Online Master of Science in Management and Leadership
Build Strategic Leaders Equipped to Drive Organizational Change
The Pepperdine Graziadio Business School Online Master of Science in Management and Leadership (MSML) is designed for professionals who want to strengthen their leadership capabilities and make a meaningful impact in any organizational context. Organizations increasingly rely on leaders who can guide teams through complexity, drive meaningful change, and deliver results that are both sustainable and values-driven.
This fully online program combines 30 core units with 2 elective units, allowing students to complete their degree in as few as 16 months or at a more flexible 24-month pace. Through a career-focused curriculum, you’ll develop expertise in leadership, organizational design, team dynamics, and innovation, while applying your learning immediately through practical, real-world projects and interactive digital experiences.
From day one, the program emphasizes applied leadership, ensuring you graduate ready
to drive strategic initiatives, foster collaboration, and lead with purpose, wherever
your career takes you.
Core Curriculum
The Online MSML program consists of 33 total units, combining foundational management and leadership coursework with applied learning experiences.
Program Structure
Core Courses (30 units)
Develop a strong foundation in essential leadership and organizational skills:
- Organizational behavior, leadership, and culture
- Personal and leadership development
- Managerial creativity and innovation
- Talent management
- Leadership and virtual teams
- Organizational dynamics and change management
- Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
- Designing and leading organizations for sustainable effectiveness
- Management and leadership capstone
- Responsible business practice capstone
Elective Courses (2 units)
Choose from options such as:
- Cross-cultural management
- Global Business Intensive
Program Experience
- Live online classes hosted on Zoom
- Cohort-based learning model
- Two in-person Malibu residencies (program launch and conclusion)
- Education to Community (E2C) capstone project for real-world impact
For detailed course descriptions, view the Online MSML Academic Course Catalog.
Take the Next Step
Learn more about how to achieve your career goals with the Pepperdine Graziadio Online MS in Management and Leadership Program.
What Can Students Expect?
Values-Based Leadership
Develop leadership grounded in Pepperdine’s mission, emphasizing purpose, service, and ethical decision-making.
Flexible Online Format
Complete coursework through a blend of live online sessions and asynchronous content, allowing you to balance your studies with professional responsibilities.
Applied Leadership in Action
Engage in the Education to Community (E2C) capstone, providing pro-bono consulting for real organizations, translating theory directly into impactful outcomes.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Work on team projects, case studies, and simulations that mirror current organizational challenges.
Flexible Completion Timeline
Finish your degree in as few as 16 months or pace it over 24 months to align with your schedule.
Professional Network & Cohort Model
Learn alongside a diverse cohort of peers, building strong relationships and cross-cultural understanding through collaborative coursework and shared global experiences.
Balancing Theory and Hands-On Experience
The Online MSML curriculum blends evidence-based leadership theory with practical application:
- Strategic Leadership Foundations: Gain expertise in organizational behavior, innovation, team dynamics, and change management, with a focus on applying leadership principles to real-world challenges.
- Real-World Case Integration: Apply concepts through case studies, simulations, and team projects designed to reflect the complexities of modern workplaces.
- Applied Learning & Capstone: Participate in the E2C capstone project, providing consulting services to non-profits and other organizations to solve strategic problems.
- Immediate Workplace Application: Implement what you learn in your professional role the next day, ensuring tangible impact and skill development.
Learn in a Global Destination
Our Online MSML program includes opportunities to broaden your perspective through immersive international learning experiences.
One of the program’s most popular electives features a week-long Global Business Intensive (GBI), where students travel abroad to engage directly with international businesses, policy leaders, and diverse economic systems. You'll explore how cultural, regulatory, and economic factors shape global markets while building relationships with peers and professionals from around the world.
Whether collaborating with peers on international business challenges or connecting with global executives, these experiences prepare you to lead confidently in any setting.
Frequently Asked Questions