Psychology of Leadership Master's Degree
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-01-12 | - |
| 2027-01-12 | - |
Program Overview
Master of Professional Studies in Psychology of Leadership
The online psychology of leadership master's degree program is intended for working professionals seeking advanced education in leadership. You can learn how to apply psychological theories and research to solve practical leadership problems in organizations.
Program Summary
The program is based on well-supported psychological research and theories that have been shown to increase leadership effectiveness in workgroups and organizations. While based on research, the program emphasizes the application of learned knowledge.
100% Online
Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.
Application Deadline
Apply by November 30 to start January 12
Credits and Costs
- 33 Credits
- $1,037 per credit
Gain Leadership Skills and Competencies with a Psychology of Leadership Degree
- Evaluate leadership challenges to understand leader behaviors, predict their effectiveness, and develop strategies for improving organizational effectiveness.
- Analyze ethical dilemmas in leadership and understand the importance of ethical decision-making.
- Understand people and social situations in work settings where more effective leadership can make an impact.
- Improve employee relations, inspire employees through mentorship, and create a positive, productive work environment for your team.
Relevant Courses for Today’s Leaders
The curriculum can help you develop your awareness of ethical issues that can arise when leading others. You can also increase your knowledge of applications of leadership research and theory in multinational organizations, creative and innovative teams, and decision-making teams.
Course Work
Course work addresses the way that aspects and techniques of leadership can enhance the motivation, attitudes, and performance of individual employees and teams in work organizations.
Stackable Credentials
You can earn up to three related graduate certificates along the way to your Master of Professional Studies in Psychology of Leadership. Students who plan to take the stackable credentials pathway to this degree should follow the course lists for each graduate certificate program. To earn each certificate, you must apply, gain acceptance to the program, and complete the required courses.
- Psychology of Leadership Foundations (9 credits)
- Psychology of Ethical Leadership (9 credits)
- Psychology of Team Leadership (12 credits)
Required Courses (9 credits)
- PSY 532: Psychological Foundations of Leadership (3 credits)
- Students will examine the social and psychological processes underlying leadership in organizations.
- PSY 539: Foundations of Behavior, Motivation, and Attitudes at Work (3 credits)
- Students will examine the psychological and social processes underlying behavior, motivation, and attitudes in work settings.
- PSY 833: Ethics and Leadership: Psychological and Social Processes (3 credits)
- Students will examine the role of ethics in leadership with an emphasis on supporting ethical decision-making in organizations.
- Prerequisite: PSY 532
Psychology Elective Courses (select 15–21 credits)
- PSY 811: Global and Cross-Cultural Leadership (3 credits)
- Students will examine the relation of cultural variations in psychological and social factors affecting the effective leadership of individuals and groups in work organizations.
- Prerequisite: PSY 532 and PSY 539
- PSY 812: Group Leadership and Effective Decision Making (3 credits)
- Students will examine the influence of leadership on the psychological and social processes related to effective decision making in work groups.
- Prerequisite: PSY 532 and PSY 539
- PSY 813: Leadership for Creativity and Innovation (3 credits)
- Students will examine the influence of leadership on the psychological and social processes related to developing creative ideas and implementing them within work groups and organizations.
- Prerequisite: PSY 532 and PSY 539
- PSY 814: Psychology of Leading Work Groups and Teams (3 credits)
- Students will examine the psychological and social processes related to leading work groups and teams.
- Prerequisite: PSY 532 and PSY 539
- PSY 815: Follower-Centric Leadership (3 credits)
- Students will examine the importance of developing followers and leader-follower relationships by investigating servant and authentic leadership.
- Prerequisite: PSY 532 and PSY 539
- PSY 816: Dysfunctional Leadership (3 credits)
- Students will explore the impact of negative and destructive leader behaviors including toxic leadership, abusive supervision, and leader error.
- Prerequisite: PSY 532 and PSY 539
- PSY 817: Psychology of Shared and Collective Leadership (3 credits)
- Students will examine the topic of shared and collective leadership, which includes the psychological processes surrounding collective, team-based, and dyadic leadership in organizations.
- Prerequisite: PSY 532 and PSY 539
- PSY 818: Leadership Assessment and Development (3 credits)
- Students will examine a variety of assessments used for assessing leadership capabilities, take those assessments themselves, and reflect on their results to reach personal insights they can use in creating their own leadership development plan.
