Master of Science in Management, Strategy & Leadership – Strategic Management

Overview

Organizations across the globe – of all sizes and in all industries – will always have a need for high-level decision makers who specialize in strategy development and implementation. The online Master of Science in Management, Strategy & Leadership concentration in Strategic Management from Michigan State University can help students develop these skills to boost their career progression and understanding of strategic management.

What is Strategic Management?

Strategic Management focuses on the long-term objectives of a business and how to achieve them. This involves identifying needs and formulating action plans, implementing procedures and protocols to overcome challenges and managing the performance and effectiveness of the strategy to meet goals. This also requires responding to changes and disruptions to strategies effectively and making agile decisions that won’t negatively impact daily operations.

The Master of Science in Management, Strategy & Leadership concentration in Strategic Management from MSU addresses the need for highly trained professionals in this field by offering a specialized curriculum to help you create innovative solutions for overseeing an organization’s competitive strategy.

The Broad College of Business has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) since 1953.

Program Formatting

The Master of Science in Management, Strategy & Leadership concentration in Strategic Management program can be completed through a combination of video-based lectures, interactive online classroom sessions and one-on-one instructor time.

Structured in an accelerated time frame of sequential, five-week course modules, the program can be completed in under two years, helping you earn your graduate degree and apply new knowledge in your career that much faster.

• 100% online
• 15 five-week courses
• 30 credits
• 20-month completion time for most students

Access to a laptop or desktop computer with an internet connection is necessary to complete your MSU Online program. Learn more about specific hardware and system requirements.

What You Can Learn

The online Master of Science in Management, Strategy & Leadership features 10 core courses that explore topics in business strategy, leadership, negotiations and conflict resolution, international management, ethics and more.

In addition, students opting for a concentration in Strategic Management must complete the following four electives (each carrying 2 credit hours) as well as an elective of their choice from the Human Resources Management concentration:

• MGT 828 – Strategic Control
  Learn to design strategic management control systems and use managerial accounting data to support strategy implementation and performance monitoring.

• MGT 843 – Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  Develop the knowledge and capabilities to lead product development and manage successful new business ventures.

• MGT 856 – Corporate Strategy
  Discover the management strategy behind multi-business firms, conglomerates and business groups. Topics will focus on mergers and acquisitions, firm scope, strategic alliances, corporate governance and leadership.

• MGT 873 – Strategic Decision Making
  Understand the process of strategic decision making by identifying issues that impede and improve success and examining a range of contextual factors that influence the decision process.

The full program curriculum covers a range of additional topics essential for success in today’s business world, including strategic planning, competitive analysis, global strategy and change management.

What to Expect from the Online Learning Experience at MSU

When you enroll in an online course at MSU, you can expect to receive a high-quality education that is convenient and flexible. You’ll be able to access your courses 24/7 from any computer with an internet connection, and you can complete your assignments on your own schedule. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with your professors and fellow students through online discussion boards and meetings. And because MSU is a world-renowned university, you can be confident that you’re receiving a quality education. So, if you’re looking for an online learning experience that is both challenging and rewarding, MSU may be the right choice for you.

Who You’ll Learn From

The program is led by the top management researchers from the AACSB-accredited Broad College of Business, one of the largest top-ranked business schools in the country.

Our faculty members are dedicated to challenging students to develop forward-thinking solutions to some of the most important issues impacting organizations today and anticipating the challenges ahead.

Top 25 Best Online Master’s in Business Programs

U.S. News & World Report Rankings, 2017-2024

Top 5 for Specialties:

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International Business – #2

Best Online Master’s in Business Program Specialties, U.S. News & World Report Rankings, 2024

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Who You’ll Learn With

A diverse, passionate, team-oriented network of leaders like yourself who are looking to maximize their potential in managing effective teams, leading their organizations and advancing their careers.

Who Should Consider Enrolling

The Master of Science in Management, Strategy & Leadership concentration in Strategic Management is catered toward:

• Managers who seek to work effectively with corporate decision makers.
• Individuals who lead or are looking to lead an organization.
• Those tasked with strategy development and/or strategy implementation as a high-level executive.
• Members of a dedicated business or corporate strategy department.
• Entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their own company.

Admission Requirements

Applying to MSU degree programs and enrolling in professional certificate programs is straightforward. Contact a student success representative and get started on the application or enrollment process for admissions. They are available to assist you Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. EST.

Toll Free: 855-300-1310

International: +1 813-612-4295

Please note, while the application deadline has been extended, if your application is submitted after April 5, 2024 we cannot guarantee consideration for the Summer semester.

Time Commitment and Cost

Time Spent Learning Weekly

MSU’s Master of Science in Management, Strategy & Leadership concentration in Strategic Management program is completely online and designed for students to earn at their own pace. Therefore, there is no set time commitment each week. However, students should expect to spend a few hours on coursework, including readings, discussions and assignments.

Cost Per Credit Hour

Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,130

Total Credits Needed: 30

* Tuition is determined by the university and does not include books or other fees that may apply. These rates are subject to change at any time during the program or enrollment process.

Career Opportunities

Projected Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment for management occupations is projected to increase 8 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the median rate for most other occupations.

For more information on other management occupations, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/home.htm

Potential Outcomes

Graduates of the MSL Strategic Management concentration may qualify for a wide range of positions, including:*

• Product manager
• Program manager
• Controller
• Director of product management
• Marketing product manager
• Director of payment innovation
• Director of software engineering
• Finance manager
• Digital product manager
• Marketing manager

* Source: EMSI/Burning Glass Job Postings – Occupations: Mgmt. Occupations (11-0000); Education: Master’s; Skills: Strategic Mgmt., Innovation, Corporate Strategy, Strategic Decision Making; Timeframe: Apr ‘21 – Mar ‘22

FAQ Section

What can I do with a concentration in strategic management?

A concentration in Strategic Management can help you prepare to meet the needs of organizations for effective analysis and executive leadership. You will study how to develop and implement strategic plans, build and motivate teams and effectively manage change. In addition, you can gain the skills to lead organizations through times of transition and disruption while adapting strategies to meet goals and objectives.

What kind of degree will I receive?

Upon completion of your online MSU program, you will receive a master’s degree in Management, Strategy & Leadership with a concentration in Strategic Management. This advanced credential can show employers that you have earned the specialized training for leadership careers.

What management and leadership skills are helpful for succeeding in strategic management?

Being successful in strategic management requires a combination of skills. Decision-making, attention to detail, organizational, and communication skills are all assets when pursuing the strategic management field. These skills, both individually and applied together, help professionals meet the requirements of their position and empower them to remain a critical part of their organization’s overall strategy and objectives.

What is the relationship between strategic management and leadership?

Strategic managers are responsible for guiding their organization to attain long-term goals. They apply their analytical skills to understand industries and devise strategies. They possess interpersonal and communication skills to lead organizational change. Strategic managers look for ways to align people, structure, and systems to carry out improvements in business and corporate strategy.

Is Michigan State University’s degree in Management, Strategy & Leadership affordable?

Michigan State University’s online degree program does offer financial assistance opportunities, making it a competitive option for those who are interested in pursuing a career in the fields of business management.

Disclaimer: National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth. Information provided is not intended to represent a complete list of hiring companies or job titles, and certificate or degree program options do not guarantee career or salary outcomes. Students should conduct independent research for specific employment information