You’re thinking about going back to school for your Master of Business Administration (MBA), and now it’s time to consider which concentration is right for you. For those looking to advance their careers into a management or leadership role, an MBA in Leadership Studies can be a go-to option.
With greater insight into what a master’s in business leadership entails and the skills you can gain from such a program, you can determine whether this type of degree aligns with your professional goals.
Baker College’s MBA Leadership Studies Program
Baker College is proud to offer a leadership master’s degree in the form of an MBA in Leadership Studies. This program focuses on developing leadership skills and strategic management capabilities that can be applied across a wide range of industries and disciplines. By blending business fundamentals with leadership theory and practice, graduates can prepare to move into upper-level administrative and management roles.
Program Structure
Within Baker’s leadership master’s degree program, students participate in numerous core courses, electives, capstone projects, and experiential learning opportunities.
Curriculum Components
Students in the leadership master’s program at Baker College will explore coursework in critical and relevant topics, such as:
- Leadership Theory and Practice, including courses that cover various leadership styles, theories, and practices—as well as their application in various contexts. Relevant courses include Dynamics of Leadership, Leadership Communications, Team Leadership, and Group Dynamics.
- Strategic Management, including courses focused specifically on strategic planning, decision-making, implementation, and the role of strategic management in guiding organizations toward success. Relevant courses include Strategy in a Global Environment, Research, Statistics for Managers, and Management Information Systems.
- Organizational Behavior and Development, including courses that explore human behavior within organizations (such as motivation, team dynamics, and organizational culture). Topics are relevant to business leaders because they are key to fostering a positive organizational culture and effectively managing changes as they occur. A key course in this area is Human Behavior Management of Organizations.
- Financial Management and Economics, such as courses that provide foundational knowledge of financial analysis, budgeting, and economic business principles that students can apply to their own decision-making processes. Relevant courses here include The Financial Environment, The Economic Environment, and Accounting for the Contemporary Manager.
- Marketing and Branding, including topics such as marketing principles, brand management, and customer relationship management (CRM) that are crucial for building strong brands and effective marketing strategies. Baker’s course, The Marketing Environment, covers these topics (and more) in depth.
- Global Leadership and International Business, including topics in global business practices, cross-cultural communication, and international market dynamics that have become increasingly relevant in today’s interconnected world. Baker’s course, Strategy in a Global Environment, covers these issues extensively.
- Human Resources and Talent Management, including courses that explore topics like talent acquisition, performance management, and employee development. These topics are critical for HR managers and other leaders looking to shape organizational culture while driving employee engagement. Baker’s course, Human Resource Management, provides valuable insights into these concepts.
Key Skills Developed in an MBA Leadership Studies Program
So, what kinds of skills can you expect to develop in a master’s in business leadership program?
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Business leaders should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, especially when it comes to approaching complex business challenges with creative solutions. In a leadership studies degree program, students have the opportunity to develop their critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills so they are better prepared to apply them to their work in the real world.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Today’s business leaders also need solid communication and interpersonal skills because they are constantly in contact with other professionals, employees, and stakeholders. Both verbal and written communication are a core focus in a business leadership program, as are such relevant skills as negotiation and conflict resolution that are often required in management and leadership roles.
Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness
Working in business leadership roles can be stressful and high-pressure, meaning that a solid sense of emotional intelligence and self-awareness can go a long way. Fortunately, such skills are built upon in a leadership studies program, allowing students to develop their ability to understand and manage their emotions while building strong relationships and leading others empathetically. Of course, these skills can be useful in other areas of life beyond business as well.
Strategic Vision and Decision-Making
Organizations often turn to business leaders for a sense of strategic vision, which helps them make decisions aligned with the mission and values of the company. With this in mind, business leaders themselves must have the ability to develop strong strategic visions while making informed decisions that guide organizations toward achieving their goals. As part of Baker College’s MBA in Leadership Studies, these skills are another area of focus so graduates can be prepared to lead teams toward united goals.
Leadership and Team Building
Strong teams can make all the difference when it comes to overall performance, collaboration, and organizational success. Business leaders can foster a greater sense of team building and collaboration by putting their leadership skills to work. In an MBA in Leadership Studies program, students will learn how to build effective teams that will work together seamlessly while driving performance.
The Value of a Leadership Studies MBA
If you’re serious about advancing your career and making a meaningful impact in the business world, then a leadership studies MBA can add value in a number of ways. From the potential to boost career prospects to fueling your personal and professional growth, there are plenty of reasons to consider an MBA in Leadership Studies as you plan your return to school.
Enhanced Career Prospects
Having an MBA in Leadership Studies is an excellent way to showcase your proficiency in essential leadership skills like team building, decision-making, communication, and critical thinking. This advanced degree can enhance your career prospects by offering a competitive advantage over other applicants who may not have the same formal education and experience. As a result, you may be better suited for roles in business leadership, ranging from HR manager or project manager to vice president and beyond.
Broad Skill Set Development
Completing a leadership studies program at the graduate level is also an excellent way to develop and sharpen skills that are important for business leaders. Examples of the types of skills you will likely need in these roles include:
- Emotional intelligence
- Critical thinking
- Decision-making
- Conflict management
- Problem-solving
- Communication and interpersonal skills
These skills can be applicable in other areas of your life, too, and benefit you in ways beyond your career.
Leadership and Strategic Vision
Modern business leaders must be able to not only develop a solid strategic vision but also get their teams on board with that vision and adhere to it. This is a tall order in many organizations, but with the skills learned in a master’s in business studies program, business leaders can apply their innovative thinking and adaptability to lead teams toward a shared vision and goal.
Diverse Career Opportunities
Businesses across all industries need strong business leaders, so an MBA in Leadership Studies can open up a diverse range of career opportunities for graduates. No matter if you want to pursue a role as an HR manager, a project manager, or even a higher-level executive position, an MBA in Leadership Studies can equip you for the demands of this type of work. In addition, those who dream of someday starting their own businesses or pursuing entrepreneurial ventures can apply what they’ve learned in their MBA programs to pursue those goals with confidence.
Increased Earning Potential
Compared to those with undergraduate degrees or even general MBAs, graduates with an MBA in Leadership Studies may command higher salaries.
Personal and Professional Growth
Finally, the Baker College MBA in Leadership Studies program encourages self-reflection and personal growth, helping students develop a deeper understanding of their unique strengths and weaknesses. This, in turn, can help encourage a commitment to continuous learning and professional development that is so critical in this field.
Our MBA in Leadership Studies program provides valuable networking opportunities as well, not just with peers and faculty but also with leading industry professionals. Building a strong professional network can help you advance your career and boost your reputation as a thought leader in your industry.
Start Your Leadership MBA at Baker College
A master’s degree in leadership can be an ideal way to sharpen your leadership and team-building skills while learning about the essentials of business. If you’d like to learn more about Baker College’s MBA in Leadership Studies, be sure to reach out today. Or, if you’re ready, you may also get started with your application online.