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Forward-thinking leadership for real-world challenges
Today’s industries need forward-thinking, adaptable leaders equipped with the skills necessary to navigate complex and evolving landscapes.
The Brandeis Online master's degree in Applied Leadership prepares professionals to foster innovation and lead effectively in an era of rapid technological transformation. Small classes ensure you get personalized attention from instructors who are working professionals and experienced leaders.
Through this program, you will:
- Develop high-level leadership competencies, including strategic decision-making, ethical leadership, and change management
- Gain applied learning experiences that allow you to tackle real-world leadership challenges
- Integrate leadership principles with technical and industry-specific expertise
- Lead with confidence across diverse fields such as technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services
- Personalize your education to your career goals, with a variety of industry tracks available

Courses and Requirements
Part-time | Fully online | Financially accessible
The Master of Science in Applied Leadership is a flexible, capstone-focused professional degree designed for individuals seeking to develop advanced leadership skills tailored to their specific industry and career goals. This innovative program offers a variety of concentrations, integrating two 12-credit master's certificates with two leadership-focused courses to deliver a personalized, industry-relevant educational experience.
Fast-track: Earn your MS in Applied Leadership in just 15 months
With our new fast-track degree pathway, you can continue to work full time without stalling your career and complete your degree in 15 months.
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Applicants without the appropriate background for the two master's certificate programs of their choosing may be required to complete a foundational course or provide proof of relevant experience.
For individuals with fewer than three years of leadership (managerial leadership or traditional leadership) experience, the AI-Driven Leadership Master’s Certificate will be one of the required master certificates. This certificate is ideal for professionals looking to step into leadership roles by mastering AI-driven strategies, ethical decision-making, and innovation in business.
Students customize their learning concentration within Applied Leadership Master's Degree by selecting two master’s certificates from a diverse range of offerings, in addition to the 2 required leadership courses. These certificates provide specialized knowledge and skills that align with the student’s professional aspirations and industry requirements, such as:
1. Life Sciences and Healthcare Technology
Focus: The intersection of informatics, biotechnology, data science, and healthcare to drive innovation in medical and pharmaceutical fields.
- Cheminformatics Master's Certificate
- Drug Discovery Informatics Master's Certificate
- Genomics Master's Certificate
- Healthcare Analytics Master's Certificate
- Biotechnology Leadership and Entrepreneurship Master's Certificate
- Sustainable Biotechnology Manufacturing and Compliance Master's Certificate
- Advanced Therapeutics and Immunology Master's Certificate
2. Business, Marketing, and Data Strategy
Focus: Leveraging digital tools, data analytics, and marketing strategies to enhance business growth and customer engagement.
- Content Marketing Master's Certificate
- Digital Marketing Master's Certificate
- Marketing Analytics Master's Certificate
3. Project Management and Organizational Leadership
Focus: Developing skills in project execution, process improvement, and team leadership using traditional and agile methodologies.
- Agile Project Management Master's Certificate
- Project Management Master's Certificate
4. User-Experience and Digital Accessibility
Focus: Enhancing user experience through research, design, and accessibility best practices to ensure inclusive digital interactions.
- Digital Accessibility Master's Certificate
- UX Research Master's Certificate
For individuals with fewer than three years of leadership (managerial leadership or traditional leadership) experience, the AI-Driven Leadership Master’s Certificate will be one of the required master certificates.
After completing the two certificates, students advance their leadership expertise through two 3-credit applied leadership courses:
- RALD 180 — Leadership in Industry
- RALD 190 — Industry Leadership Capstone
These courses equip graduates with practical leadership skills, interdisciplinary expertise, and the confidence to drive impact in their chosen field, preparing them to excel in dynamic and complex professional environments.
Meeting tomorrow’s leadership challenges
Leadership Expertise for Every Industry
In today's fast-paced and interconnected global economy, organizations require leaders who can navigate complexity, drive innovation, and foster resilience within their teams. The workforce of tomorrow demands professionals equipped with the skills to lead across disciplines, adapt to rapid technological advancements, and implement strategic solutions in response to industry shifts.
Whether you're looking to advance in your current field or transition to a new industry, the MS in Applied Leadership provides the strategic vision and practical leadership skills needed to succeed. The program's unique integration of industry-specific knowledge with leadership best practices ensures graduates can effectively:
- Lead strategic initiatives and change management efforts
- Build and nurture high-performing teams
- Drive innovation and digital transformation
- Develop and implement sustainable business practices
- Navigate complex regulatory and competitive environments
- Create value through cross-functional collaboration
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- Adobe
- Apple
- Astrazeneca
- Biogen
- Boston Children's Hospital
- CVS Health
- Pfizer
- Raytheon
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
- Smithsonian Institution
- Wayfair
Not sure if you want to pursue a full master's degree? Because our Applied Leadership MS program is so customizable, with learning concentrations based on selected certificates, students can choose to pursue a singular certificate, multiple certificates, or pursue the full Applied Leadership MS.
CHECK OUT OUR FULL LIST OF CERTIFICATE OFFERINGS
The faculty and advisory council members for the M.S. in Applied Leadership program are leaders and innovators in their field. They solve technical, creative and strategic marketing challenges every day. You benefit from their experience as well as their connections that can help you meet your career goals.
MEET OUR FACULTY AND ADVISORY COUNCIL