Online Master of Professional Studies in Psychology of Leadership
The MPS in Psychology of Leadership is designed for working professionals seeking advanced education in the cultural and social aspects of leadership. The knowledge and skills you gain from your course work in this program can help you to enhance your career, support organizational objectives, and effectively lead diverse workgroups. The program attracts eager, motivated students working at all levels in industries including health care, finance, higher education, social services, military, law enforcement, engineering, and sales and marketing.
Why a Leadership Degree from Penn State?
The psychology of leadership program, developed in collaboration with the Penn State College of the Liberal Arts, focuses on the relationships between leaders and followers. The program is based on well-supported psychological research and theory that have been shown to increase leadership effectiveness in workgroups and organizations. While based on research, the program emphasizes the application of learned knowledge. In general, course work in the program addresses the way that various aspects and techniques of leadership can enhance the motivation, attitudes, and performance of individual employees and teams in work organizations. Learn from our alumni how they are using their degree since graduating from the program.
In this program, you will have the opportunity to study with highly regarded faculty who are world-renowned researchers and practitioners of leadership. They have exhibited leadership as entrepreneurs and in a variety of organizations, including the military, Fortune 500 companies, education, and more.
Learning Outcomes
Students in this program will conduct organizational assessments of their real-world work environments. They will then take the theories of leadership they are learning and translate them into a working structure they can apply to their own experiences.
Upon completion of the Master of Professional Studies in Psychology of Leadership program, graduates should be able to:
- evaluate leadership challenges to understand leader behaviors and predict their effectiveness
- analyze ethical dilemmas in leadership and understand the importance of ethical decision-making
- assess leadership behaviors and plan steps for improvement
- develop strategies for improving leadership and organizational effectiveness
- demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the psychology of leadership
- explain relevant theories underlying and related to the psychology of leadership
- apply psychological theories to leadership issues and situations
Leadership Competency and Skills
The psychology of leadership program helps students strengthen their leadership competencies and skills. Course assignments are authentic and focused on real-world application, meaning they provide students the opportunity to apply new knowledge and skills in their current role. The leadership competencies emphasized in the program include:
- agility
- communication
- critical thinking
- decision-making
- execution
- innovation
- teamwork
Who Should Apply?
If you work in a leadership position now or if you aspire to move into a leadership role, the MPS in Psychology of Leadership was designed for you. This program is not designed to improve such managerial skills as budgeting or business strategy, but rather to help you understand people and social situations in work settings where more effective leadership can make an impact. If you wish to gain skills that can enhance your leadership effectiveness, this program is a good fit for you. The work you put toward this degree can better position you to improve employee relations, inspire employees through your mentorship, and create a positive, productive work environment for your team. Learn more about leadership.
Information for Military and Veterans
Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, or application instructions.
