Cultivating Leaders: Immaculata University’s Master of Science in Strategic Leadership

Leadership has been a fundamental aspect of human existence throughout history. Wherever people come together, power dynamics naturally emerge, with individuals seeking to influence one another. From ancient civilizations to the modern world, leadership has been a cornerstone of human development. Today, in an age of rapid change and globalization, leaders must be prepared to adapt, innovate and inspire across diverse environments. At Immaculata University (IU), the Master of Science in Strategic Leadership (MSL) offers a timeless foundation, equipping students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the present and the future.

According to James Siburt, Ph.D., director of the MSL program, “The MSL combines research and analysis with practical problem-solving. It attracts individuals from diverse fields—nursing, law enforcement, pre-law, education, government, finance, marketing, film and sports—each offering unique leadership challenges that enrich the learning experience.”

The fully online MSL program provides flexibility and convenience, with virtual two-hour weekly synchronous sessions. It focuses on cultivating tomorrow’s leaders through an interdisciplinary approach that blends social sciences, anthropology, history and the humanities. This dynamic equips students with the tools to understand themselves and others, navigate change, resolve conflict and lead with confidence.

The MSL explores groundbreaking concepts like artificial intelligence and digital citizenship, while offering fresh perspectives on leadership. It delves into the dynamics of power and influence, strategy, communication, semiotic analysis, sustainability and the role of leaders as storytellers, providing a thought-provoking look at these non-traditional leadership dimensions. These concepts are integrated throughout the program, reflecting Immaculata’s values and setting it apart from similar offerings at other universities.

The program’s distinctive design also provides students with flexible learning tools. Students in the Foundations in Leadership course, have the unique opportunity to select their own textbooks (within guidelines or from a curated list) to explore leadership themes, and students in the Leading Digital Citizens course choose books to address technological challenges faced by leaders. In Organizational Ethics, students collaborate on presentations, contributing to co-teaching sessions. This approach creates an unparalleled learning experience that caters to unique needs and interests.

Chris Seifert, director of student engagement and leadership development at Bucks County Community College and an IU graduate student enrolled in the MSL program, sought a graduate program that offered flexibility, future career growth and opportunities across various fields. He also wanted an affordable option that would deepen his understanding of what it means to be a successful leader while building on the solid foundation he already had.

“I was simply hoping to advance my skills and learn about leadership and how I can become a better leader and better instruct others on the subject as well. I think so differently about leadership now, which after 15 years learning about it and teaching it has been so exciting and motivating. The breadth of knowledge that we receive from the variety of topics and classes is just staggering,” he said.

Immaculata’s Master of Science in Strategic Leadership program aims to help students better understand themselves and others within the context of dynamic social relationships, enhancing intellectual, relational and professional growth. “Understanding the culture of the people I’m leading, how to be more strategic in solving problems, exploring my own biases and the impact they have on my interactions and decisions, how to implement change and bring people on board…there are countless lessons that not only make me a better leader, but a better human being!” continued Seifert.

Claire Yarrison ’05, associate executive director at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, returned to IU for the MSL program after earning her bachelor’s degree at Immaculata. She chose the program based on the exceptional education she knew she would receive.

“I have discovered that I am a different leader than I thought and that I am continuously evolving. The power of a leader comes from those who follow them. In that way, the leader actually serves the followers. This dynamic lends itself well to the current climate in many organizations where employees choose to walk away from authoritarian leadership and find leaders who they can best align themselves with,” Yarrison said.

For Yarrison, the MSL aligns with her career goals by helping her transition from tactical to more strategic responsibilities. The program’s broader understanding of leadership provides her with the confidence to navigate this shift.

For prospective graduate students considering Immaculata’s Master of Science in Strategic Leadership and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs, it is important to consider what each offers and a person’s specific educational and professional goals. The MBA is building off an undergraduate level business, marketing or financial foundation, honing skills to lead the financial and operational aspects of organizations. In contrast, the MSL program is open to professionals from all fields, offering a dynamic, interdisciplinary approach to leadership. It’s built to develop leaders who are not only adept at navigating change and resolving conflict but also empowered to inspire and lead with impact, creating positive transformations in their organizations and communities.

The 30-credit MSL program is available for $500 per credit ($15,000 total) and can be completed in approximately two years. For those uncertain about committing to a full master’s degree, IU also offers a 12-credit, four-course graduate certificate in strategic leadership for $6,000. This certificate can be completed entirely online in seven-week sessions and provides valuable professional development. Additionally, the credits earned can be applied toward the MSL should students decide to pursue the full master’s degree.

Visit the Master of Science in Strategic Leadership page for more information.