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Master of Science in Leadership

Leadership Isn't a Title. It's a Practice.

Not everyone can walk into a room, read what's happening, make a decision under pressure, and bring people with them. That's leadership, and it's a skill set worth developing. 

Norwich University's Master of Science in Leadership is built around one question: what kind of leader do you want to be? Not what industry you're in. Not what your job title is. What kind of leader are you, and how do you get there with intention?

This Isn't a Business Degree With a Leadership Module. It's the Opposite.

Where an MBA teaches you to manage operations, finances, and markets, the Norwich MS in Leadership teaches you to lead people across any industry, any organization, any environment. The skills you develop here aren't sector-specific. They're human. And that makes them transferable in ways that a traditional business degree isn't.

You'll build competency in the areas that define truly effective leaders at every level:

  • Strategic vision: seeing where an organization needs to go and building the path to get there
  • Emotional intelligence: understanding what drives people and how to bring out their best
  • Ethical decision-making: leading with conviction when the stakes are high, and the answers aren't easy
  • Communication and influence: moving people, not just managing them
  • Organizational change: knowing how to challenge the status quo and make it stick

Your Leadership Portfolio, Applied From Day One. You won't wait until graduation to use what you learn. Norwich's program culminates in a personal leadership portfolio a concrete, practical toolbox of leadership frameworks, self-assessments, and applied strategies you can bring into your workplace immediately. This isn't a thesis that sits in a drawer. It's a living document that grows with your career.

Learn From Leaders Who Have Led. Norwich faculty aren't theorists they are senior and mid-level leaders who have operated in the environments you're working in. You'll learn alongside a diverse cohort of peers from the public sector, government, military, and private industry, professionals who bring real challenges into the classroom and leave with real solutions.

The MS in Leadership at Norwich isn't for people who want a credential to check a box. It's for people who already know they're headed somewhere and want the framework, the self-awareness, and the skills to lead well when they get there.

The degree for leaders who don't need to be told they're a leader. They just need the tools.

Key Information:

Not Ready for a Full Master's? Start With a Certificate. Build focused leadership expertise in as little as six months and apply every credit toward your MS in Leadership when you're ready to go further.

Concentrations

  • Human Resources Leadership
  • Public Sector Leadership & Crisis Management
  • Nonprofit Management
  • Project Management
  • Technology Management
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Non Specialized
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Criminal Justice & Public Safety 

Core Courses

  • OL510: Leadership Fundamentals
  • OL520: Emotional Intelligence
  • OL540: Strategic Communication and Information Leadership 

Get a head start on your master's while completing your bachelor's. Norwich offers two pathways for accelerating your master's: Concurrent and Sequential. Explore your options and find what works best for you. 

Concurrent: More strenuous pathway, with a more direct path to your master's, earning 12 graduate-level credits with up to six credits counting towards your bachelor's as well. To be eligible, students must submit a request to enroll, which requires approval from both their undergraduate program and the graduate program.

Sequential: Less course load, less credits, no application required. Take up to six graduate-level credits that apply to your bachelor's degree for a seamless transition into your master's with the Norwich Plus Pathway: Course MNGT402, Sem in Leadership II Styles EQ.

Next Graduate Session Start Dates:

FALL: August 31, 2026

WINTER: November 23, 2026

SPRING: February 22, 2027

Next Graduate Session Application Deadlines:

FALL: August 21, 2026

WINTER: November 13, 2026

SPRING: February 12, 2027

Quick Info

100%

Online

Courses completed entirely online

15

Students

Maximum number of students per class

18

Months

Average time to program completion

Alumni Testimonials

Michael's photo

I enjoyed the diversity of backgrounds of both my professors and fellow students, which allowed me to really expand my breadth of understanding outside of the military.

Michael Allard

'15 Master of Science in Organizational Leadership

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Kim's photo

I believe that going back to school and choosing Norwich has allowed me to demonstrate the importance of lifelong learning to my children.

Kimberly Mallonn

'15 Master of Science in Organizational Leadership

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Aimee Plude headshot

The online program is built for busy professionals who have families and full-time jobs. The program's flexibility meant I could work classes into an already busy schedule.

Aimee Plude

'22 Master of Business Administration

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Jie Yang headshot

As a child, I wanted to become a teacher someday. Now, thanks to the wonderful guidance and education I received from Norwich's faculty, staff, and colleagues, I can finally make my childhood dream a reality.