- Prerequisite: PSY 532 and PSY 539
Non-Psychology Elective Courses (select up to 6 credits)
Students have opportunities to take selected courses in one or more of these areas: Communications (COMM), Health Policy and Administration (HPA), Human Resources and Employee Relations (HRER), Labor and Human Relations (LHR), Management (MGMT), Organizational Leadership (OLEAD), and Workforce Education (WFED). Permission from the respective program may be required.
- COMM 531: Strategic Communications: Theory and Implementation (3 credits)
- A comprehensive overview of professional strategic communications by examining key theoretical and conceptual fundamentals of persuasive communication, attitude formation and change, and mass communication, while examining applied implications that affect the strategic communications industry.
- HPA 805: Change Leadership in Health Services Organizations (3 credits)
- Exploration of diagnostic and intervention strategies employed in planned change in health services organizations and programs.
- HRER 802: Human Behavior and Organizational Performance (3 credits)
- This course provides students with an overview of selected managerial behavior and career topics in modern organizations.
- HRER 836: Diversity in the Workplace (3 credits)
- This course examines workplace diversity, gender, and race challenges facing employers and employees, and the skills for managing diversity.
- HRER 860: Ethical Decision Making for HR Practitioners (3 credits)
- Use of normative elements associated with ethical decision making, as well as the emerging interest in descriptive ethics, to address important problems human resource managers confront.
- LEAD 855: Full-Range Leadership Development (3 credits)
- Development of behavioral skills associated with outstanding leadership of individuals, teams, and organizations through advanced information technology, experimental exercises, and case analysis.
- LEAD 856: Diversity Leadership (3 credits)
- Analysis and application of models, theories, and strategies for managing an increasingly diverse workforce and customer base.
- OLEAD 464: Communication Skills for Leaders in Groups and Organizations (3 credits)
- Theory- and research-based communication skills for leaders dealing with work-related problems in contemporary groups and organizations.
- MGMT 807: Positive Organizational Behavior and Wellbeing (3 credits)
- Exploration of positive organizational behavior and wellbeing concepts for developing the "human sustainability" factor in organizations.
- MGMT 823: Organizational Change: Theory and Practice (3 credits)
- The primary purpose of this course is to provide students with an overview of current theory and practice in organizational change and development.
- MGMT 841: Human Resource Management (3 credits)
- Investigate how managers might identify, engage in, and evaluate effective human resources practices; roles and practices of the HR professional will be examined.
- WFED 582: Assessing Data: Organizational Diagnosis (3 credits)
- This course familiarizes students with approaches to assessing and feeding back data in organization development (OD) and consulting services.
- WFED 585: Appraising Organization Change and Development and Consulting (3 credits)
- Describes approaches to evaluating organization development and consulting services.
- WFED 884: Appreciative Inquiry (3 credits)
- This course provides a foundation in the theories, principles, and techniques of Appreciative Inquiry (AI).
Culminating Experience (3 credits)
- PSY 894: Capstone Experience (3 credits)
- Supervised, professionally oriented student activities that constitute the culminating experience for the program.
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search to start planning ahead.
Advance Your Career
You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.
Career Services to Set You Up for Success
From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.
- Opportunities to connect with employers
- Career counselor/coach support
- Occupation and salary information
- Internships
- Graduate school resources
Costs and Financial Aid
Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.
Graduate Tuition
Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
2025–26 Academic Year Rates
- 11 or fewer credits: $1,037 per credit
- 12 or more credits: $12,448 per semester
2026–27 Academic Year Rates
- 11 or fewer credits: $1,048 per credit
- 12 or more credits: $12,572 per semester
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Federal financial aid may only be used to pay for credits used to satisfy program requirements.
Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
Earn Stackable Credentials on the Way to Your Degree
Earn graduate certificates while you work toward your degree. It’s a great way to quickly gain new skills and add valuable credentials to your résumé — without any additional course work, course fees, or application fees.
Complete All of These Certificates (30 credits)
- Psychology of Leadership Foundations (Graduate Certificate)
- Psychology of Ethical Leadership (Graduate Certificate)
- Psychology of Team Leadership (Graduate Certificate)
Complete the Capstone Course (3 credits)
After the certificate requirements have been met, you just need to complete the 3-credit capstone course to finish the master's.
Expand Your Leadership Skills and Define Your Leadership Style
The online psychology of leadership program can help strengthen your leadership competencies and skills. Course assignments are focused on real-world application, providing you the opportunity to apply new knowledge and skills in your current role.
