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College of Professional Studies

Organizational Leadership

Master's

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

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Program Format
Online
Time Commitment
Part time, Full time
Duration
12 - 18 Months
Entry Term(s)
Fall, Spring, Winter
Meets F1 visa requirements
No

Program overview

Create positive impacts in organizations

Our online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership prepares you to meet the evolving challenges of today’s world by helping you cultivate a personal leadership philosophy.

As the workforce continues to diversify, leadership tasks and responsibilities have become more complex. In the classroom, you’ll learn from faculty experts who bring a wide array of experiences from careers in business consulting, executive coaching, the U.S. military, and more.

You’ll also 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.

 


Please note: Beginning fall 2026, this program will shift from a quarter-based academic calendar to a semester format. View the program conversion guide for curriculum details or visit our FAQ page for more information.

If you enter this program before fall 2026, your academic advisor will work with you to ensure a smooth transition. This change will not impact your academic progress, path to graduation, or tuition costs.

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 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.

  • Strengthen your skills in our learning laboratory model through role playing, interactive simulations, and consulting for a real-world organization.
  • Specialize your focus with elective concentrations in areas such as human resources management, organizational communication, project management, and coaching.
  • Participate in a capstone project.

Our graduates work in a wide array of industries, including:

  • Healthcare
  • Construction/utilities
  • Information technology
  • Financial services
  • Engineering
  • Government

They serve in prominent leadership roles, such as

  • Executive coaching
  • Human resources management
  • Project management
  • Nonprofit campaign management
  • Strategic operations
  • Startup CEO

Admissions

Apply to the program

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.

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.


  • Online application

  • Professional resumé

  • Unofficial, personal copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended; official transcripts are required at the time of enrollment

    • The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents. Please review the FCE requirements by country.

  • English language proficiency proof

  • Please refer to the CPS Apply Now page to learn about additional materials that may be required

Program objectives

Prepare for success

Gain real-world lessons with an experience-driven learning approach to build and strengthen your leadership capabilities to cultivate, lead, manage, and inspire teams.

Become an organizational leader

Develop and bolster your leadership competencies in key areas, such as management, ethics, strategic thinking, team building, and organizational culture through action-learning and research projects.

Take on challenges and opportunities

Prepare for the challenges and opportunities associated with leading globally and understand what it means to drive change and be a force multiplier within your organization.

Connect with us

Want more information?

We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team. 

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Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $41,355
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 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.

There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.

Visit tuition & financial aid
Online Programs

Your education, your way

A person with curly hair in a white zip-up jacket sits at a modern kitchen table, focused on their laptop. They hold a mug and appear engaged, with natural light filtering through a window behind them.

Northeastern's online classes give you the same top-tier education you'd get in person, on a schedule that works for your lifestyle and career needs. They offer a range of videos, interactives, breakout sessions, and experience-focused learning opportunities to immerse you in the material and build community. You'll graduate with the same degree as your in-person peers.

#8

Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools

(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)

53.5%

Percent of graduate students in the U.S. enrolled in online courses

(NCES, 2022)

97%

Percent of students in the U.S. who recommend online education

(BestColleges, 2024)