Program Overview

Organizational Leadership (Online)

Brown University’s 16-month, online master of science in organizational leadership equips working professionals to confidently lead organizations by managing critical relationships, navigating complex environments and guiding diverse teams to achieve mission essential goals.

Program Overview

Beyond the title, today's leadership is about influence at every level. It’s about managing up, down and across an organization. Brown’s online master’s in organizational leadership degree program prepares you to increase your impact and develop the skills to lead your organization’s future as you support, inspire and elevate those around you.

Degree Offered

• Master of science in organizational leadership (Sc.M.)

Leadership Curriculum & Format

The graduate program’s curriculum blends contemporary theory with practical application, focusing on key areas like leadership psychology, power and politics, group dynamics, ethical leadership, social responsibility, conflict resolution and negotiation, change management and organizational culture. You’ll apply your learning into action through an experiential capstone project focused on addressing real-world leadership challenges.

Leadership Career Paths

Upon completion of the master’s in organizational leadership, graduates are equipped for diverse leadership roles in general management, human resource management and talent development, consulting and executive coaching, change management, and nonprofit, government and education.

Application Information

Upcoming Application Deadlines

• Fall 2026:
  • Early Action Deadline: March 15, 2026
  • Priority Deadline: May 15, 2026
  • Final Deadline: June 15, 2026
  • Semester Starts: September 3, 2026
• Spring 2027:
  • Early Action Deadline: July 15, 2026
  • Priority Deadline: September 15, 2026
  • Final Deadline: October 15, 2026

Application Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and three years of professional employment are required.
• GRE Subject: Not required
• GRE General: Not required
• TOEFL/IELTS: All international applicants whose native language is not English must submit an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score.
• Official Transcripts: Required. All applicants may upload unofficial transcripts for application submission. Official transcripts are ONLY required for enrolling students prior to starting their first semester. An international transcript evaluation (WES, ECE, or SpanTran) is required for degrees from non-U.S. institutions.
• Letters of Recommendations: (3) Required. At least one recommendation letter should be provided from a professional supervisor/manager.
• Personal Statement: In 1500 words or less, describe your motivation for pursuing the online master’s in organizational leadership, articulate your short and long term career goals and how this program will help you achieve them, and discuss how your background has prepared you to pursue an advanced degree. Additionally, share why you feel Brown is the right fit for your goals and what you will contribute to our community of learners.
• Resume/CV: Required. Applicants are required to have at least three years of professional employment. This program is ideally suited for working professionals.
• Additional Materials: $100 Application Fee.

Tuition and Funding

Graduate Tuition & Fees: Please visit Student Financial Services for up-to-date tuition rates. Most students are self-supported through a combination of scholarships, loans, outside funding, and/or assistantships. Please visit the master's funding website for more information. The online master in management offers limited merit-based scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition costs. All applicants will be reviewed for eligibility and no additional application is required.

Completion Requirements

The program consists of eight courses or 32 academic credits. All courses are delivered online, and will have both required asynchronous and optional synchronous components to support student learning. The program can be completed in as little as 16 months (four consecutive semesters, including summer) on a full-time basis. Full-time status is considered enrollment in two courses per semester.

Leadership

Academic Director: Edward Barrows

Contact and Location

School of Professional Studies Mailing Address: 225 Dyer Street, 5th Floor, Providence, RI 02912