Master of Science in Leadership
Build your leadership competencies and knowledge in the latest theories to be an engaging and trusted leader.
Online master's degree for organizational leadership
Enhance your power skills so you can effectively manage the people, the situations, and the culture in an organization. Learn to utilize evidence-based decision making to lead initiatives, goals, and changes that will keep an organization successful. Gain the knowledge and awareness to apply various leadership practices that will meet the needs of each individual and organization in today's diverse workplace communities.
Our cohorts start in the fall and spring. Applications due December 20 for the January 2024 cohort.
Apply Soon!- Self leadership
- Relational leadership
- Organizational leadership
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The online master's of science in leadership (MSL) empowers you to develop the qualities and traits of a transformative leader. Through online courses, a personalized coaching framework, and access to current industry leaders you will establish a better understanding of the latest leadership theories and practices. Build the power skills, or people skills, to implement your leadership style and mindset to an organization and its employees.
Our Christian-focused curriculum strives to develop ethical and moral leaders that can inspire others to act and do things for the greater good. And with specific courses in self-leadership, relational leadership, and organizational leadership, you will become a more well-rounded and knowledgeable individual and leader.
- 30-credits
- $699/per credit
- Cohort format
- 8-week sessions
- Complete within two years or less
- Shadow a leader in an industry that fits your career goals to assess and learn
- Complete an inquiry-based capstone project where you will select a problem to research and develop solutions through evidence-based decision-making techniques
- Online support from academic advisors
Interested in pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration? Or even a Doctor of Education? Four courses from the MSL can possibly transfer to either of these programs enabling you to complete your master's and doctorate in a shorter period of time.
Recommended for you (based on programs you’ve viewed)
- Online
Graduate Application Steps
- Application (Please Submit the Following):
- Complete the Application form
- One page essay describing your reason for obtaining a graduate degree
- Résumé of your education and employment experience
- Two signed letters of recommendation using the Recommendation Form (recommendation letters on letterhead may also be submitted)
- All official transcripts leading to your bachelor’s degree
Please note:
- Graduate entrance exams such as the GRE are not required.
- If you have completed graduate level classes in the last seven years and wish to have them evaluated for possible transfer, please contact your admissions counselor for more information on transferring graduate credits.
- International students should contact the Office of International Student Services at international.admissions@cuaa.edu for additional application requirements.
- Evaluation
When an applicant’s file is complete, the file is forwarded to the Admission Committee for review. - Admission
If the student is admitted, an acceptance letter will be mailed to the student and the student’s CUAA student ID number. Password information to access my.cuaa.edu will be sent separately from the Information Technology office. Your advisor will be able to give you information regarding completion of the required student orientation before you begin your first class.
Non-Degree Seeking Graduate Students
- Please complete the Non-Degree Application
- Non-degree applicants only need to submit an application to begin admission review; however academic transcripts may be requested to complete our review.
Joey Bialkowski
Associate Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7379

Education
- EDD - Leadership Administration, Concordia University Chicago (2017)
- MBA - Sport Administration, Canisius College (2002)
- BS - Sport Management, Brock University (1999)
Presentations
- Schave, K., Gray, A. & Bialkowski, J., (2023). The Future of the MBA is Flexible. Oral Presentation. 2023 GBC Roundtable Symposium and 2023 PMBA/OMBA Conference. Minneapolis.
Jill Busch
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (414) 322-2343
Bio
I work full-time at Kohl’s corporate office, where I manage a team of instructional designers who create learning for our corporate and store associates. I have been in the corporate Learning & Development field for over 20 years. I’ve been a trainer, an instructional designer, eLearning designer, and manager. I am an adjunct instructor for both the MBA and OLA programs. I have 3 great kids and a husband with whom I love to spend time with.

Education
- MS - Education - Curriculum and Instruction, Concordia University, Mequon (2013)
- BA - Management and Communication, Concordia University, Mequon (2003)
Teaching Interests
- Leadership
- Communication
- Education
Kenneth E. Harris
Ph.D; MBA; BA; BS
Department Chair - Justice and Public Policy
Phone: (262) 243-4365
Bio
Kenneth Harris, Jr., Ph.D. is Department Chair - Justice and Public Policy; Chief Strategist of Talented Strategies; retired Police Lieutenant; President - Launch MKE; President - 100 Black Men of Greater Milwaukee; Board member - Red Cross.

