Brown University’s 16-month, online master of science in organizational leadership equips working professionals to confidently lead organizations by managing critical relationships, navigating complex environments and guiding diverse teams to achieve mission essential goals.
Beyond the title, today's leadership is about influence at every level. It’s about managing up, down and across an organization. Brown’s online master’s in organizational leadership degree program prepares you to increase your impact and develop the skills to lead your organization’s future as you support, inspire and elevate those around you.
This program offers the following graduate degree:
- Master of science in organizational leadership (Sc.M.)
Attend an Info Session Speak to an Advisor
Leadership Curriculum & Format
The graduate program’s curriculum blends contemporary theory with practical application, focusing on key areas like leadership psychology, power and politics, group dynamics, ethical leadership, social responsibility, conflict resolution and negotiation, change management and organizational culture. You’ll apply your learning into action through an experiential capstone project focused on addressing real-world leadership challenges.
This fully online program offers the flexibility to study on your schedule with asynchronous coursework, while optional live sessions provide opportunities for deeper engagement. With access to Brown’s distinguished faculty and a global professional network, you’ll develop the skills, insights and connections needed to advance your career — without putting your life on hold.
Leadership Career Paths
Upon completion of the master’s in organizational leadership, graduates are equipped for diverse leadership roles in general management, human resource management and talent development, consulting and executive coaching, change management, and nonprofit, government and education.
Application Information
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and three years of professional employment are required. If you have any questions regarding the application process for this program, please email onlinemasters_admissions@brown.edu.
Spring 2026
Application Opens: June 2, 2025
Early Action Deadline: July 15, 2025
Priority Deadline: September 15, 2025
Final Deadline: October 15, 2025
Semester Starts: January 21, 2026
Fall 2026
Application Opens: September 15, 2025
Early Action Deadline: March 15, 2026
Priority Deadline: May 15, 2026
Final Deadline: June 15, 2026
Semester Starts: September 3, 2026
Application Requirements
GRE Subject:
Not required
GRE General:
Not required
TOEFL/IELTS:
All international applicants whose native language is not English must submit an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score. See here for exceptions.
The TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and the IELTS Indicator exam are accepted. The online Master’s in Management program recommends a minimum score of 577 (pBT) or 90 (iBT). The corresponding minimum IELTS score is 7.
Students from mainland China may submit the TOEFL ITP Plus exam.
Official Transcripts:
Required. All applicants may upload unofficial transcripts for application submission. Official transcripts are ONLY required for enrolling students prior to starting their first semester. An international transcript evaluation (WES, ECE, or SpanTran) is required for degrees from non-U.S. institutions. International transcript evaluations are required for application submission.
Letters of Recommendations:
(3) Required. At least one recommendation letter should be provided from a professional supervisor/manager.
Personal Statement:
In 1500 words or less, describe your motivation for pursuing the online master’s in organizational leadership, articulate your short and long term career goals and how this program will help you achieve them, and discuss how your background has prepared you to pursue an advanced degree. Additionally, share why you feel Brown is the right fit for your goals and what you will contribute to our community of learners.
Resume/CV:
Required. Applicants are required to have at least three years of professional employment. This program is ideally suited for working professionals.
Additional Materials:
$100 Application Fee.
*Apply by the Early Decision Deadline and we’ll waive your $100 application fee.
Additional Requirements:
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
Language Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS if applicable)
Transcript Evaluation (if applicable)
RESTRICTIONS AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
To comply with OFAC restrictions and licensing requirements, Brown University currently does not offer online programs to individuals physically located in the following areas: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. Please note that this limitation is location based, as well as applies to all citizens of these countries, regardless of location, who are ordinarily resident in these countries. View more information pertaining to embargoed country regulations for online courses.
Dates/Deadlines
Early Admission Deadline
Application Deadline
Tuition and Funding
Graduate Tuition & Fees: Please visit Student Financial Services for up-to-date tuition rates.
Most students are self-supported through a combination of scholarships, loans, outside funding, and/or assistantships. Please visit the master's funding website for more information.
The online master in management offers limited merit-based scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition costs. All applicants will be reviewed for eligibility and no additional application is required.
Completion Requirements
The program consists of eight courses or 32 academic credits.
All courses are delivered online, and will have both required asynchronous and optional synchronous components to support student learning.
The program can be completed in as little as 16 months (four consecutive semesters, including summer) on a full-time basis. Full-time status is considered enrollment in two courses per semester. Learn more about the standard course sequence and required courses here.
Leadership
Contact and Location
School of Professional Studies
Mailing Address
Providence, RI 02912
School of Professional Studies