in person, hybrid
MA in Leadership
Designed for working professionals, the master’s program in leadership is designed to advance careers within a profession, rather than providing entry to a new profession. Typically, students will have 5-20 years of work experience and will be seeking additional credentials to advance into more senior leadership roles. The MA in Leadership is a professional degree that is completely focused on leadership skills rather than the broad business training found in an MBA program. Our unique cohort+ model provides the network and mutual support of a learning cohort, with optional electives that allow learners to take advantage of the graduate liberal arts education that is unique to CGU.
30 units
required units
MA in Leadership
degree awarded
In Person, Hybrid
modality
Spring, Summer, Fall
program start
12-18 months | full time*
estimated completion time
University Professor
Research Interests
Organizational Justice, Employee Attitudes and Motivation, Leadership
Executive Vice President & Provost
Professor of Organizational Behavior
Research Interests
Leadership, Organizational Culture, Charismatic Leadership
Clinical Associate Professor
Research Interests
Organizational behavior, Teams, Organizational theory, Leadership, Corporate governance, Power and influence
Peter F. Drucker Chair in Management and the Liberal Arts
Research Interests
Client Management, Leadership, Management, Marketing, Strategy
Professor of Practice in Organizational Psychology
Research Interests
Social Innovation, Resilience & Well-Being, Diversity and Inclusion
Associate Professor of Psychology
Director, Center for Academic & Faculty Excellence
Research Interests
Work stress; work-life issues; workplace victimization and incivility; relational practices and cultures; diversity; positive organizational interventions to enhance well-being and performance.
Associate Professor of Practice
Founding Director, Executive Mind Leadership Institute
Research Interests
Mindfulness, Self-management, Executive mind
Dean, School of Arts & Humanities
Director, Early Modern Studies Program
Director, Kingsley & Kate Tufts Poetry Awards
Research Interests
English Renaissance and Reformation Literature; Early Modern British and European History; Reformation Studies, Protestantism, the Bible and English-language Culture; the Bible in America; William Shakespeare
Clinical Professor of Management
Research Interests
Responsible management, Care (as a strategic resource), Values-based management systems, Leadership, Organizational strategy and culture, Cross cultural competence, Human performance and resilience
The core classes for the MA in Leadership are taken in a combination of formats: 3-day intensives (in-person), 8-week modules (hybrid), and 16-week semesters (hybrid).
In the MA in Leadership program, you’ll experience our cohort+ model. In addition to gaining the network and support of a cohort of MAL students all completing core classes at the same time, you’ll benefit from additional features not usually offered in cohort-based professional programs.
8 units of electives* can be used to contextualize your degree based on your career focus (e.g., healthcare leadership, public policy leadership) or personal interests (e.g., positive psychology). You can take electives from programs across CGU or take full advantage of the unique CGU transdisciplinary experience with classes such as:
*Note that some electives may be offered as in-person classes only.
Item | Description |
---|---|
Application Fee | $80 |
Official Transcripts | Yes |
Statement of Purpose | Yes |
Resume | Yes |
CGU operates on a priority deadline cycle. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by the priority dates in order to assure maximum consideration for both admission and fellowships.
Once the priority deadlines have passed, the University will continue to review applications for qualified candidates on a competitive, space-available basis. The final deadlines listed are the last date the University can accept an application in order to allow sufficient time to complete the admissions, financial aid, and other enrollment processes.
Spring 2024
Priority Deadline – November 1, 2023
Final Deadline (International) – November 15, 2023
Final Deadline (Domestic) – December 1, 2023
Classes begin – January 16, 2024
Summer 2024
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2024
Final Deadline (International) – March 1, 2024
Final Deadline (Domestic) – April 1, 2024
Classes begin – May 13, 2024
Fall 2024
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2024
Final Deadline (International) – July 5, 2024
Final Deadline (Domestic) – August 1, 2024
Classes begin – August 26, 2024
The Claremont Graduate University online application is hosted online by Slate Technolutions via a secure web server. You will create a username and password so that you can return to continue your application over several sessions and check your status after submission. After you submit your application, it is made available for review by our faculty and staff.
The application fee is non-refundable.
Applicants must submit a sealed, official transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution that has granted the applicant a degree. Electronic transcripts sent to admissions@cgu.edu are also accepted. For undergraduate coursework, applicants are required to submit proof of a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Unofficial copies of transcripts are accepted for review purposes, but official copies will be required upon admission.
Applicants currently earning a degree that will be completed prior to attending CGU are required to submit a transcript showing work in progress for evaluation purposes. Once the degree has been granted, a final official transcript documenting the degree conferred must be submitted to CGU.
International applicants are advised to review the International Transcript Guidelines for additional information on submitting international transcripts.
Applicants must submit an up-to-date copy of their resume.
A valid score on one of the following examinations TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE scores is required of all non-native English-speaking applicants. The examination is not required for the following applicants:
CGU’s school code for the TOEFL exam is 4053.
International applicants are encouraged to visit our International Applicants page for more information, including score requirements.
Please submit a 2-3 page statement of purpose that details your academic and/or professional achievements, your specific areas of research interest within your desired field of study, why you are a strong candidate for graduate studies at CGU, and your career goals.
GMAT or GRE examination scores are required. Scores must be dated within the past five years. Request that an official GMAT or GRE score be sent to admissions directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS). Information on examination waivers can be found below.
Scores must be sent directly to CGU by the testing agency.
CGU’s school codes:
GMAT DZK-QS-08
ETS (GRE and TOEFL) 4053
Waiver Information
For this program, an applicant may request a waiver for the GMAT/GRE exam based on any of the following qualifications:
Academic Work
Professional Work
To request a waiver, please send the applicable information to admissions@cgu.edu at the time you have begun an application for admission.
For each of the questions below, please provide a separate response of no more than 100 words maximum. You will be able to upload your responses to your applicant status page following the submission of your online application.
1. What is motivating you to pursue a graduate management degree or certificate at this point in your life?
2. Describe your goals and how our program will help you reach them.
3. How do the Drucker School and Peter Drucker’s ideals align with your personal brand?
4. How might you contribute to the program? What qualities do you possess that would benefit the program and/or your fellow students?
5. What might be the biggest challenge you will face at if you enroll in this program?
Program | 30 units |
Tuition per unit* | $2,020 |
*Based on 2023-2024 tuition rates.
$245 Student Fee |
$150 Technology Fee |
International Student Services Fee*: $661 fall semester, $776 spring semester **Applies to all international students (F-1 visa only) who are registered in coursework, doctoral study, or continuous registration. The fee is assessed each fall and spring semester for annual ISO accident and sickness plans and administrative fees. Subject to change. |
For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s Cost of Attendance 2022-2023 .