M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership
The M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership at OCU is a 36-credit-hour program that can be complet...
Masters of Business Administration - Leadership
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
INTAKE: Jan, May & Aug
Program Overview
The MBA with a Leadership concentration at OCU is an accelerated 30-credit-hour program, distinguishing itself as one of the fastest routes to an accredited graduate business degree. It offers significant flexibility, including a 100% online format, making it highly accessible for working professionals. The program is designed to provide students with scientifically tested leadership best practices, an opportunity for deep self-assessment of their leadership philosophy (often utilizing tools like the CDR Assessment Group program), and a strong foundation in core business strategies, data analysis, management techniques, and organizational behavior.
AACSB Accredited: A hallmark of excellence for Oklahoma City University's Meinders School of Business, which houses the MBA program, is its prestigious AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation. This highly regarded accreditation is achieved by less than 5% of business schools worldwide and signifies that the program adheres to the highest global standards for curriculum quality, faculty expertise, student learning outcomes, and a commitment to continuous improvement. AACSB accreditation assures students and employers of the rigorous and relevant education received, enhancing the value of the degree in the job market.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MBA with a Leadership concentration is a well-rounded blend of core business knowledge and specialized leadership development. Core MBA courses typically include "Effective Leadership & Communication" (focusing on self-awareness, negotiation, collaboration, and relationship building), "Accounting for Business Decision Making," "Business Strategy for Creating Value," "Data Analysis for Business Decisions," "Managing at the Crossroads: The Global Economic Environment," "Strategic Marketing Decisions for Creating Value," and "Financial Strategy and Decision Making." The leadership concentration further enhances skills in "Strategic Leadership of the Organization," delving into organizational behavior theory and practice at individual, group, and intergroup levels. The program emphasizes critical thinking and practical problem-solving skills, often through real-world experiences and collaborative projects.
Research Focus: Oklahoma City University's Meinders School of Business has an applied research focus that directly informs its MBA in Leadership program. While not a pure research university in the sense of extensive theoretical contributions, the faculty members, who often bring significant industry and professional experience, integrate current research on leadership best practices, organizational behavior, and strategic management into the curriculum. The program aims to equip students with the ability to critically analyze and apply scientifically tested leadership models and data-driven insights to real-world business challenges. The Ronnie K. Irani Center for Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence also suggests an emphasis on how data can inform strategic and leadership decisions.
Industry Engagement: Oklahoma City University places a strong emphasis on industry engagement within its MBA programs, particularly for leadership development. The Meinders School of Business actively connects students with industry leaders through various initiatives, such as the "Executives-in-Residence" program. This program brings top executives to campus to interact with students and faculty, offering invaluable mentoring, one-on-one conversations, and potential career connections. Faculty members often have extensive industry experience, ensuring that the curriculum is relevant and infused with current business challenges and best practices. The university's partnership with the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder for the "Thunder Leadership MBA" further exemplifies its commitment to providing unique experiential learning and networking opportunities with high-level leadership.
Global Perspective: The MBA with a Leadership concentration at Oklahoma City University integrates a global perspective by acknowledging the interconnectedness of the modern business environment. Core MBA courses such as "Managing at the Crossroads: The Global Economic Environment" provide students with an understanding of economic principles at a global level and the challenges and opportunities of operating in a globalized marketplace. The curriculum emphasizes developing leaders who are prepared to navigate diverse cultural contexts and lead teams in an increasingly international business landscape, fostering an awareness of global market dynamics and ethical responsibilities that extend beyond national borders.
Location
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 14190
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 83 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Oklahoma City University (OCU) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to attract and support talented international students. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and reward academic excellence, leadership, and artistic achievement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: OCU provides merit-based scholarships to international students who demonstrate outstanding academic records, leadership potential, and community involvement. These scholarships are automatically considered during the admission process, and amounts vary based on academic achievement and program of study.
Performance and Talent Scholarships: Students applying to OCU’s renowned performing arts programs, including music, dance, and theater, may be eligible for performance-based scholarships. These awards recognize exceptional artistic ability and provide financial support to help students pursue their creative passions at a professional level.
Transfer Student Scholarships: International students transferring from other accredited institutions may qualify for transfer scholarships. These awards acknowledge previous academic success and help make the transition to OCU more affordable.
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships: Graduate students, especially those in business, law, and healthcare fields, can access scholarships and assistantships that offer tuition remission and stipends in exchange for teaching or research support. These opportunities provide valuable experience and financial relief.
Oklahoma City University's MBA with a Leadership concentration is designed to cultivate the strategic decision-making and ethical leadership qualities essential for navigating today's complex business world. Housed within the AACSB-accredited Meinders School of Business, this program offers a robust curriculum that blends core business principles with a deep dive into leadership philosophy and best practices, often including personalized coaching. Graduates are well-prepared to step into influential roles across diverse industries, driving organizational success through effective leadership.
General Manager / Operations Manager: These roles involve overseeing the day-to-day operations of a business unit or entire organization, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and profitability. An MBA in Leadership provides the strategic thinking and team management skills necessary to optimize processes and lead diverse teams.
Director of [Department/Division]: Graduates are well-suited to lead specific departments such as Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, or Sales. Their MBA provides a holistic business understanding, while the leadership concentration equips them to motivate teams, set strategic objectives, and drive departmental success.
Management Consultant: Many MBA graduates with a leadership focus pursue careers in consulting, advising various organizations on strategic planning, organizational development, change management, and operational improvements. Their ability to analyze complex problems and lead solution implementation is highly valued.
Project Manager (Senior/Program Manager): Leads complex projects or a portfolio of projects, requiring strong leadership to coordinate cross-functional teams, manage stakeholders, mitigate risks, and ensure successful project delivery. The MBA provides the business context, and the leadership focus hones the essential interpersonal and strategic skills.
Chief of Staff: This role often acts as a right-hand to a senior executive (e.g., CEO, President). It involves managing special projects, facilitating communication, optimizing executive workflow, and providing strategic support, demanding exceptional leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Human Resources Manager / Director: While often requiring an HR background, an MBA in Leadership can elevate professionals into strategic HR roles, focusing on talent management, organizational culture, leadership development, and aligning HR initiatives with overall business strategy.
Business Development Manager / Director: Responsible for identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, fostering strategic partnerships, and driving revenue growth. This role requires strong leadership to build and manage relationships, negotiate deals, and execute growth strategies.
Nonprofit Executive Director / Senior Leader: Applies business principles and leadership skills to manage and grow nonprofit organizations. This involves strategic planning, fundraising, program development, community engagement, and leading staff and volunteers toward a common mission.
Entrepreneur / Business Owner: For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, an MBA in Leadership provides the foundational business knowledge, strategic foresight, and leadership capabilities needed to successfully launch, manage, and grow their own ventures.
Organizational Development Manager: Focuses on improving organizational effectiveness through strategic planning, change management, talent development, and fostering a positive workplace culture. This role directly leverages the leadership concentration's emphasis on organizational behavior and strategic leadership.
