A leadership development degree (MBA) can prepare you for a variety of management careers. The curriculum for this degree is designed to help you develop decision-making skills conflict and management skills, and of course, leadership skills. Common career paths include:
- Project Management
- Human Resources Management
- Financial Management
- Non-Profit Management
- Management Consulting
Project managers are responsible for assembling and managing teams assigned to a specific project. They also plan and organize projects.
Human resource managers manage employee pay and benefits, development and training, hiring, and employee relations.
Financial managers handle accounting, financial analysis, investment portfolios, and financial reports. They are also responsible for financial legislation and regulation, and cash management of companies.
Non-profit managers manage the operations and development of non-profit organizations. They might work for an environmental agency, human rights organizations, health care facilities, and many others.
Management consultants help companies by providing advice and expertise aimed at improving business performance, maximizing growth, and creating value. They work for human resource departments, information technology firms, marketing firms, supply-chain firms, and many others.
In addition to a variety of job options, leadership development graduates can look forward to job growth and stability. Depending on the position, job growth is expected to average from 8-20 percent between now and 2018. Entry-level leadership development professionals earn around $50,000-$60,000 per year. MBA holders with experience can expect to earn from $92,390-$128,330+ per year.
An MBA with a focus in leadership development is the way to go if you want to work at a top firm. Although it is not required for entry into the field, many employers prefer an MBA. Nearly 30 percent of all professionals in this field hold an MBA, while nearly 40 percent hold a bachelor’s degree. Bachelor’s degree holders usually start out it entry-level or assistant positions.
Earning Your Leadership Development Degree
To earn an MBA with a focus in leadership development, you will have to enroll in a program at an accredited college or university. The following accrediting agencies are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education:
- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- The Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
- The Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)
The following recognized agencies offer regional accreditation:
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
To find the best programs, try searching though college directories such as Petersons.com, Princetonreview.com or U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges.
