Master of Science in Business Management and Leadership

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Application Deadlines

Spring 2027 Priority Deadline: November 5, 2026
Spring 2027 Regular Deadline: December 3, 2026

Why earn your Master of Science (MS) degree in Business Management and Leadership online at CUNY SPS?

The MS in Business Management and Leadership at CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) prepares working professionals to become strong managers, strategic thinkers, and organizational leaders across a wide range of industries. This flexible graduate degree provides a broad foundation in core business functions while helping students build the leadership, communication, analytical, and decision-making skills needed to manage teams, solve business challenges, and advance in their careers.

About This Program

Format: Online and Asynchronous
Credits: 30 total
Time to Completion: As little as 3 semesters, depending on course load and prerequisites completed
Start Terms: Fall, Spring
Tuition: Part-time students - NYS residents: $470 per credit

Why This Program

Designed for working professionals seeking to advance into management or leadership roles
Build practical skills across core business areas with an emphasis on maintaining ethical practices in a global environment
Learn to analyze data, solve business problems, and explain decisions with confidence
Hands-on, practical curriculum that blends business theory with experiential learning activities and real-world applications
Fully online format offers flexibility to balance work, school, and life
No GMAT or GRE required for admission
Strong mix of academic and business industry practitioner faculty
Save money with low-cost textbook options
Connect with CUNY SPS faculty, peers, alumni, and professional development resources

Who Is This Program For

This program is ideal for working professionals who want to move into leadership, strengthen their business knowledge, change fields, or prepare for advancement in management-level roles. It is also a strong fit for students who want a versatile graduate business degree that builds leadership skills across industries rather than focusing on one narrow business specialty.

Skills You'll Gain

Effectively lead teams and manage organizational change
Apply business strategy to real-world challenges
Develop competencies in strategic decision-making, change management, data-driven problem solving, and ethical leadership
Analyze numerical and non-numerical data to support decision-making
Communicate business recommendations clearly and persuasively
Navigate ethical, global, and organizational issues in business
Strengthen negotiation, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills

Sample Career Outcomes

Strategy Director
Business Manager
Operations Manager
Human Resources Generalist
Data Analyst
Marketing Manager
Business Resiliency Analyst
Operations Risk Manager
Public Relations Director
E-Business Specialist
Entrepreneur or Business Owner

Program FAQ and Admissions Information

What are the admission requirements for the MS in Business Management and Leadership program?

To apply for the online MS in Business Management and Leadership program, applicants must:

Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Submit a personal statement describing professional goals and interest in business management and leadership.
Provide a résumé or CV highlighting relevant experience.
Include a letter of recommendation that speaks to academic and professional abilities.
Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended, both undergraduate and graduate.
Participate in an interview, if requested.

Work experience relevant to graduate study is strongly preferred. Students may also need to complete up to four prerequisite courses in financial accounting, statistics, micro- or macroeconomics, and spreadsheets, depending on their academic background.

Applicants not meeting the MS in Business Management and Leadership (MSBML) admissions criteria will be denied admission to the Master of Science in Business Management and Leadership but may be offered admission to the Advanced Certificate in Management (ACM)-MSBML Bridge Program. This option consists of 3 graduate-level CUNY SPS Online Business Programs courses taught by professors in the Master's program and culminates in receiving the ACM. Upon successful completion of all 3 ACM courses with a grade of "B" or better in each course, students will be offered admission to the MSBML. Upon admission to the MSBML, 2 of the 3 ACM courses will automatically transfer over for credit to the MSBML. MSBML students may need to take up to four (4) prerequisite courses as noted above. Students enrolled in the Advanced Certificate in Management do not qualify for financial aid. To be considered for the ACM-MSBML Bridge Program, you must first apply to the MSBML program.

What are the MS in Business Management and Leadership application deadlines at CUNY SPS and how do I apply for the program?: Apply now and view application deadlines here.

What are some of the courses in the program?: Courses include Organizational Behavior and Leadership, Accounting for Business Decisions, Strategic Marketing and Socially Responsible Practices, Leadership Development, Knowledge and Information Systems, Corporate and International Finance, Economics for Business Decisions, and Global Strategic Management. You can view the full course catalog here.

How is this MS degree different from an MBA?: Unlike an MBA, the MS in Business Management and Leadership provides a flexible and versatile graduate business education focused on leadership, management, decision-making, and key business disciplines. The program is designed for professionals who want to strengthen their ability to lead teams, understand organizational challenges, use data to make informed decisions, and apply business knowledge across industries.

Do I need to take the GMAT or GRE?: No. The GMAT and GRE are not required for admission to the MS in Business Management and Leadership program.

Will I need to complete prerequisite courses?: Students may need to take up to four (4) prerequisite courses in order to be ready for graduate level work. These are undergraduate courses in financial accounting, statistics, micro- or macroeconomics, and spreadsheets. Courses that fulfill the prerequisites must have been completed with an earned grade of C or better. Some of the core courses are without prerequisites and can be taken as early as the first semester in parallel with these undergraduate courses if required.

Can this degree help me move into a management or leadership role?: Yes. The program is designed to support promotion, career advancement, entry into a new field at the management level, or preparation for further study.

What types of industries do graduates work in?: Graduates can apply their business and leadership skills across a wide range of fields, including management, finance, consulting, marketing, accounting, human resources, operations, communications, and entrepreneurship.

Will I gain practical business skills?: Yes. The curriculum focuses on real-world business challenges, case studies, organizational models, decision-making, ethical practice, data analysis, and leadership skills that can be applied directly in professional settings.

General FAQ

Is this program fully online?: Yes. The program is delivered 100 percent online.

Are courses asynchronous and what does that mean?: There are no required live class sessions. Students complete coursework online on a set schedule with flexibility around timing.

Is this program designed for working professionals?: Yes. The fully online format and focused certificate structure are designed for individuals balancing school with work and other responsibilities.

How do I request information about the program or contact admissions?

You can request program information here or reach out to Admissions

Text: (646) 517-7876
Email: admissions@sps.cuny.edu
Phone: (646) 664-8544

When can I start?: You can start during the Fall or Spring term.

How long does it take to earn my online degree?: Most students complete the degree in approximately 2 years, depending on course load.

Is financial aid available?: Graduate financial aid options may be available to eligible students. Learn more here.

Are there scholarships that I can apply for?: Learn more about CUNY SPS scholarships, CUNY-wide scholarships, external scholarship opportunities, scholarships and grants for veterans, and general scholarship information here.

What support services are available for students?: Students have access to academic advising, career services, professional development resources, counseling, disability services, veteran services, writing support, tutoring, library resources, and a range of student support services.