Leadership MBA

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Drexel University

Program Overview

Drexel University's Leadership MBA is designed for professionals who want to develop the skills and confidence to lead teams, manage organisational challenges, and guide business strategy. The programme combines core business subjects with specialised leadership electives, covering areas such as team management, negotiation, innovation, business ethics, sustainability, and decision-making in changing business environments.

Curriculum Structure

The programme includes ten core MBA courses, three leadership major electives, an experiential learning course, and free electives. Students can choose from 12-, 15-, 18-, or 24-month study plans, depending on their preferred pace of study.

Year 1: Students build a foundation in business management, financial reporting, business analytics, leadership, marketing, operations, and strategic decision-making. Core courses include Essentials of Financial Reporting, Business Analytics for Managers, Leading in Dynamic Environments: A Personal, Relational, and Strategic Approach, Analyzing Legal Options in Decision-Making, Corporate Financial Management, Marketing Strategy and Planning, Operations and Supply Chain Management, and Managerial Economics.

Year 2: Students complete advanced management requirements and select three leadership electives to strengthen their leadership capabilities. Options include Artificial Intelligence in Strategic Decision Making, Leading the Digital Supply Chain, Business Ethics, Sustainability and Value Creation, Leading for Innovation, Leading Virtual Teams, and Negotiations for Leaders. Students also complete Strategic Management, free electives, and an experiential requirement such as a graduate internship, business consulting, international business seminar and residency, change management experiential capstone, or MBA capstone.

The year-by-year structure is illustrative and based on the catalogue's 18-month study plan; the actual course sequence varies according to the selected study plan.

Focus Areas

Leadership Development, Team Management, Organisational Behaviour, Strategic Decision-Making, Negotiation, Business Ethics, Innovation Management, Change Leadership, Virtual Team Management, Digital Supply Chain Leadership, Sustainability and Value Creation, Business Analytics, Financial Management, Marketing Strategy, Operations Management.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates are prepared to lead teams, manage organisational challenges, and contribute to strategic business decisions. They develop the ability to evaluate business situations, communicate effectively, negotiate with stakeholders, manage virtual and diverse teams, and guide organisational change. The programme also strengthens their understanding of business ethics, innovation, sustainability, financial management, and the use of technology in leadership and decision-making.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MBA is offered through Bennett S. LeBow College of Business, which holds AACSB International accreditation. In July 2025, LeBow announced that its AACSB accreditation had been extended for another six years. This accreditation recognises the quality and continuous improvement of the college's business education programmes.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Drexel LeBow reports that 93% of its master's and MBA graduates were employed 9–12 months after graduation, based on its Class of 2025 outcomes. The college also reports an average salary of $96,235 for master's and MBA graduates working full-time. These figures represent the broader LeBow graduate population and are not specific to the Leadership MBA.

Potential Career Opportunities: Business Manager, Leadership and Development Manager, Operations Manager, Organisational Development Manager, Change Management Consultant, Team Leader, Human Resources Manager, Strategy Manager, Project Manager, Business Consultant, Management Consultant, Corporate Training Manager.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Drexel University, the MBA Leadership program is designed to immerse students in real-world experiences that cultivate essential leadership skills. Through a blend of classroom learning and hands-on opportunities, students engage with industry leaders, participate in collaborative projects, and utilize state-of-the-art facilities. The program emphasizes experiential learning, ensuring that you not only understand theoretical concepts but also apply them in practical settings.

Here are some key components of the experiential learning opportunities available in the MBA Leadership program:

- Drexel's LeBow College of Business: Offers access to cutting-edge resources and facilities, including the Business Analytics Lab, where students can work with advanced data analysis tools.
- Group Projects: Collaborate with peers on team-based projects that simulate real business challenges, fostering teamwork and leadership skills.
- Internships: The program encourages internships with leading companies, providing invaluable work experience and networking opportunities.
- Field Trips: Engage in site visits to local businesses and organizations, allowing you to see leadership in action and learn from successful professionals.
- Leadership Development Workshops: Participate in workshops focused on enhancing your leadership style and skills, often led by industry experts.
- Research Opportunities: Access to dedicated research labs and resources, enabling you to explore topics of interest and contribute to ongoing projects.
- Drexel Libraries: Utilize extensive library resources, including databases and journals, to support your research and coursework.
- Institute for Strategic Leadership: Engage with this institute to deepen your understanding of leadership strategies and practices through seminars and events.

These experiential learning opportunities are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in leadership roles across various industries.

Choosing the MBA Leadership program at Drexel means you’re not just learning about leadership; you’re living it. I encourage you to apply and take the next step in your professional journey!

Progression & Future Opportunities

Drexel University's MBA in Leadership program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in various leadership roles across industries. Alumni often find themselves in positions such as Operations Manager, Project Director, and Business Development Executive, where they can drive organizational success and innovation. The program not only prepares you for immediate career advancement but also opens doors to long-term professional growth.

Here’s how Drexel supports your journey toward success:

- Career Services: The Steinbright Career Development Center offers personalized career counseling, resume workshops, and interview preparation to help you secure internships and job placements.
- Employment Statistics: Graduates of the MBA program report a high employment rate, with many securing positions within three months of graduation. The average starting salary for MBA graduates from Drexel is competitive, often exceeding $80,000 annually.
- University–Industry Partnerships: Drexel has established strong connections with leading companies such as Comcast, SAP, and Johnson & Johnson, providing students with networking opportunities and real-world project experiences.
- Accreditation: The MBA program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), ensuring that your degree holds significant value in the job market.
- Graduation Outcomes: Many graduates advance to senior leadership roles within five years, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in fostering long-term career success.

Further Academic Progression: After completing your MBA in Leadership, you may choose to pursue a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) or a Ph.D. in Management. These advanced degrees can further enhance your expertise and open up opportunities in academia, research, or high-level consultancy roles. Additionally, you could explore specialized certifications in areas like project management or organizational leadership to complement your MBA and broaden your career prospects.

Drexel University is committed to your success, and the MBA in Leadership program is a fantastic step toward achieving your professional goals.