Education
- Ph D - Leadership Studies, Marian University (2009)
- MBA - Finance, Concordia University Wisconsin (2002)
- BA - Criminal Justice Management, Concordia University Wisconsin (2000)
- BS - Mass Communication, Illinois State University (1984)
- Diversity and Inclusion, Cornell University (2019)
Research Interests
- African American Law Enforcement Officers
- Self-Leadership
Teaching Interests
- Criminal Justice
- Leadership
Caroline Harris
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7406
Bio
Caroline Harris is a Graduate Business Program Manager at Concordia University where she serves as academic advisor for graduate business students, conducts market research on current trends within business education, and facilitates the hiring and training of graduate business faculty. Caroline graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Language, Literature, and Writing and earned a Master of Arts degree in Leadership and Liberal Studies.

Education
- MA - Leadership and Liberal Studies, Madonna University (2014)
Georgina R. Lehn
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (636) 475-7555
Bio
As a proud graduate of the Concordia University St. Louis program, I am happy to be a part of the education of other future graduates. I have been an adjunct instructor for over 15 years and enjoy helping students with their educational journey. I live south of St. Louis. My two children live close by with my seven grandchildren. We enjoy family time often. I am an active member in my church and believe God has a plan for all of us.

Education
- MA - Business, Lindenwood (1999)
Teaching Interests
- Business
Glenn A. Matthews
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (414) 617-9464
Bio
Dr. Glenn A. Mathews is currently the Campus Operations Manager for Madison College at the Watertown Campus. He is currently teaching several Leadership courses at Concordia University of Wisconsin. A strong advocate of developing students and staff, he involves his students in a variety of community service, problem solving, and technology-infused activities that provide them with opportunities to use their leadership and management skills.

Education
- Ph D - Higher Education Administration, University of Phoenix (2014)
- MBA - Business Administration, Cardinal Stritch University (1999)
Teaching Interests
- Organizational Leadership
- Management
James Pingel
PhD
Dean - School of Education, Professor
Office: Luther Hall 204A
Phone: (262) 243-4214
Bio
Jim Pingel is the Dean of the School of Education (Mequon, WI & Ann Arbor, MI). His research interests include biographical history, leadership, school culture, and Christian faith reflection and integration.

Education
- Ph D - Educational Leadership, Cardinal Stritch University (2008)
- MA - Early American History, Marquette University (1994)
- MS - Educational Administration, Concordia University Wisconsin (2001)
- BA - Secondary Education, Concordia University Wisconsin (1992)
Contributions
- Pingel, J. (2022). Remember the Ladies. In Guy Burnett (Ed.), (Winter 2022 ed.,pp. 10-11). Washington, D.C. : Madison Notes/James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation .
- Pingel, J. (2022). Innovation in Educatioin. (322 ed.,pp. 1). Saint Louis, MO: Lutheran Life - Concordia Publishing House.
- Pingel, J. (2022). "Forward to "Dispositional Development and Assessment in Teacher Preparation Programs"." In Sara Clemm von Hohenberg (Ed.), Forward. (pp. xiv-xv). Hershey, Pennsylvania: IGI Global: Publisher of Timely Knowledge. https://www.igi-g...
- Pingel, J. (2022). "A" is for Adversity. In Ed Grube (Ed.), (Spring 2022 ed.). River Forest, IL: Shapring the Future - Lutheran Educator Association . https://leaconnec...
- Alles, B., Pingel, J., Paape, A. & Juergensen, J., (2021). Grapes, Giants, and God: Mentoring First-Year Teachers with the Joshua-Caleb Project. (Spring 2021 ed.). St. Louis, MO: Lutheran Education Association.
Presentations
- Pingel, J. (2023). The Future That Has Come: Embracing the Latest Trends, Temptations, and Truths of Christian Education Today. Oral Presentation. Professional Church Worker Conference. Grand Rapids, MI.
- Pingel, J. (2023). Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Ten Top Tips, Concepts, and Research Insights for Your Personal and Professional Vocations. Oral Presentation. Professional Church Workers Conference. Grand Rapids, MI.
- Pingel, J. (2023). Leaders GRIT: Enduring Essentials for the Church Worker. Oral Presentation. LCMS North Wisconsin District (NWD) Teachers' Professional Development Day. Bonduel, WI.
- Pingel, J. (2023). The Future That Has Come: Embracing the Trends and Truth of Lutheran Education Today. Keynote/Plenary Address. LCMS North Wisconsin District (NWD) Teachers' Professional Development Day. Bonduel, WI.
- Pingel, J. (2023). You Can't Give What You Don't Have: Research-based Tips for Your Health and Wellness. Oral Presentation. LCMS North Wisconsin District (NWD) Teachers' Professional Development Day. Bonduel, WI.
Research Interests
- Biographical History
- Christian Servant Leadership
Teaching Interests
- Advanced Leadership Theory and Practice
- Professional Ethics
Dr. Elisabeth Bennett, MSL Director, and the graduate admission counselor provide an overview of this online leadership program that is suitable for individuals in any industry. Discover how you can enhance your leadership abilities and creditibility.