Executive Director | House of Hope
As the executive director of a nonprofit organization that provides faith connections and mental health services, Mount Mercy University was an obvious choice for Amy Guardado to pursue a graduate degree.
What can you do with a master’s degree in strategic leadership?
Earning your Master of Strategic Leadership is a pivotal step toward increasing your lifelong earning potential and advancing in leadership roles.
Explore organizational and executive leadership, improve your communication, and learn how to foster collaborative environments—even in virtual settings. Gain the skills you need to be a force of change inside any organization.
Cecilia Bwanakweri ’23, ’24 MSL
Education Program Coordinator | Catherine McAuley Center
For Cecilia Bwanakweri ’23, ’24 MSL, MMU Plus provided excellent leadership skills, self-development, and self-discovery.
Stacie Osako '24 MSL
Chief Experience Officer | Informatics, Inc.
Stacie Osako ’24 MSL applies what she learns in her courses to her leadership role at Informatics, Inc.
Darius Nupolu '20 MSL
Master of Strategic Leadership
Darius Nupolu ’20 MSL uses his passion, agricultural experience, and land provided by Feed Iowa First to grow African crops, making them more accessible to the Cedar Rapids community.
Stefanie Munsterman '14 MBA, '17 MSL
Executive Director | Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission
For Stefanie Munsterman ’14 MBA, ’17 MSL, education was her path out of poverty. Furthering her education at Mount Mercy University made her non-profit career goals achievable.
Elizabeth Buch '20, '21 MSL
Master of Strategic Leadership
Elizabeth Buch ’20, ’21 MSL has been advocating for marginalized communities long before it became her career.
Nick Peitz ’08, ’22 MSL
Psychology, Master of Strategic Leadership
For Nick Peitz—a parent with a full-time career with the Iowa Department of Corrections—the Master of Strategic Leadership program presented a realistic opportunity to learn practical leadership he can apply in his career.
Crystal Loftsgard '16 MSL
Human Resources Business Partner | Collins Aerospace
Crystal Loftsgard ’16 MSL returned to Mount Mercy to pursue the Leading People and Organizations Certificate. Her certificate helped her build practical skills she can apply in her career.
Earn your master’s in strategic leadership degree on your schedule
Enjoy the flexibility to earn your master’s degree in strategic leadership with a format that helps you balance work, school, and all your other responsibilities.
- Choose from flexible start dates
- Take one course at a time
- Enjoy manageable 5- and 10-week blocks
- Meet on-campus or online (live & on-demand) once each week
It's a lot with working full-time, having a family, and being involved in the community. The thing that I liked most about the program is how they work with your life.
What can you do in our Master of Strategic Leadership program?
Thrive in an environment driven by collaboration. Gain the knowledge needed to lead anywhere in a dynamic and evolving work climate. Benefit from a program where big ideas are born.
Crystal Loftsgard '16 MSL (1:23)
By advancing her education as a first generation college graduate, Crystal says she's proved she can do anything she sets her mind to.
MBA & MSL Programs (0:30)
Change the way the world does business with Mount Mercy University’s MBA and MSL programs.
MSL—Being a Leader (0:43)
Mark Latta ’08, ’10 MBA, ’19 MSL talks about how to be a leader, not just a boss.
Convenience & Tuition Reimbursement (0:11)
Erin McNamara-Ankney ’15, ’18, ’20 MSL chose Mount Mercy after seeing other MMU alumni excel.
Going Back to College (0:13)
What most excited Dave Koch '20 MSL about going back to college is the energy from his classmates and instructors.
Work-Life-School Balance (0:52)
Quenna Keating ’19, ’21 MSL speaks to how the MSL program allowed her to maintain her work-life balance.
Aligning Her Education with Her Goals (0:31)
Quenna Keating '19, '21 MSL talks about her career goals, and how her MSL helped her accomplish those goals.
What will you learn in our Master of Strategic Leadership program?
Evaluate executive leadership styles. Study decision-making models. Explore change management. Establish a growth mindset. Discover the value of reflection. Hone your personal brand.
Dardis training
As part of our MBA and MSL curriculum, you’ll gain valuable training on presentation skills and professional image from Dardis Communications to empower you in your career. In an increasingly competitive market, the ability to present, articulate your vision, and hone your personal brand could be the keys in setting you apart from the rest.
Dardis Communications Training (2:15)
As part of our MBA and MSL curriculum, you’ll gain valuable training on presentation skills and professional image.
What courses will I take?
How can I afford a master’s in strategic leadership?
You may be eligible for scholarships and loan programs.
The first step is to complete your FAFSA, which helps determine state and federal aid available to you. Our federal school code is 001880. Contact our Financial Aid Office with any questions.
- Get a $600 referral scholarship by referring friends and co-workers
- Check out the net price calculator
- Explore federal and state grants and loans
- Ask your employer about tuition reimbursement
- See if you get a 10% tuition discount for employer partners
- Learn more about veterans benefits
Get started on your strategic leadership master’s degree
Applications are accepted and reviewed year-round. Our graduate admissions team is here to help you reach your educational goals and answer your questions.- Complete your application
- Request official transcripts from all institutions previously attended. Email to gradprograms@mtmercy.edu or mail to:
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Graduate Programs
Mount Mercy University
1330 Elmhurst Drive NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-4797
- Three years of full-time work experience (recommended)
- Personal interview with program director and additional writing sample may be requested
Which Business & Leadership program is right for me?
The key is to determine your goals, interests, and ambitions:
- The Master of Business Administration (MBA) builds upon your existing business expertise.
- The Master of Strategic Leadership (MSL) helps you expand your leadership skills to influence team and organizational performance.
Many students have completed both programs.