Jie Yang

'24 Master of Science in Leadership

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Kelley Lawrence headshot

I have always dreamed about graduating from Norwich University. Going to college was always on my bucket list and this was my motivation.

Kelley Lawrence

'16 Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Read Story
Michael's photo

Michael Allard

Kim's photo

Kimberly Mallonn

Aimee Plude headshot

Aimee Plude

Jie Yang headshot

Jie Yang

Kelley Lawrence headshot

Kelley Lawrence

Faculty & Staff

If your focus is on getting results through people, you are in the right place. Our online program gives you the opportunity to interact and learn from a faculty of business managers and entrepreneurs, all of whom bring significant value directly from real-world experience. We have an in-house instructional design team that work hand-in-hand with program faculty and staff to ensure an efficient and interactive online learning experience in each course.

All Faculty & Staff

Career Outcomes:

Where a Norwich MS in Leadership Takes You

Leadership is the one skill that transfers across every industry, every sector, and every stage of a career. Norwich MS in Leadership graduates don't just move into leadership roles, they move into them prepared, with a defined personal leadership philosophy, a proven framework for organizational change, and the emotional intelligence to bring people with them.

  • Human Resources Manager

    Plans, directs, and coordinates the people operations of an organization from talent development and organizational culture to conflict resolution and workforce strategy. A natural destination for MS in Leadership graduates who want to shape organizations from the inside out. The median annual wage for human resources managers was $140,030.

    Human Resources Manager Careers
  • General & Operations Manager

    Oversees the day-to-day operations of an organization, directing staff, managing budgets, and ensuring the business runs efficiently and effectively. The broadest and most industry-agnostic leadership career path, open to MS in Leadership graduates across every sector from military and government to healthcare and corporate. Management occupations as a whole are projected to generate about 1.1 million openings per year through 2034, with a median annual wage of $122,090

    General & Operations Manager Careers
  • Training & Development Manager

    Designs and directs the programs that build an organization's talent-identifying skill gaps, develop training strategies, and align workforce development with overall business goals. One of the most direct career paths for leadership graduates with a passion for developing others. The median annual wage for training and development managers was $127,090.

    Training & Development Manager Careers

Admissions Details

At a Glance

No GRE/GMAT required Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher

 

 

Contact Admissions

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT    
Extended hours available by appointment

Call: 1-888-409-1480
learn@norwich.edu

Transfer Credits


You may receive the equivalent of up to 12 semester credits for study conducted elsewhere. Norwich complies with VA regulations and guidelines as it pertains to transfer credits.
Learn more »

International Admissions


Norwich University welcomes students from all countries who want to study through our online programs. You must complete all steps in the admissions process.
International Admissions »

Norwich Alumni Benefits


Reconnect with Norwich to complete your master's degree. As apart of our alumni community, you are eligible for a $2,500 scholarship and other benefits.
Connect with our advisors »

Non-Discrimination Statement

Norwich University, in compliance with Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, or physical handicap in any of its policies, practices, or procedures.

 

NECHE Accredited
Norwich University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.).

 

SHRM
Norwich University's online Master of Science in Leadership Human Resource Leadership Concentration is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.

Eligibility Requirements

 

  • A bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited U.S. institution, or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution, as evaluated by a NACES approved agency.
  • If English is not your first language, proof of English language proficiency is required. This can be demonstrated in one of three ways:
    • TOEFL - a minimum score of 550 (paper-based test) or 80 (Internet-based test) is required.*
    • IELTS – a minimum composite score of 6.5 is required.*
    • Duolingo - a minimum score of 110 is required.
    • The applicant holds a baccalaureate or master’s degree from a college/university/institution in which the primary language of instruction was English.

Please Note:  All eligibility requirements are expected to be met unless noted in specific articulation agreements or memoranda of understanding (MOUs).

Application Process

We encourage you to contact an admissions advisor (see below) if you need help at any stage of the application process. You will be required to submit the following items:

  • Application form
  • Official transcript of your undergraduate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited university, mailed to the address below.
  • Proof of English language proficiency if applicable (TOEFL)

Transcript Links

Mail transcripts to:
Norwich University
ATTN: CGCS
158 Harmon Drive
Northfield, VT 05663

For electronic delivery, we accept transcripts delivered from Parchment, National Clearing House, and other services if sent to cgcsamt@norwich.edu via password protection.

