DEGREE
Master of Science
CAREER IDEAS
Business Consultant, Business Manager, Business Owner, Entrepreneur, Project Leader
Leadership Development is one of the most pressing talent challenges faced by organizations. It’s predicted that companies will face a huge crisis or shortage in leadership because of the number of baby boomers beginning to retire. As these talented senior leaders leave, they are taking their valuable skills and experiences with them. However, this need is creating an opportunity for educated and talented business professionals to take on business leadership roles.
The MS in Business Leadership Program
Our Master of Science in Business Leadership program is taught by leading practitioner faculty and industry partners. This master‘s degree in business leadership is today's more focused MBA alternative. Pursuing a master’s degree in Business Leadership from Manhattanville is an excellent way to distinguish yourself from your peers and secure a leadership position in an organization.
Leadership skills are needed at every level of an organization, whether it it’s helping large organizations stay ahead, driving failing businesses to get back on track or leading your own business. The most successful business leaders know how to inspire teams and generate results. The classes within the graduate Business Leadership program are specially designed to deliver those critical skills needed to inspire innovation, lead change and solve business challenges. Start your transition from manager to become a highly effective leader.
The MS in Business Leadership is considered one of the top leadership programs in Westchester and the greater New York City area.
Learn about the Graduate Advanced Certificate in Business Leadership here.
Download our program sheet for more information.
You must take 13 of the following classes for a total of 39 credits for the Master of Science in Business Leadership.
Required (8)
MGPS5000 Business Strategy
MGPS5000
Business Strategy
Credits | |
3 |
Strategy is the heart and soul of any business. The essence of business strategy is to understand your organization's uniqueness and order-winning criteria. This course will focus on how classic strategy paradigms such as differentiation; brand creation; core competency expertise; speed to market; value migration and leadership in the areas of cost reduction, technology and innovation are linked to a sustained competitive advantage. In addition, the course will examine how changes in the competitive landscape such as globalization, the rapid diffusion of technology, excess capacity, shifting marketplace demographics, increasing cost transparencies, the erosion of pricing power and the commoditization and unbundling of products/services; are creating both problems and unique opportunities. This course seeks to integrate and synergize all the disciplines required for effective business management. Emphasis will be placed on the ethical dilemmas that confront managers due to advances in technology, greater access to information, and more collaborative ventures that break down traditional proprietary boundaries. Given the recent wave of ethical lapses in business, students will be sensitized to the ethical considerations in any given decision-making scenario. Utilizing lectures, assigned readings, small group projects, case studies and a business simulation, the students will become proficient at business strategy analysis, creation and implementation within an ethical framework. A final class project will involve the creation of an Individualized Business Strategy Analysis and Action Plan, which applies the techniques learned during the course to any business selected by the student.
MGPS5010 Communicating Effectively
MGPS5010
Communicating Effectively
Credits | |
3 |
Communication is crucial to the success of all leaders, but as you climb within an organization the ability to write and speak effectively is magnified. One needs to be able to talk, write and present effectively to a diverse group of stakeholders, such as customers, supervisors, subordinates, peers, buyers, etc. And while business leaders have marketing strategies, expansion strategies, finance strategies, even exit strategies, successful leaders also have communication strategies. This course explores how individuals can develop and execute effective communication strategies for a variety of business settings. The course emphasizes the essentials of developing personal communication skills, inclusive of persuasive verbal and written communication, influence mapping, and communicating for buy-in. Students study audience analysis, communicator credibility, message construction and delivery, and are given the opportunity to learn best practices in presentation skills, particularly important for those wishing to pursue entrepreneurial interests. Globalization confronts almost every aspect of business from recruiting and managing a diverse staff to providing products and services, which cross language, time, and cultural barriers. This course delves into the two areas impacting a leader's success in the global arena: technology and culture. Through a blend of class discussions, seminars, observations, practice, feedback and reflection, students will study frameworks for effective communication in a global environment and then apply these lessons in team and individual projects. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have learned how to; understand the purpose of effective communication and how it can facilitate or hinder individual and organizational performance, appreciate the importance and the management of challenges in communicating to internal and external stakeholders, deliver effective oral and written business presentations, incorporate technology to facilitate more effective communications.
