edX Online

Online MBA in leadership

An online MBA in leadership can help you pursue some of the most appealing management careers. Find out what these programs can offer you.

See all leadership MBA programs

Why earn an MBA in leadership online?

Develop advanced skills

Study leadership best practices, such as decision-making, mentoring, and conflict resolution.

Network with other leaders

Learn from and collaborate with leaders from different organizations, industries, and locations.

Study while you work

Attend a program that fits around your work schedule and leverages your experience.


Master of business administration (MBA) programs provide advanced business knowledge and skills to business professionals at all levels. With an online MBA in leadership, you can develop specialized leadership skills to help manage the teams and operations within an organization.

Discover what an online MBA in leadership covers and what type of opportunities it can offer after graduation.

See all MBA programs with a leadership focus

Prestigious
An immersive cohort-based learning experience that is designed to optimize learning outcomes and ensure global networking opportunities.
Flexible
Choose your path with a range of completion options and class times.
Equivalent to on-campus
Earn the same degree and complete the same curriculum as on-campus students.

What can you do with an MBA in leadership?

An MBA in leadership program can prepare you for management careers in many industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects approximately 1.2 million annual openings for management occupations, more than the projected annual openings in business and financial occupations.

Here are some potential career paths to pursue:

Financial managers take responsibility for their organization's financial health. They analyze organizational spending and look for ways to improve financial performance and decisions.

(BLS median annual salary, 2023): $156,100

What should you expect from an online MBA in leadership?

An online MBA in leadership program looks similar to a general MBA program, and typically features between 30-60 credits and takes two years to complete. However, an MBA in leadership program focuses more on leadership techniques, as well as organizational behavior and managing change.

In these programs, you can develop skills that apply to most sectors within and outside of business, including team and project leadership, growth management, and strategy development. Since leadership is a concentration of its own, you may coordinate your electives to specialize further.

Courses for online MBA in leadership

The typical online MBA in leadership curriculum features coursework in business and management fundamentals, including finance and marketing. You may also take courses in your leadership specialization, as well as electives, which can also focus on leadership topics.

Here are some of the courses you could take:

  • Managing operations: Learn how to effectively manage projects and supply chains, and how to plan and design processes to improve operations.
  • Leadership models: Examine different leadership models and techniques and how they affect and contribute to employee and organizational performance and behavior.
  • Communication for leaders: Explore how a leader's communication impacts staff relationships, collaboration, and employee performance. You may also learn how communication can alter mindsets and culture within an organization.
  • Competitive strategy: Discover how operational strategy and decision-making can improve performance. You can also learn the principles of organizational leadership strategy and what factors to consider when developing one.
  • Leading change management: Understand how to guide organizations through operational, policy, and cultural changes. You may also lean how to set goals and implement the processes to reach them.

Admissions for online MBA in leadership programs

The admissions process and requirements of an MBA in leadership depend on the school and program, but you typically need the following:

  • A bachelor's degree and transcripts
  • A résumé
  • A personal statement or admissions essay
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Work experience (if applicable)
  • A minimum GPA (if applicable)
  • GMAT scores (if applicable)
  • Application fee (if applicable)

Frequently asked questions

Does it matter where you get your MBA in leadership?

Where you get your MBA in leadership can influence what you study and what opportunities you receive after graduation. The school you choose may affect your curriculum, your study schedule, your teachers, and your support services.

How does an MBA help in leadership?

Earning an MBA can help you develop critical leadership skills, such as decision-making, goal-setting and planning, and communication. These programs can help you learn how businesses operate and how to manage complex issues and challenges.

Is an MBA in leadership worth it?

Compared to a bachelor's degree or even a , an MBA in leadership can help you earn more money and access more leadership opportunities. The skills you develop can prepare you to advance your career or even switch roles or industries.

What is the difference between an MBA and an MBA in leadership?

While a general MBA programs offer advanced education in the core business fields, an MBA in leadership program focuses on leadership techniques and approaches. You'll still study the major business pillars, but you'll also explore specialized topics like team management, conflict resolution, and leading innovation.

Browse MBA programs by concentration