To contact an admissions advisor:

Call: 1-888-409-1480
Email: learn@norwich.edu

When applying for a graduate program at Norwich University, there are two essential factors to consider: what does it cost, and how can you pay for it? There are many ways to get financial assistance and several financial strategies that can help you achieve your academic and professional goals. We are here to help you identify and pursue the options that are best for you.

Tuition at a Glance
Credit Hours: 36
Cost Per Credit Hour: $550 - $698
Additional fees & military discounts may apply.


Financial Aid Resources
Paying for your Education

Program Requirements

Norwich’s online Master of Science in Leadership program is comprised of six courses, each of which is 11 weeks in length for a total of 36 credit hours. Students master one course at a time, to create a strong foundation of knowledge and context for future topics.

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For full course listings, requirements, and registration information, head to the Norwich University Course Catalog.

Summer Immersion Courses – ​​​Berlin, Germany

Norwich Online is thrilled to announce that this summer 2026, we are holding two graduate-level courses with a one-week immersive in-person instruction in Berlin, Germany. These courses are available to current Norwich Online students

 

Hybrid Warfare

Throughout the course, participants will engage in an intensive, hands-on, cumulative exercise in which they will develop and test offensive and defensive hybrid campaign strategies, analyze information and influence operations, and apply structured frameworks for risk and escalation management. Topics include megatrends and concepts and theories of hybrid warfare, offensive and defensive toolkits, intelligence preparation, institutions and laws, mapping vulnerability, and the role of cyber and information operations in modern conflict.

Students enrolling in this course can take advantage of a unique opportunity to visit Norwich’s Berlin, Germany campus. While in Germany, participants will engage in a simulation exercise that applies hybrid warfare frameworks within a European context. This hands-on activity will help them hone their decision-making skills, enhance leadership abilities, and put into practice the knowledge gained throughout the course.

Following this exercise, students will participate in an after-action report to reflect on their performance in Berlin, including factors such as participation, leadership, decision-making, application of key principles, metacognitive awareness, and mastery of course objectives.  

This innovative hybrid course is dedicated to the critical study of Hybrid Warfare and its application within today’s complex security landscape. The dynamic program spans 11 weeks, featuring 10 weeks of engaging, instructor-led asynchronous online learning and a week of immersive in-person instruction in Berlin, Germany.

Participants will delve into the multifaceted nature of hybrid conflict, exploring it as both a dynamic and contested field of scholarship and a practical toolkit used by both state and non-state actors to achieve strategic objectives without crossing the line into open warfare. Rather than portraying hybrid warfare as a rigid doctrine, this course emphasizes the themes of ambiguity, competitive strategies, and informed decision-making.

The deadline for applying for the summer seminar is April 30, 2026. Accepted students may use this seminar as a capstone replacement or elective, depending on eligibility and approval from the Academic Director. There is also a $3500 fee to cover the cost of the Berlin experience.

Graduate programs with eligible students include:

View the Application

Global Strategic Leadership

In partnership with Helmut Schmidt University (HSU), this 11-week graduate seminar delves into strategic leadership in complex global environments and examines the growing threat of disinformation to global security.

Throughout the program, participants will enhance their skills in executive communication, decision-making under uncertainty, and cross-cultural leadership, all while gaining international academic experience. Plus, you will tackle real-world strategic issues related to global security and disinformation.

The program will conclude with an immersive, one-week in-person workshop in Berlin from July 28 to August 3. Here, you will join a dynamic German-American cohort, focusing on cross-cultural collaboration, virtual teamwork, systems thinking, and strategic leadership, all through the lens of national and international security. This is a unique chance to learn from global experts and build international relationships that will enhance your leadership skills.

Enrollment is limited to 10 Norwich students and 10 Helmut Schmit University (HSU) students. Graduate programs with eligible students include:

The deadline for applying for the summer seminar is April 30, 2026. Accepted students may use this seminar as a capstone replacement or elective, depending on eligibility and approval from the Academic Director. There is also a $3500 fee to cover the cost of the Berlin experience.

This is a unique opportunity to expand your global leadership abilities, gain hands-on experience in international security, and collaborate with peers from around the world.

View the Application