Master's in Global Leadership Frequently Asked Questions

We begin two cohorts each year. One starts in January and the other in August. The program starts with several weeks of online study, followed by one week on our San Diego campus in late January or September, respectively.

Absolutely. The master's in global leadership program is a "hybrid" degree that combines traditional classroom instruction with online learning. If you are unable to attend the monthly weekend class sessions, you can still participate online as a distance learner. As a distantance learner, you will still be required to attend classes on campus one week at the beginning and one week at the end of the program.

The MS in Global Leadership program grants you a great amount of flexibility so that you can continue your studies as a distance learner as long as you have access to high speed internet and can complete your team and individual assignments. Regardless of where you live, you'll be required to attend two one-week sessions on campus.

As an MSGL student, you'll get to take advantage of an imbedded international experience during the first resident week of the program: a two-night, all-expenses paid trip to Ensenada, Mexico, and surrounding areas, where you will interact with local business leaders and educators. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our focus on global business. We are now offering optional international experiences in five vastly different countries across three continents: Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

You are welcome to apply, depending on your visa type. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept students with the F-1 visa, since a significant portion of our course content is online and classes meet only once a month. International students must be in the U.S. on a work or other type of visa. Additionally, students with an undergraduate degree from a foreign institution must submit a full academic transcript evaluation from the World Education Services.

Although it's not required, we recommend that you have a newer laptop computer that can run bandwidth-intensive applications such as streaming video. Much of your coursework will be online even if you are a resident learner. Most of our current students do own newer laptops and find them helpful when collaborating with team members. You will also need uninterrupted access to high speed internet for the duration of the program. We are a PC-based program, so you will need appropriate software if you are a Mac user.

Due to the amount of work required and the need for you to collaborate with others and use high speed internet access throughout the program, we believe it would be difficult to continue working in the MS in Global Leadership program while operationally deployed with limited connectivity. If you must take time off from your studies for any reason, you can pick up where you leave off and finish the program with another cohort without losing credit for work completed and at no extra cost to you as long as the program is completed within 6 years.

Students with an exceptionally high undergraduate GPA may be eligible for a merit-based scholarship of up to $1,000 per term while in the program.

The University of San Diego is also a Yellow Ribbon school, meaning that we will match money provided by the VA to give our military veterans additional tuition assistance.

Yes. You can find out more about federal student aid at the FAFSA website.

Absolutely. Study abroad options are available to you in countries such as Argentina, Germany, Japan, Spain, South Korea and China. Generally, study abroad programs are 8-12 days in duration and additional travel costs will apply. See our Global Opportunities page for pictures and more.

The following items are required for consideration by the Office of Graduate Admissions:

Online MSGL Application

Personal essay and objectives statement
Two letters of recommendation (one from current supervisor)
Professional resume/CV
Undergraduate transcripts (including all transfer credits)
Undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better from an accredited institution (4.0 scale)
Minimum of two years work experience
GMAT test scores are not required for applicants with sufficient work experience and undergraduate GPA, but may be requested from those who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission.

The selection committee reviews every application and considers the merits of the entire package, not just one part. Therefore, depending on the strength of the other parts of your application, you may be eligible for the MSGL program even if you have less than the required 3.0 GPA.

No. The MS in global leadership admissions board considers the strength of your complete application but does not require a GMAT or GRE score for applicants with sufficient work experience. If you have already taken either test, you can always include your score in the application. Some applicants have been asked to take the GMAT due to their undergraduate GPA.