Application deadline
Credits and costs
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.
Courses
The 33-credit curriculum will help you develop your awareness of the ethical issues that can arise when leading others, and increase your knowledge about more specialized applications of leadership research and theory in such domains as multinational organizations, creative and innovative teams, and decision-making teams.
Required Courses (9 credits)
Psychology Elective Courses (select 15 credits)
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Non-Psychology Elective Courses (select 6 credits)
Students have opportunities to take selected courses in one or more of these areas: Communications (COMM), Fundraising Leadership (L A), Health Policy and Administration (H P A), Human Resources and Employee Relations (HRER), Labor and Human Relations (LHR), Management (MGMT), Organizational Leadership (OLEAD), and Workforce Education (WF ED). Permission from the respective program may be required.
Only selected courses from the above-listed areas can be taken by Psychology of Leadership students. The list of approved courses is available from the PSYLD program director, Barbara Watters ([email protected]), or by visiting the program's website for the most current offerings.
Culminating Experience (3 credits)
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.
Costs and Financial Aid
Graduate Tuition
Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $1,007 per credit |
| 12 or more | $12,082 per semester |
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
How to Apply
Deadlines and Important Dates
Your degree application, including receipt of all transcripts, should be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.
Admissions Help
If you have questions about the admissions process, contact our admissions counselors.
Admission Requirements
For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.
What You Need
Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:
Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State, but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.
GPA and Work Experience — Students who do not have a GPA of 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the quality of their overall application. Applicants who are still completing their baccalaureate requirements at the time of application may be admitted to the Graduate School conditional on the awarding of the baccalaureate degree. Students are also expected to have a minimum of two years of full-time paid work experience prior to admission.
No GRE or GMAT scores are required.
References (3) — you will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of three references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete. Your recommenders must have direct knowledge of, and be able to provide examples of, your academic and/or professional skills. Recommendations from family members (spouses, significant others, children, grandparents, etc.) will not be accepted.
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
Program-Specific Questions/Materials
Vita or Résumé — Upload your résumé to the online application.
Statement of Purpose — a 2–3 page essay articulating career and educational goals that demonstrate the student’s written communication skills
Start Your Application
You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.
Begin the graduate school application
- Choose Enrollment Type: "Degree Admission"
- Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.
Technical Requirements
Review the general technical requirements for this program.
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Advance Your Career
Advance Your Career
You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.
Contact Us
To learn more about the Master of Professional Studies in Psychology of Leadership, offered in partnership with the Penn State College of the Liberal Arts, please contact:
Barbara Watters
Program Director
631 Moore Building
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802-2905
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (814) 863-6148
Faculty
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Barbara L. Watters
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DegreePh.D., Psychology, University of Massachusetts at Amherst
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DegreeM.S., Educational Psychology, Cornell University
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DegreeB.A., Psychology, Penn State
Dr. Barbara L. Watters is a professor of practice and the MPS program director. She has more than 15 years of university teaching experience in industrial/organizational psychology, leadership, social psychology, and research methods. She also has 13 years of business experience, working at a Fortune 500 company at its headquarters. Dr. Watters held positions in internal consulting and organizational effectiveness and has taught leaders and employees how to analyze business problems to improve their customer service, eliminate waste, create new products and services, and develop their skills.
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Richard Bakken
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DegreePh.D., Leadership Studies, University of San Diego
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DegreeM.A.Ed., University of Phoenix
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DegreeB.A., Wisconsin Lutheran College
Dr. Richard Bakken is an experienced educator and serves as assistant chief information officer in R&DE at Stanford University. His leadership research is focused on higher education administration in a global setting and student affairs, exploring the impact of native students attending western universities in Doha, Qatar. His research interests include applied leadership informing administrators how students describe their learning experiences in Western university environments and ways that technology can impact those processes.
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James M. Dobbs
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DegreePh.D., Leadership Studies, University of San Diego
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DegreeM.A., Counseling and Leadership, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
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DegreeM.S., Aeronautical Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
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DegreeB.B.A., Business Management, University of New Mexico
Dr. James M. Dobbs is an instructor of organizational management, psychology, and leadership. He has been a behavioral change agent for approximately 15 years, coaching and mentoring high-potential leaders who are thriving and successful, as well as those who are struggling and derailing. His research and writing involve leadership development and self-awareness, toxic leadership, cynicism, and assessment of leadership programs. He understands that the pace of change facing organizations requires multiple approaches to leadership development and requires more adaptive, flexible leadership.
