MBA in Leadership Online: Comparing Top Programs

Profiling Three Popular Online MBA in Leadership Programs

Paying for an Online MBA in Leadership Degree Program

The cost of an online MBA in Leadership degree program can vary widely, but it generally depends on the number of credits, cost per credit, and required fees. Tuition is typically charged per credit, so programs with more required credits will charge more for the total tuition. Some schools charge different rates for in-state versus out-of-state students, though many online programs offer flat tuition rates regardless of residency.

Beyond tuition, online students might need to pay technology or course fees, but they can often save on relocation and/or commuting costs. Financial aid and scholarships can offset costs, and some employers offer tuition assistance.

In the table below, we compare three degree programs to illustrate credit requirements and pricing.

Note: The total tuition figures listed above exclude foundation courses and/or fees. Students should always check the latest tuition details on a school’s website.

FAQs from Online MBA in Leadership Students

Q: How important is accreditation for an online MBA in Leadership degree program?

A: Accreditation is extremely important. It signals that the program meets high academic standards and is recognized by employers and other universities. For business programs, accreditation by the AACSB is the gold standard; it’s held by approximately 5% of business schools worldwide.

Enrolling in an accredited MBA in Leadership degree program ensures that you’ll receive a quality education and can transfer credits if needed. It also ensures that your degree will be respected by employers and professional boards.

Q: Can I work full-time while pursuing an online MBA in Leadership degree?

A: Yes; these degree programs are specifically designed for working professionals. The coursework is often asynchronous, so students can log in and complete lectures and assignments on their own schedule. Many programs offer part-time enrollment options or accelerated six- to eight-week course modules.

Students should expect to spend 15 to 20 hours per week on their courses for a full-time program. With good time management, most students can successfully balance job responsibilities with their MBA coursework.

Q: What are the typical admissions requirements for an online MBA in Leadership degree program?

A: Students need at least a bachelor’s degree (in any field, though a business background might lead to foundation courses being waived). Most programs set a minimum GPA (which is often 3.0, with some flexibility). Many schools require a GMAT or GRE score, but they frequently offer waivers to students who have substantial work experience or a prior graduate degree.

Official transcripts and a professional résumé are required as well, and letters of recommendation and/or a statement of purpose are sometimes required. Students should be prepared to demonstrate leadership experience or potential in their applications.

Q: What will I learn in an MBA in Leadership degree program?

A: This type of program covers core business disciplines – like finance, marketing, accounting, and strategy – plus specialized leadership training. Students learn how to manage and motivate teams, communicate effectively, and lead organizational change. Courses often include topics like organizational behavior, leadership theory, ethics, and project management.

By the end of the program, students will possess strengthened soft skills like communication, negotiation, and strategic thinking, along with the analytical skills learned in a traditional MBA program. This combination of skills prepares them to step into management roles with confidence in both business acumen and people skills.

Q: Are scholarships or financial aid available for online MBA students?

A: Yes; MBA students have access to many of the same financial aid options as on-campus students. They should fill out a FAFSA form to determine their eligibility for federal aid (like loans and grants).

Many schools offer merit scholarships or scholarships for MBA students in certain fields. Some online programs offer scholarships that are designed specifically for online learners or working professionals. Students should check whether their employer provides tuition reimbursement or assistance; this is a common benefit for employees who pursue graduate-level education in leadership or management.

Career Outlook: What Can You Do with an MBA in Leadership Degree?

An MBA in Leadership degree prepares graduates for a range of management and executive roles that require strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and excellent communication.

Graduates often possess character traits needed to inspire teams and drive organizational change, such as strong interpersonal skills, initiative, and adaptability. In leadership-focused careers, they are responsible for making high-level decisions, managing projects and people, and aligning team efforts with business goals.

The curriculum equips graduates to handle both the analytical side of decision-making and the human side of leadership. An MBA in Leadership degree is especially valuable for graduates who want a role that lets them guide employees, foster collaboration, and deliver results.

Listed below are some career roles that are commonly associated with an MBA in Leadership degree. Salary information was provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Resources for Online MBA in Leadership Students and Professionals

Whether you’re currently enrolled or you’re preparing to start an MBA in Leadership degree program, the following resources can enrich your learning and professional development.

• Harvard Business Review (HBR) – This management publication provides articles and case studies on leadership, strategy, and organizational behavior. HBR offers evidence-based insights from industry leaders and researchers that help students apply cutting-edge ideas to their coursework and career.
• HBR IdeaCast – This weekly podcast series by Harvard Business Review features leaders in business and management. Episodes cover everything from leadership tips and workplace culture to innovation and ethics; this allows professionals to learn on-the-go from experts’ experiences and research.
• LinkedIn Learning – Leadership and Management Online Training Courses – This online learning platform offers short courses and video tutorials on leadership skills, project management, and more. It can provide MBA students with specific skills (like Excel, communication, or agile management) through self-paced modules.
• Coursera – Leadership and Management Courses – Coursera hosts online courses about specializations from top universities on topics like leadership development, organizational leadership, and strategic management. Students can audit courses for free to reinforce topics they learn in an MBA degree program or earn certificates to bolster their resume.
• MBA Math – This self-paced online tool can help incoming MBA students refresh quantitative skills. MBA Math offers modules in finance, accounting, statistics, economics, and Excel. It’s especially useful for students who come from a non-business background or need a refresher on math concepts used in MBA courses.
• Poets&Quants – This popular website covers news for MBA students, program rankings, and admissions advice. Poets&Quants features articles on online MBA trends, student experiences, and career outcomes. It can help students stay up-to-date about the MBA landscape and provides tips for getting the most value from a degree program.
• TED Talks – Leadership – This site offers a curated collection of TED Talks by inspiring leaders, business innovators, and psychologists who discuss leadership ideas. These short talks can provide motivation and fresh perspectives on topics like leading through uncertainty, building trust, and empowering others – all relevant to MBA in Leadership students.
• Coaching for Leaders Podcast – This long-running podcast by Dave Stachowiak focuses on practical leadership wisdom. Episodes often explore management challenges, effective communication, and personal development for leaders. This excellent resource can supplement academic learning with tips for real-world leadership.
• MBA.com by GMAC – This official site by GMAT exam makers provides a wealth of resources for business students. Beyond exam prep, the site offers articles on career planning, leadership development, and return on investment (ROI) for MBA degrees. Tools like a Leadership Assessment quiz and advice from admissions experts are available on the site.
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook Handbook (BLS OOH) – This site is an essential tool for career research. It provides up-to-date data on job roles that are relevant to MBA in Leadership graduates – including job descriptions, required qualifications, salary ranges, and employment outlook. Use it to guide your career goals and salary negotiations by understanding the labor market for roles that you’re targeting.

Top Picks: Online MBA in Leadership Degree Programs

Choosing the right MBA in Leadership degree program is crucial for maximizing your investment. To help with that decision, we compiled a data-driven ranking of the best programs for this field. Our methodology draws from data from the U.S. Department of Education and information from over 7,700 colleges and universities; we focused on factors that matter most to students.

We considered affordability (tuition rates and availability of financial aid), the number and quality of online programs offered, program accreditation status, and student support services like academic advising and career counseling. The result is an objective look at top programs that excel in providing a valuable, flexible, and reputable MBA in Leadership education. Read on to see which schools stand out for these programs.