Master of Business Administration – Leadership
Strengthen your influence. Build the communication, conflict management, and team leadership skills needed to guide others with confidence and empathy.
Program Overview
Turn new insights into workplace impact with the online MBA in Leadership
Prepare to elevate workplace performance and support organizational change with the online Master of Business Administration – Leadership from Northern Kentucky University. This concentration connects management practices with concepts in finance, analytics, strategy, ethics, and decision-making to develop your broader business judgment.
Through real-world case studies and applied projects grounded in self-awareness, this concentration helps you cultivate emotional intelligence, trust-building, coaching, negotiation, and conflict-resolution capabilities. The curriculum prepares you to motivate diverse teams, address workplace challenges, and foster innovation in complex, fast-changing environments. You’ll graduate ready to improve company performance and approach management with adaptability and strategic perspective.
As a graduate of this online MBA degree, you will be able to:
- Apply emotional intelligence to lead individuals and teams effectively
- Build trust, coach others, and motivate strong performance
- Navigate conflict and negotiation in professional settings
- Lead diverse and innovative teams
- Adapt leadership approaches to shifting organizational conditions
- Communicate with executive presence and influence
- Apply emotional intelligence to lead individuals and teams effectively
- Build trust, coach others, and motivate strong performance
- Navigate conflict and negotiation in professional settings
- Lead diverse and innovative teams
- Adapt leadership approaches to shifting organizational conditions
- Communicate with executive presence and influence
As a graduate of this online MBA degree, you will be prepared for higher-level roles in business, such as:
- Operations Manager
- General Manager
- Organizational Development Specialist
- Training and Development Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- Program Manager
- Nonprofit Manager
- Change Management Specialist
- Operations Manager
- General Manager
- Organizational Development Specialist
- Training and Development Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- Program Manager
- Nonprofit Manager
- Change Management Specialist
Northern Kentucky University offers a variety of online Master of Business Administration concentrations. View our online business programs.
Tuition
Explore your pay-by-the-course tuition options
The MBA – Leadership online program offers the same affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. Financial aid may be available to eligible students.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Total Program with Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MBA – Leadership | $546 | $18,546 |
Tuition and fees subject to change at any time.
Tuition Breakdown:
A Top Public School
Recognized among the "Top Public Schools" by U.S. News & World Report, 2025
A Best Value College
Ranked among the “Best Value Colleges in America” by Niche.com, 2026
Calendar
Review important dates and deadlines for this online program
The MBA – Leadership online program is flexible and efficient for busy schedules, with accelerated courses that start multiple times a year. View the calendar to find the best start date for you, and be sure to submit your application, registration, documents and tuition by the corresponding deadlines.
| Session | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Due |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2 | 10/21/26 | 10/8/26 | 10/13/26 | 10/16/26 | 10/21/26 |
| Spring 1 | 1/11/27 | 1/2/27 | 1/5/27 | 1/8/27 | 1/11/27 |
| Spring 2 | 3/15/27 | 3/3/27 | 3/8/27 | 3/12/27 | 3/15/27 |
| Summer 1 | 5/10/27 | 4/28/27 | 5/3/27 | 5/7/27 | 5/10/27 |
| Summer 2 | 6/28/27 | 6/16/27 | 6/21/27 | 6/25/27 | 6/28/27 |
Now enrolling:
Admissions
Get started with the streamlined admission process for the MBA leadership online
The admission process is the first step toward earning your MBA – Leadership degree online.
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts of all coursework from accredited institutions
- Current resume
- 2.5 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale
A portfolio approach is used in evaluating prospective students for acceptance into the MBA program. Factors considered for admission include:
- Complete online application and pay $40 non-refundable application fee
- If you are an NKU alum or active/veteran military member, your application fee will be waived
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) coursework from accredited institutions with a minimum undergraduate overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.5.
- Applicants with an undergraduate overall GPA under 3.0 must have three years of professional work experience
- Direct admit pathway available for applicants with minimum undergraduate overall GPA of 2.75 who submit application, fee, resume, and transcript
- Current resume
Official documents may be mailed or emailed to:
NKU Office of Graduate Education
467 Math, Education, Psychology Building
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Have a question? Call us at 800-985-7215.
Courses
Browse the MBA leadership online degree courses
For the MBA – Leadership online program, students must complete 33 credit hours including 24 credit hours of core courses.
Students must take the following courses:
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