MGPS5040 Analytical And Financial Tools For Decision Making
MGPS5040
Analytical and Financial Tools for Decision Making
Credits | |
3 |
In today's business environment, corporate executives and leading professionals must continuously analyze strategic business situations and at times feel limited in their ability to choose appropriate courses of action. In these situations, the executive is expected to utilize sound critical decision making in order to initiate action and move the organization to creative problem solving. The purpose of this course is to provide students with a sound conceptual understanding of the role that Management Science, Accounting and Financial concepts, Statistics and Technology play in the decision making process. The student will be presented with applications of decision making tools, which have been used successfully. Whenever possible the "problem scenario approach" will be used. This approach describes a problem in conjunction with the tool or technique being introduced. The development of the technique or model includes applying it to the problem to generate a solution or recommendation. The course will primarily consist of lectures, outside readings, problems, and case studies designed to provide the student with the tools and techniques required to manage processes efficiently and make decisions effectively. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have mastered many of the most important fundamentals of business decision-making, will have a new frame of reference and will be able to both understand and to utilize these fundamentals in the workplace.
MGPS5050 Leading Effectively And Ethically
MGPS5050
Leading Effectively and Ethically
Credits | |
3 |
This course is designed for students to understand and apply key theories and best practices in leadership. Students will gain familiarity with important leadership concepts and hear, first-hand, the lessons-learned from leaders in business, government, military, and non-profit organizations. This is a highly interactive course that will engage students in identifying and applying what they've learned towards leading teams/organizations through challenging business scenarios. Topics include leadership concepts such as: situational leadership, transformational leadership, "Level 5" leadership/emotional intelligence, and "neuroleadership", cross-cultural models and theories, leadership competencies and assessment tools, actions and behaviors that model best practices in ethical leadership, and leadership development approaches. Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to integrate their understanding of leadership fundamentals in their own development as leaders as well as in the development of others through leadership development programs, mentoring, and coaching.
MGPS5060 Project Management
MGPS5060
Project Management
Credits | |
3 |
This class provides a comprehensive overview of project management. Students learn how to effectively plan, manage, and control projects that encompass both individual and group efforts in business settings. Basic concepts and tools of project management, such as the work breakdown structure, scheduling, creating milestones, Gantt charts, managing cost, and stakeholder considerations are introduced. The course will include a series of discussion on each of the core knowledge areas and process groups associated with the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). Students will also learn more about the social side of project management, including team building, managing virtual teams and developing and implementing effective project communications. In addition, this class draws upon concepts, models, tools and technologies associated with formal project management methodology, including MS Project and the emergence of social networking and learning tools. Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to integrate the technical and soft skill sides of project management to prioritize goals, write a project charter, create a work breakdown structure, establish reliable project budgets and schedules, implement project tracking techniques, manage teams, and create effective strategies to control the project budget, schedule, and quality.
MGPS5070 Generating Growth And Innovation
MGPS5070
Generating Growth and Innovation
Credits | |
3 |
Nothing is more central to a business than the products and/or services it sells. And, for the majority of businesses, whether small entrepreneurial firms or large established companies, this mandates growth and innovation. The business leader must now be an innovator, ever more important given the rapid evolution in products and business models. Yet, the strategies and processes used to determine which products to make, how to make them or where to get them, and how to bring them to market are not well understood by many firms. The result is that promising new products and ideas are discarded, marginal products are developed and many products fail in the marketplace. The core objective of this course is to help students understand the role (and challenges) of innovation strategy in a company's growth, best practices for leveraging innovation, and the capabilities required to drive accelerated growth. The course provides frameworks and methods for generating growth and innovation through organic growth options, new products and services and alternative partnerships such as mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures. It examines ideation, the end-to-end innovation process, innovation portfolio decision-making and governance, and key organizational enablers of innovation sustainability. At the conclusion of this course, students will possess the insights and skills around the development, launch and management of innovative growth options. They will appreciate the risks and rewards of bringing innovation to the market, hold an understanding of consumer psychology and its impact on adoption of innovation, and will have learned the marketing strategies necessary to develop, introduce and manage new products, services and partnerships.
MSBL5100 Transitioning From Manager To Leader
MSBL5100
Transitioning From Manager to Leader
Credits | |
3 |
In today's corporate setting professionals aspiring to advance to senior levels must be able to lead. It is true that someone can be a leader without being a manager, and someone can manage without leading. Many managers do not even manage people! However, it has become apparent there are clearly definitive traits, qualities, and characteristics that distinguish the two roles and there is also commonality between them. Those differences and similarities have been the subject of an ongoing great debate throughout the last quarter of a century. It is widely held that leaders influence commitment, whereas managers merely carry out position responsibilities and exercise authority but there are others who believe that there is no reason to separate the functions. Through a combination of classic and contemporary readings, formal and informal case studies, and exposure to unfamiliar scenarios and challenging real-life situations, this course compares and contrasts leading with managing and examines the theories, tools, and practices that drive managers of processes and functions to evolve into leaders who build enduring value for their organizations.
