The Master of Leadership Development is an interdisciplinary, 36-credit program that blends social and behavioral sciences with ethical studies. Credit may be given for similar courses taken at other institutions.

The curriculum (for students entering the program Fall 2019 and later) includes:

  • 9 credits in Leadership Cornerstones
  • 12 credits in Leadership Competencies
  • 12 credits in Leadership Context Electives
  • 3 credits in the Leadership Capstone course

Courses are offered in seven-week (50% online) or 14-week (100% online) sessions. There are six seven-week sessions and three semesters (Fall, Spring, and Summer) each academic year.

Students admitted fall 2009 or after must successfully complete the SARI (Scholarship and Research Integrity) requirement of the Penn State degree in order to graduate. Students admitted fall 2019 or after must also complete the MLD Pre-Program Exercise.

Detailed course information can be found on the Schedule of Courses or contact [email protected].

Plan of Study (for students entering the program Fall 2019 & later)

Fall 2020 Course Offerings

Prior to Semester

Pre-Program Requirement

  • Completion of Pre-Program Exercise: Developmental Readiness

Fall I Courses

Leadership Cornerstones

  • LEAD 501 - Leadership Across the Lifespan (GV)

Leadership Competencies

  • LEAD 519 - Developing Creative High-Performance Organizations (GV)
  • MBADM 815 (formerly BUSAD 551 Business, Ethics, and Society) - Ethical & Responsible Business Leadership (GV)

Leadership Context Electives

  • MGMT 507 - Positive Organizational Behavior and Well-Being (GV)

Fall II Courses

Leadership Cornerstones

  • LEAD/BUSAD 555 - Full Range Leadership Development (GV)

Leadership Competencies

  • LEAD 561 - Dynamic Communication in Leadership Contexts (GV)

Leadership Context Electives

  • BUSAD 802 - Cornerstones of Sustainability (GV)
  • BUSAD 811 (formerly BUSAD 511 New Ventures I) - New Ventures Ideation and Feasibility Analysis (GV)

Fall Full Term

Leadership Cornerstones

  • LEAD 555 - Full Range Leadership Development (WC**)

Leadership Context Electives

  • MGMT 507 – Positive Organizational Behavior and Well-Being (WC**)
  • MGMT 823 (formerly MGMT 523) - Organizational Change: Theory and Practice (WC**)

GV = Great Valley Campus (default)
BK = Berks Campus
NY = Navy Yard Location
WC = World Campus (online)

*GV/BK=Delivered in part with Video Learning Network
**Consult with the Management Division about World Campus courses