Master of Science in Business Management and Leadership

Format: Online
Application Deadlines
  • Fall 2024 Priority Deadline: April 4th, 2024
  • Fall 2024 Regular Deadline: May 16th, 2024

*The application fee is waived for those applying by the listed priority deadline.


The MS in Business Management and Leadership online degree program inspires working professionals to become innovators, influencers, and decision-makers across all areas of business. With an emphasis on maintaining corporate ethical practices in a global environment, the program examines case studies and organizational models to help students solve timely issues related to diversity, sustainability, and consumer trust. Unlike the MBA, the MS degree provides versatility and flexibility to all students as they learn the core business functions in addition to the emerging industry areas. The program grounds itself in the ability to help students analyze numerical and non-numerical data alike so they can become better at explaining and justifying their decisions.

The MS in Business Management and Leadership program includes core and elective courses such as Finance, Accounting, Economics, Marketing, Organizational Behavior, and Human Resource Management.

Studying closely with an experienced network of supportive faculty, industry experts, and peers from around the country and the world, students in the program enhance their abilities to leverage managerial skills, effectively execute business strategies, and remain competitive. Additionally, students have the opportunity to take advantage of the CUNY School of Professional Studies Entrepreneurship Network, which connects students and their business aspirations to the many activities supported by CUNY.

Career and Academic Prospects

The MS in Business Management and Leadership program is designed as a vehicle for promotion, entry into a new field at the management level, or the groundwork for further study. Students and graduates can pursue careers as a strategy director, payroll manager, public relations director, business resiliency analyst, operations risk manager, data analyst, paid search campaign manager, e-business specialist, and human resources generalist.

Admissions Criteria

Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Applicants are required to write a personal statement, upload a resume, and provide two letters of recommendation which speaks to their academic and professional abilities. Letters of recommendation may be submitted before or after submitting an application. Please note that an individual interview may be necessary.

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.

Transcripts from all institutions attended, both undergraduate and graduate, must be submitted. Work experience relevant to graduate study is strongly preferred.

Applicants not meeting the criteria will be denied admission to the Master of Science in Business Management and Leadership (MSBML) 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 again be reviewed for admission to the MSBML. Upon admission to the MSBML, 2 of the 3 ACM courses will automatically transfer over for credit to the MSBML. 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.

Read more about the Advanced Certificate in Management.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall 2024 Priority Deadline: April 4th, 2024
  • Fall 2024 Regular Deadline: May 16th, 2024
Apply Now

Student/Alumni Profiles

Lynne Alba

MS in Business Management and Leadership; BS in Business 2023 & 2017

"As the director of talent acquisition, one of the most rewarding facets of my role lies in the dynamic intersection of leadership, creativity, and strategic thinking."

Patrycja Golinska

MS in Business Management and Leadership 2020

"CUNY SPS has allowed me to make connections with others that have similar interests and goals as me. The students I met were from all different walks of life, which is what makes CUNY so amazing and diverse."

Kris Senior

MS in Business Management and Leadership 2020

“During my time at CUNY SPS, I worked alongside some of the most incredible minds I have come to know, all with intriguing inner-city constructed backgrounds. Watching these minds grow together with the strength of a community of similar backgrounds was the aspect of attending CUNY SPS that will stay with me for my lifetime."

Rohan Ketwaroo

MS in Business Management and Leadership 2019

"Take advantage of all the webinars and events at CUNY SPS. These are people who will help you to succeed, both in your CUNY SPS tenure and even beyond."

Recent News About Master of Science in Business Management and Leadership

CUNY SPS MS in Business Student Shares Her Story

How to Become a Great Business Leader

March 25, 2024

CUNY SPS Blog

Stephanie Mercurio, a project manager at JetBlue Airways, earned her master's at CUNY SPS as part of an innovative partnership that provides JetBlue employees the opportunity to pursue their master's at the School. Mercurio shares her inspiring story as a recent graduate of the CUNY SPS MS in Business Management and Leadership program.
CUNY SPS Business Program Professor Dr. Foy attending Jet Blue Graduation

CUNY SPS Professor Attends JetBlue Scholars Graduation Ceremony

February 21, 2024

JetBlue Scholars

Dr. Joseph Foy, assistant professor and associate director of the CUNY SPS Online Business Programs, recently attended the JetBlue Scholars Graduation Ceremony in Orlando, FL. The event showcased the ongoing partnership between the School's MS in Business Management and Leadership program and JetBlue. His presence sets the stage for expanding this collaboration to include CUNY SPS undergraduate-level programs in the future.
Alumni Legacy Scholarship Blue and Gold Logo

New Scholarship Created by the Alumni Engagement Council

February 15, 2024

The scholarship will offer financial assistance for graduate students at CUNY SPS who previously earned a bachelor's degree at the School.

CUNY SPS Professor, Dr. Linda Ridley

Management's Legacy of Dehumanization: Tracing Modern Business Practices to Chattel Slavery

February 13, 2024

Diversity Goes to Work Podcast

Dr. Linda Ridley, adjunct assistant professor in the CUNY SPS BS in Business and MS in Business Management and Leadership programs, was interviewed about her doctoral research "Management's Legacy of Dehumanization: Tracing Modern Business Practices to Chattel Slavery" in the Diversity Goes to Work podcast.