Leadership, MA Frequently Asked Questions

The MA in Leadership program is 18 months long and consists of 8 courses (modules) taken sequentially (one course at a time).

Cohorts meet on campus at Saint Mary’s College all day (9am – 5pm) on Saturday and Sunday at the beginning and end of each course module (referred to as “Executive Weekends”), as well as two hours per week (on average) for online synchronous course meetings; the remainder of the time is spent learning asynchronously via a web-based learning management system.  The program concludes with a multi-day Residential Executive Weekend.

A sample cohort calendar provides the program flow.

Cohorts start each year in September.

To earn the Master of Arts in Leadership degree, learners must successfully complete all 8 courses (36 semester units) and a Learning Portfolio. The Leadership Learning Portfolio is comprised of:

• A Leadership Learning Development Plan
• 7 Reflection Papers
• A Case Study Report
• A Graduate Self-Assessment

The 2024-25 tuition cost of the 36 semester unit program is $38,160.  In addition to tuition, the following fees and costs apply:

• Course materials fee: $170 (approximately, for entire program)
• Tuition deposit: $250 (non-refundable, credited toward tuition)
• Cost of books per course: approximately $75-$150

Yes. Student loans, the most common form of financial aid for adult learners, are available regardless of income and in most cases will cover the full cost of the program. For more information about the types of financial aid available, take a look at our Financial Aid page or contact the College’s Financial Aid Office at (925) 631-4370.

Additionally, scholarships are available for both entering and continuing learners in the MA in Leadership program. For more information about how to apply for a scholarship, contact an Admissions Counselor at (925) 631-4199.

We consider applicants based on the quality of their composite applications. Successful applicants will have:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; and
• At least 3 years of work experience (paid or unpaid)

No, we don’t require any assessments such as the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) for admission to our program.

We accept applications on a rolling basis, so it is never too early to apply. Application deadlines can be found on our Admissions & Aid page.

Applications for admission are submitted online. The complete application consists of the following items:

• Online application
• Resume
• Personal Statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts showing your conferred undergraduate degree

Application instructions can be found on our Admissions & Aid page.

Once we receive your complete application, including official transcripts and letters of recommendation, you will be contacted to schedule an admissions interview with a member of our program faculty. We will contact you within one to two weeks after your admissions interview regarding an admissions decision and next steps.