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Keith Gatto
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DegreePh.D., Organizational Leadership, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
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DegreeM.Ed., Psychology, Cambridge College
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DegreeB.S., Business Administration and Marketing, Villanova University
Dr. Keith Gatto has more than 25 years of experience in both industry and academics and has taught professionals domestically and internationally. His research and teaching focus is on the intersection of innovation, leadership, and positive psychology. He works extensively with Silicon Valley industry leaders on the development of positive employee mindsets that impact the culture and productivity of organizations. Before working in academics, Dr. Gatto worked in various organizations, including Vanguard, CIGNA, and MFS Investment Management.
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Andrew D. Katayama
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DegreePh.D., Educational Psychology, Mississippi State University
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DegreeM.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, Freed-Hardeman University
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DegreeB.S.E., Secondary Education and Psychology, Freed-Hardeman University
Dr. Andrew D. Katayama’s research and teaching foci have been in the areas of learning and cognition. He has taught courses in behavioral and cognitive psychology, educational psychology, research methods and statistics, and marriage and family. Dr. Katayama’s publications have been in the areas of learning strategies, team efficacy, assistive technology in special education, and sports psychology, among other areas of scholarship.
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George Mastroianni
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DegreePh.D., Experimental Psychology, University of New Hampshire
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DegreeM.A., Experimental Psychology, University of New Hampshire
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DegreeM.A., International Relations, San Francisco State University
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DegreeB.S., Psychology, Georgetown University
Dr. George Mastroianni teaches courses in the psychology of leadership. Having served in the U.S. Army as a research psychologist, Dr. Mastroianni has considerable experience conducting applied psychological research to solve problems, evaluate new equipment, and measure and improve human performance. He has also published extensively on obedience, ethics, and leadership. His current research and scholarship focus on the psychology of the Holocaust.
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Paul Obidinski
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DegreeJ.D., University at Buffalo, School of Law
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DegreeB.S., Psychology, Penn State
Professor Obidinski teaches several courses, including Ethics and Leadership and the Psychology of Leading Work Groups and Teams. Over the course of his career, he has served as an attorney in private practice and has held executive leadership roles in ethics, compliance, and human resources at several Fortune 100 companies. He works closely with professional athletes on career management initiatives and with small businesses on employee and business development projects.
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Peter Reiley
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DegreePh.D., Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Penn State
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DegreeM.A., Organizational Leadership, Chapman University
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DegreeB.B.A., Management, Leadership, & Administration, University of Texas at San Antonio
Dr. Peter Reiley has taught university-level courses in leadership, psychology, and management for more than a decade. He has more than 20 years of leadership experience ranging from leading a national nonprofit to service in the United States Air Force as a program manager for the multibillion-dollar U.S. space launch program, leading blended teams of military personnel, government civilians, and contractors from Fortune 500 companies. He is an international scholar with more than 50 publications and presentations on leadership, power, influence, and military veteran transition, and he has consulted for organizations across the government and private sectors.
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Eileen Schiffer
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DegreePh.D., Industrial/Organizational Psychology, University of South Florida
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DegreeM.A., Industrial/Organizational Psychology, University of South Florida
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DegreeB.A., Psychology, University of South Florida
Dr. Eileen Schiffer is an industrial organizational psychologist who has had a wide range of opportunities to support students and clients in their pursuits of their professional goals. Those experiences have included individual counseling, comprehensive project management, program development and evaluation, and training and support of others who shared a commitment to facilitating academic and professional growth of students and clients. Dr. Schiffer is an advocate and driver for high-quality online adult education.
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Jill K. Wheeler
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DegreePh.D., Industrial-Organizational Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park
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DegreeM.A., Industrial-Organizational Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park
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DegreeB.A., Psychology (Honors), Wayne State University
Dr. Jill K. Wheeler is an instructor in the MPS in Psychology of Leadership program. In addition to teaching, she is a consultant with expertise in developing practical business solutions to help organizations succeed by selecting, developing, engaging, and retaining outstanding talent. She possesses a broad experience base, having worked for 20 years in Fortune 500 and privately held companies in a variety of industries. Dr. Wheeler has also authored or delivered more than 20 publications and presentations on topics including employee selection, job satisfaction, performance management, and leadership.
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