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MS in Leadership, Concentration in Liberal Studies


A liberal education... frees a man from the prison-house of his class, race, time, place, background, family and even his nation.

- Robert M. Hutchins

Curiosity has always been one of your best qualities. You're interested in many different subjects. That's why you've decided to find a graduate program that will both provide the skills to enhance your career while learning about the ideas and behaviors of influential historical thinkers, leaders, and movements that shaped the world we live in today. You understand the power of synthesizing insights and lessons from various disciplines to provide an impressive and multi-faceted lens through which to address and solve complex challenges on the job.

The Leader in Leadership Education

The Master of Science in Leadership, concentration in Liberal Studies (MLLS) focuses on the significance of integrity and social responsibility for today's leaders. Students expand their intellectual horizons through exploration of the ideas and behaviors of prominent historical thinkers and global figures. Principal areas of focus include morality, spirituality, ethics, and cultural awareness as they greatly impact, motivate, and influence leaders. Through analysis and comparison to contemporary leaders, movements, and theories, students develop a panoramic perspective of leadership, enabling them to be better leaders in a diverse world.

Through the MLLS program you will

  • Gain goal-oriented teamwork and teambuilding skills
  • Enhance your coaching skills for improving the performance of others
  • Learn how to embrace change in a rapidly-changing organization and external environment
  • Bring more solutions than problems to the forefront to improve efficiency
  • Develop a well-learned perspective of the social, economic and political issues that impact varied organizations
  • Enhance your ability to communicate with all levels of workers in an organization, from the colleague- to management-level
  • Adopt and implement new and creative perspectives on organizational issues
  • Embrace individual responsibility and ethics as keys to your success

Core Focuses of the Liberal Studies Concentration

The Liberal Studies concentration emphasizes integrity and social responsibility, two values which are essential for today's leaders to espouse. In studying leadership from the liberal arts perspective, students will better understand the approaches of our world's greatest thinkers, all the while engaging in self-assessment and leadership development. To prepare for success in modern organizations, MLLS students study a specialized collection of topics including:

  • Humanist Studies
  • Leadership Ethics
  • Social, Political and Economic Issues
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Managing Relationships
  • Workforce Diversity
  • Additional leadership-enhancing courses

A varied approach to leadership training is essential for the success of the modern professional. That's why this liberal studies program is so beneficial. Students gain a well-rounded understanding of the diverse needs of people, the roles that external factors play in leadership effectiveness, and how to effectively communicate on the organizational level. For more information about Duquesne's School of Leadership and Professional Advancement Liberal Studies concentration, please read the brochure below.

Master of Science in Leadership Brochure


Program Structure

As a student you'll have access to learning resources and support services including the Duquesne University Library, online writing center, and contact with faculty and advisors. You'll join a peer-learning network of people from the community and corporate, nonprofit, government and military sectors. As a graduate you'll join a network of more than 86,000 active alumni located around the globe.

The academic year is structured with three semesters per year: a 15-week term in fall and spring and an eight-week term in summer. If you take two courses for the fall, spring and summer semesters, the degree can be completed in two years. Courses are entirely online. Students in the Pittsburgh area can also take courses on campus on alternating Saturdays.

Learning Community

The MLLS emphasizes the importance of integrity and social responsibility in leaders. As you share knowledge with a peer-learning network you'll learn decision making from leadership, ethical and analytical perspectives. This approach to leadership education focuses on the dimensions of human behavior and human nature as illuminated by some of the great thinkers of the past and present.

While cultivating the ability to lead is the focus of the program, you will also develop and refine your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, your skills to motivate and empower others and your ability to communicate effectively and persuasively. At the same time, you will expand your intellectual horizons through the study of how the great thinkers of the past have understood and explained leadership and how contemporary thinkers react to their ideas. Finally, through electives chosen to meet your needs and interests, you will have the opportunity to explore in depth some of the most important forces that shape today's world. The knowledge and skills you master in this program will help you to become a productive and ethical leader. When you complete your degree, you will have developed a vision of leadership, the values to guide your decisions, and the skills and knowledge to translate your vision into reality.