MSBL6000 Final Project
MSBL6000
Final Project
Credits | |
3 |
This course is the culmination of the M.S. in Business Leadership. The purpose of the Final Integrative Project is to provide the student with experience in conducting an applied research project. This project provides students with an opportunity to use academe and professional knowledge and skills in addressing an actual business issue. The student chooses a topic of importance to them, either one which is inherent to the organization in which they currently work or have worked, or one which is of interest as the student moves forward in his/her career. Upon approval of the proposed topic, the student works with a qualified faculty member to research and write the thesis. The finished thesis must demonstrate the student's ability to conduct comprehensive research and articulate original ideas and thought processes that make a contribution to the body of knowledge in the field. In addition to the final paper, the student orally presents the findings to an evaluation committee. All final papers must be of an academic and research standard that is consistent with the requirements of current journals and publications. The student's thesis topic must be approved in advance by the Program Director.
Electives (5)
MSBL5601 Global Business
MSBL5601
Global Business
Credits | |
3 |
The march of globalization continues, and international business is pivotal to the operations of virtually all firms. It is no longer possible to think of business as national or local. As companies intensify their international presence, the need to understand the economic, political, legal and cultural differences increases, as does the imperative for sound and sustainable marketing strategies on a global scale. As such, managers must apply ways of thinking and making decisions that are designed for complexity, diversity and flexibility. This course provides tools and frameworks to prepare students to succeed on a global stage. The course is unique not only in focusing on successful strategies for global business, but also in examining how companies can cope well with institutional changes in diverse markets. The course delves into the many challenges that multinationals face when navigating across markets and entering new ones, offering guidance for analyzing the opportunities and constraints while at the same time providing concrete examples of successful (or failed) business strategies. Various learning methods are used in this course, including in-class lectures, readings, discussion of current events in the world economy, and real world case analysis. Upon successful completion of this course, students will understand (a) the institutional framework and policy management of international relations, (b) risk assessment and strategic analysis of nation-states, (c) global marketing strategy development for both entering new markets and growing/sustaining current markets, and (d) the organizational concerns of the transnational enterprise.
MSBL5602 Leveraging Information Technologh For A Competitive Advantage
MSBL5602
Leveraging Information Technologh for a Competitive Advantage
Credits | |
3 |
The role of Information Technology (IT) is shifting from a technical, specialist function to a vital one that shapes and supports every facet of business operations. IT began its roots as a back-office support function to Accounting/Finance, but has long evolved into a strategic resource coordinated to support business strategies while shaping future options and directions. Successful companies differentiate themselves by their ability to position the power of technology to design ways to outperform their competitors. Successful business managers recognize IT as a strategic resource and have the primary responsibility for specifying IT roles as part of the overall business capabilities. This course is designed for business professional that will encounter and have to rely on information systems to accomplish their business goals. The course will consist of a combination of lectures; group discussions; student presentations, online quizzes, discussion board entries and written assignments. Upon successful completion, the students will be able to: explain the meaning of terms used to describe common techniques and concepts in business information systems; describe the ways in which computers are and will be used in business and management; identify and suggest appropriate responses to managerial and organizational issues stemming from development, implementation, and use of computer-based information systems; recognize the reality of implementing international information systems; understand the major social and ethical issues involved in the development and use of information technology; and be better positioned to work with IT resources to help drive business value through technology innovation.
MSBL5603 Entrepreneurship
MSBL5603
Entrepreneurship
Credits | |
3 |
This course allows students to walk a few steps in the shoes of an entrepreneur while learning how entrepreneurs build new ventures that endure. Students learn how to think and act entrepreneurially, and how to create value through "new" - products, solutions, ventures, business units, distribution channels, firms, business models or technologies. Students explore financial, legal, interpersonal and personal challenges likely to be encountered by the independent entrepreneur. This course is recommended for those interested in initiating a personal venture at some point in their lives working with or consulting for an early stage entrepreneurial team. Key issues addressed will include risk perception and management, formulation of innovative stakeholder relationships, and the creation of new markets through new ventures. Upon successful completion of this course, students will understand how expert entrepreneurs actually do it; understand the challenges faced by entrepreneurs; grasp the subtleties of ownership and control; increase the probability of success and reduce the risks of failure and acquire the basic tools for successful entrepreneurship such as putting together a business plan.
