If you’ve ever been in a leadership role, you know it’s not a one-dimensional job. Leadership requires inspiring and motivating people through the good, the bad, and the unexpected. As trust in leadership declines in many workplaces, the ability to lead well is more important than ever.
For those looking to develop their leadership abilities, graduate education options often include two routes: an MBA or a master’s in leadership degree. While they share many similarities, each program takes a unique approach to leadership development. Understanding the differences between these programs can help you determine which path best aligns with your goals and aspirations.
While there’s substantial overlap between a master’s in business administration (MBA) and a master’s in leadership, one key difference is the included coursework and the specific skills they develop. Neither graduate leadership program is better than the other; they typically vary in technical skill and career outcomes.
Compared to a leadership master’s degree, an MBA has a specific technical focus. While not as specialized as a master of science business degree, the benefits of an MBA are a comprehensive business education, complete with business analytics, strategy, accounting, finance, and marketing. An MBA seeks to develop and cultivate the technical skills needed to lead in a business environment.
On the other hand, a master’s degree in leadership seeks first to understand the human condition. It prioritizes human-centered leadership through practical experience. An authentic master’s in leadership equips you with a transformative process of becoming a leader, equipping you with the skills to orchestrate people and organizations for the better.
While an MBA is an ideal degree for any business hopeful, a master’s in leadership may be a better program for those looking to revitalize or transform their identity as a leader. If you want to start your own business or make a change in your current leadership role, a master’s degree in leadership will provide you with the experience to truly make an impact.
Review 6 things to consider when choosing your graduate business degree
While it focuses primarily on developing well-rounded business professionals, an MBA includes significant portions on effective leadership and administration. Common MBA courses feature organizational management and operations management, and most MBA programs also have at least one course dedicated to developing in-demand leadership skills. Earning a Christian-based MBA positions you to learn a holistic approach to business leadership while integrating core components of ethics and virtue.
A master’s degree in leadership isn’t just about people skills, either. A quality leadership degree transforms you from the inside out, increasing your awareness of self, in turn empowering you to lead others better. Successful leaders have a wealth of experience and a well-formed conscience to make decisions under challenging circumstances.
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Leadership is a complex calling. Whether you’re interested in starting your own business, taking the helm of a well-established organization, or want to lead others differently from the mainstream, pursuing a leadership degree can open the door to personal growth and put you in the right mindset to change your career for good.
The UDallas College of Business offers unique graduate leadership programs that teach knowledge of self as the first step in becoming a great leader.
Our AACSB-Accredited MBA redefines business leadership, integrating a rigorous curriculum with skills in marketing, analytics, and accounting—all while equipping leaders with the soft skills needed to keep humanity at the center.
The Master of Leadership at UDallas takes a similar approach while taking the time to dive more deeply into the transformative potential of leadership. Courses include leading in adaptive challenges, critical thinking, ethical leadership, and the historical precedents for making decisions.
As you consider your future, determine your career goals and your personal strengths, and let us guide you through the process of becoming a human-centered leader. To learn more about our graduate programs offered at UDallas, access our MBA and Master of Leadership resources below.