› Global Leadership

Degree Overview and Curriculum

The Master of Science in Global Leadership program is an interdisciplinary degree that examines the challenges of leadership, ethics and business in the fast-paced international marketplace. Since its establishment in 1999, the MSGL program has graduated more than 500 leaders from all walks of life, including government, military and business professionals. Developed to meet the needs of working professionals, the MS in Global Leadership program offers a high level of flexibility, most notably in the integration of online and traditional classroom learning.

The MS in Global Leadership degree program is comprised of a 16-month, 31-unit curriculum that focuses on developing leadership skills tailored to global business. The program emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity in the political and economic arenas and includes a two-course Certificate in Project Management. Graduates of the MS in Global Leadership program are equipped with the technical business and leadership skills, and the fundamentals of applied ethics required for success in today’s evolving global marketplace.

Distinguishing Features of the MSGL Program

• Cohort-based program builds lifelong relationships
• Small class size ensures personal attention
• Accelerated program completed in only 16 months
• Weekend class sessions and significant online content allow for flexibility in completing coursework

Requirements for the MSGL Degree

The MSGL program allows participants the opportunity to work toward their degrees without interruption to their full-time career responsibilities. The 31-unit curriculum is designed to offer the greatest possible flexibility through logical sequencing of specific courses.

Upon entering the program, participants begin with a month of online work in preparation for an intensive one-week session at the University of San Diego campus. During the next several months, participants regularly complete online assignments and resident students attend monthly Friday and Saturday classroom sessions to continue collaborative learning within their cohort. Participants then gather for one final week at the University of San Diego, culminating in a capstone exercise and graduation from the program.

Students residing outside the San Diego area who are unable to attend monthly weekend class sessions may complete all course work between the first and last weeks via distance learning means.

Educational Objectives

A comprehensive understanding of fundamental business themes including global business practices, foreign trade, and governmental policies related to conducting business in the private and public sectors throughout the world.
Development of conceptual understanding and practical skills necessary for successful leadership within a wide variety of organizations, to include studying group dynamics, negotiations in a multi-cultural environment, team building, project management, business analysis, and effective oral and written communication for a business environment.
Exposure to cultural perspectives on ethics and leadership processes necessary to guide organizations in dealing with periods of high tempo operations in the international arena.
Development of an enthusiasm for life-long learning by fostering cohort bonding and group exercises that focus on interpersonal learning skills.

MSGL Graduate Qualities

Increased understanding of the foundation of leadership theory and its application in global business
Broadened understanding of the basis of ethical thought and ability to apply theory to resolve ethical dilemmas
Improved competency in the fundamental processes of managing people and business in a global context, including managing cross-cultural differences
Ability to apply the fundamentals of project management and project leadership in international business
Expanded skills in written and oral communication, including the use of online tools and technology to collaborate and achieve goals in a virtual team