a variety of subject areas including organizational change and transformation, mentoring and developing employees, and leadership of teams.
An MSL degree program at Trident provides an opportunity to study skills designed to help you prepare to pursue leadership roles using the best practices and current leadership theories for a global business environment. Your classes may include exploration of organizational case studies, all facets of organizational leadership, and ethical and logical decision-making skills. With a program created around adult learners’ needs, you will have access to support and flexibility while working and attending the program.
The total number of credits required for this program is 36 credit hours. Students will complete 32 semester credit hours of core coursework and four credits of elective coursework. Additional credits may include transfer credits* from a professional certificate, diploma, or a military occupation or ranking.
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Eligible students with military experience, active and retired, may be able to receive credit for military service*. Please refer to Trident Fastrac for more information.
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Trident offers 8-week sessions for its students pursuing associate, bachelor, or master’s degree programs. Refer to the academic calendar for a schedule of class start dates.