MSBL5604 Operations Management
MSBL5604
Operations Management
Credits | |
3 |
Operations management involves the responsibility of ensuring that business operations are efficient in terms of using as few resources as needed, and effective in terms of meeting customer requirements. It is concerned with managing the process that converts materials, labor, and energy into goods and/or services and it is here that the business leader is expected to utilize sound critical decision making in order to initiate action and move the organization efficiently, effectively and economically. The purpose of this course is to provide students with a sound conceptual understanding of the role that Operations Management plays in today's organizations. The student will be presented with applications of Management Science, Logistics, Inventory Management, Facilities Management, Total Quality Management, Resource Allocation, Supply Chain Management and Simulation. Whenever possible the "problem scenario approach" will be used. Upon successfully completing this course, students will have mastered many of the important fundamentals of Operations Management and will be able to model these and other concepts, circumstances and challenges to which they will undoubtedly be exposed in various aspects of their workplace.
MSBL5605 Health Care Management
MSBL5605
Health Care Management
Credits | |
3 |
Health care plays a vital role in both our economy and our society and it is an exciting time for health care management. The business is changing and growing more rapidly than almost any other field today and will require people who can manage the changes taking place and make a significant contribution to improving the health of the communities and organizations served. This Health Care Management course will be highly interactive where students will learn about the health care business, the challenges and opportunities a health care manager encounters while working within the different types of health care organizations, and the key role managers play now and in the future. Students will gain significant insights into this complex industry and what the future will be like for those working in this exciting field. Health Care Management, while providing some students with a potential new career direction, also ensures every student will come away with the core competencies required for leadership and management in health care and across all industries today. The course will provide skills, generate ideas, and broaden every student's knowledge base thereby creating a more valuable employee or a successful entreprenuer. Topics will include the U.S. health care system, leadership vs. management in health care, health care finance and economics, laws and regulations, strategic planning, marketing, communications and the increasing role of social media, the government and health care, the competitive landscape, international health care, legal and ethical concerns, building and managing high performing teams, and careers in health care management. At the successful completion of this class, students will take away a new perspective on this exciting industry, the role it plays in this country and around the world, and the impact they can have as a manager and leader.
MSBL5606 Managing In A Mission-based Organization
MSBL5606
Managing in a Mission-Based Organization
Credits | |
3 |
Effective management is vital for the long-term success of nonprofit organizations. This course explores human resource issues, effective management skills, and legal issues that affect nonprofit organizations. In addition, an in-depth analysis of the strategic management process and the nature of strategic decision-making are explored, as are the general aspects of fundraising, such as structuring grants and assessing potential sources of support. Topics include the nonprofit framework, including board development, board governance and community relations; current challenges; ethics considerations; effective recruitment and retention strategies for paid staff and volunteers; legal, regulatory and policy issues; advocacy, lobbying and government funding; development of personnel policies; issues of multiculturalism; and managing change. In this course, lectures/presentations, interactive discussion, assigned readings, case studies and issues analysis are deployed as teaching methods. Upon successful completion of this course, students will understand a range of interrelated concepts: Basic nonprofit constructs and concerns for the manage; Effective management of conflict and change within organizations; The recruitment and management of paid staff and volunteers; Ethics and legal issues affecting nonprofits; Integrated advocacy and policy development, and; Emerging issues that will affect the future profile of nonprofits. Through course study and discussion, students will master both the concepts and their applications and practice in nonprofit environments.
MGPS5020 Managing Risk
MGPS5020
Managing Risk
Credits | |
3 |
Worldwide theories, research, principles, and practices pertaining to the discipline of managing risk have evolved significantly over the past ten years, especially in countries such as Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Continued catastrophes have emphasized the need for more robust systems for managing risk accompanied by a highly sophisticated approach that supports the development of an appropriate risk mentality. This course is designed so that students can obtain a robust understanding in the discipline of risk management better-termed "managing risk". Students will review case studies of companies that have both been successful in their efforts to manage risk and those that have been unsuccessful. In both situations, an in depth analysis will be applied to determine the root causes for the successes and failures. Upon completion of this course students will have learned how to: gain an appreciation for evolution of this managing risk discipline over the past 20 years to what is now considered best in class thinking; extract the essential ingredients for managing risk throughout the organization and assemble them; take a holistic approach to risk using the objectives, principles, process and framework from ISO 31000; think in an integrated fashion and participate in effective risk management implementation efforts; conduct an initial assessment of the adequacy of a company's risk management system; and appreciate the role of rating agencies, regulatory agencies, various standard setters, other professional organizations, and the Board of Directors.