Leadership Competencies
The leadership competencies emphasized in the program include:
- Agility
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Decision-making
- Execution
- Innovation
- Teamwork
As a graduate, you should also be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the psychology of leadership, explain relevant theories underlying and related to the psychology of leadership, and apply psychological theories to leadership issues and situations.
Who Should Apply?
The MPS in Psychology of Leadership is designed for eager, motivated students working in industries including health care, finance, higher education, social services, military, law enforcement, engineering, and sales and marketing.
This program is not designed to improve such managerial skills as budgeting or business strategy, but rather to help you understand people and social situations in work settings where more effective leadership can make an impact. If you wish to gain skills that can enhance your leadership effectiveness, this program is a good fit for you. The work you put toward this degree can better position you to improve employee relations, inspire employees through your mentorship, and create a positive, productive work environment for your team.
Set Your Own Pace
Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.
How Quickly Can I Earn This Degree?
Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser.
To Finish Your Degree in One to Two Years
- Take 3–4 courses each semester
To Finish Your Degree in Two to Three Years
- Take 2–3 courses each semester
To Finish Your Degree in Three to Four Years
- Take 1 course each semester
Timelines may vary based on course availability.
Convenient Online Format
This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.
A Trusted Leader in Online Education
Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.
Information for Military and Veterans
Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, and application instructions.
How to Apply to Penn State
Deadlines and Important Dates
Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.
- Spring Deadline: Apply by November 30 to start January 12
- Summer Deadline: Apply by April 1 to start May 18
- Fall Deadline: Apply by July 15 to start August 24
Steps to Apply
- Review the admission requirements.
- Gather your required materials.
- Create a Penn State login account.
- Review Stackable Credentials Application Fee Waiver and Transfer Credit Policy
- Read the application instructions.
- Complete the application.
Admissions Help
If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor.
Learn from the Best
Study with highly regarded faculty who are world-renowned researchers and practitioners of leadership who have exhibited leadership as entrepreneurs and in a variety of organizations. This program was developed in collaboration with the Penn State College of the Liberal Arts.
Faculty
- Richard Bakken
- Degree: Ph.D., Leadership Studies, University of San Diego
- Degree: M.A.Ed., University of Phoenix
- Degree: B.A., Wisconsin Lutheran College
- James M. Dobbs
- Degree: Ph.D., Leadership Studies, University of San Diego
- Degree: M.A., Counseling and Leadership, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
- Degree: M.S., Aeronautical Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Degree: B.B.A., Business Management, University of New Mexico
- Keith Gatto
- Degree: Ph.D., Organizational Leadership, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
- Degree: M.Ed., Psychology, Cambridge College
- Degree: B.S., Business Administration and Marketing, Villanova University
- Andrew D. Katayama
- Degree: Ph.D., Educational Psychology, Mississippi State University
- Degree: M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, Freed-Hardeman University
- Degree: B.S.E., Secondary Education and Psychology, Freed-Hardeman University
- George Mastroianni
- Degree: Ph.D., Experimental Psychology, University of New Hampshire
- Degree: M.A., Experimental Psychology, University of New Hampshire
- Degree: M.A., International Relations, San Francisco State University
- Degree: B.S., Psychology, Georgetown University
- Paul Obidinski
- Degree: J.D., University at Buffalo, School of Law
- Degree: B.S., Psychology, Penn State
- Peter Reiley
- Degree: Ph.D., Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Penn State
- Degree: M.A., Organizational Leadership, Chapman University
- Degree: B.B.A., Management, Leadership, & Administration, University of Texas at San Antonio
- Eileen Schiffer
- Degree: Ph.D., Industrial/Organizational Psychology, University of South Florida
- Degree: M.A., Industrial/Organizational Psychology, University of South Florida
- Degree: B.A., Psychology, University of South Florida
Testimonial
I would describe it as a challenging and personally enhancing advanced degree in leadership. Through psychological research and peer collaboration, you are taught how to apply advanced leadership knowledge, styles, and theories to many diverse professions or personal life, allowing you to positively influence those around you to accomplish amazing things.
— Duane N., spring 2019 graduate
Explore Other Academic Programs
- Psychology of Ethical Leadership (Graduate Certificate program)
- Psychology of Leadership Foundations (Graduate Certificate program)
- Psychology of Team Leadership (Graduate Certificate program)