MGPS5030 Creating Customer Value Through Marketin
MGPS5030
Creating Customer Value Through Marketin
Credits | |
3 |
Marketing activity is the engine that creates value in a business. It provides the focus for interfacing with customers, and is the database for knowledge about customers, consumers and competitors. Marketing focuses on both the achievement of short-term sales as well as the long-term relationship of a company to its customers, thus its critical role to the generation of revenue and profit for a firm. This course emphasizes the role of marketing in creating value for customers, which in turn creates value for owners, shareholders and employees. The course teaches what business managers need to know to create strategies that achieve competitive advantage for products and services. Topics taught in this course include (but are not limited to) analyzing market opportunities, competitive analysis, customer relationship management (CRM), customer decision-making, value of brand, product/service management, segmentation and target selection, product positioning, customer acquisition and retention, and social media leverage. At the conclusion of the course, students will understand (a) how companies create, capture and sustain competitive advanatge in the marketplace, (b) the sources of value in product/service offerings and how they evolve over time, (c) the role of technology, operations and distribution in delivering value, and (d) effective responses to preempt, deter or effectively counter competitive moves.
MSBL5650 Special Topics In Business Leadership
MSBL5650
Special Topics in Business Leadership
Credits | |
3 |
This container course, offered periodically, examines special topics and emerging issues in business leadership using a seminar approach. The course will enable the students to explore the most current challenges affecting the leaders of tomorrow, focusing on evolving approaches to and best practices for the leadership and management of change in an organization.
How to Apply to School of Business programs
Starting terms:
Graduate Program Modules and Advanced Certificates: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter
- Business Leadership
Graduate International students please see this additional information. (Advanced certificates are not eligible for international admissions).
All Applicants:
1. On-Line Application: The School of Business on-line application can be found at the following link: APPLY NOW
2. Personal Essay: In a candid personal essay of 500-750 words, explain:
- How and why did you decide to pursue this program
- Why the selected academic program is good match for your future goals
- What you as a candidate can bring to our classroom
- What special skills, leadership abilities, volunteer or other life experience make you a good overall fit for the selected program?
3. Resume: Submit a current resume indicating educational and business experience.
4. Transcripts:
Graduate Domestic (All Master of Science and Advanced Certificates) An earned undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0* is required. Please send official transcripts from every school attended to date sent directly to the School of Business Admissions Office. Student copies are not acceptable. MSB will consider a slightly lower GPA with significant workplace history.
5. Recommendations: Two letters of recommendations, either academic or professional, from a reference writer who can speak to the candidate’s intellectual capability and ability to handle the rigors of the applicant’s program. Letters can be uploaded via the on-line application. References writers may provide their own letter or you may forward our standard Professional Letter of Recommendation form available on our website if you prefer.
6. Application Fee: Fee waivers are available for attending Open Houses. Please check the website for our next available dates and to RSVP. Please note that paying the application fee must be the last step you complete prior to submitting your application. Visit the Paypal page and click return to MVille Application page to complete the submission.
Graduate and Advanced Certificate: $75
7. Health Records: Due at the time of enrollment, Adult students please submit the Health Form with proof of immunization against measles and rubella, in compliance with New York State regulations. This requirement applies to only students born on or after Jan. 1, 1957
8. International Applicants: International students are eligible for Master of Science degrees only because of program and visa requirements. For admissions, if your undergraduate education was conducted at a non-US institution, we will require transcript credentials from either (WES) World of Education Services Inc. (www.WES.org) or a member of (NACES) National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. (www.naces.org/members.html). Please review this list carefully as we cannot accept credentials from organizations not on this list. If your undergraduate education was not conducted in English, we will require a test of English language skills through any of the following sources: TOEFL, IELTS, ITEP. Please note that our minimum IBT TOEFL is 85, IELTS is 7 and ITEP is B2.
9. Optional: GRE, GMAT for graduation applications and SAT & ACT test scores for undergraduate applications are optional and not a required component to determine an admissions decision, however if you wish to submit any testing scores, we are happy to consider them as part of your overall application if you feel it will strengthen your application.
Submit all materials to:
Manhattanville School of Business
Office of Admissions
2900 Purchase Street -- Reid G5
Purchase, NY 10577
For any questions on the application or submission materials please contact Monika Pottgen, Assistant Director of Recruitment and Admissions at (914) 323-5150 or business@mville.edu.
Please consult the website or Admissions Department for any deadlines and/or for questions regarding non-matriculated status.
School of Business - Office of Admissions
914-323-5150
business@mville.edu
Click here for information on How to Apply.
Click here to request more information.
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Attending events are a great way to learn about our vibrant School of Business community. See photos from our recent Open House.
Denzer Johnson, M.S. in Business Leadership
"The Business Leadership program at Manhattanville College has been instrumental in helping me prepare for career advancement by providing the analytical and decision making skills and tools needed to be marketable in today’s job market. I have found the course work to be both current and relevant to real world issues I have encountered as a sales professional in the corporate environment. The program has helped me grow both professionally and personally as I continue on my professional career journey.”