Advance Your Career with a Master of Arts in Leadership Degree from Doane University

Through Doane’s 10-course program, you’ll become the leader you always knew you could be: resilient, inclusive and ethical. Our master of arts in leadership program focuses on “Living Leadership,” everyday leadership that will help you make a positive difference at home, work, and in your community.

Classes are intended to be completed within two years and are currently offered via distance learning only. Students meet once a week over Zoom, a method that accommodates busy schedules while retaining the benefits of meeting together as a class.

 

Unlock Your Potential

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Earn Your Master’s When and Where It Fits Your Lifestyle

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Our Master of Arts in Leadership program doesn’t require you to pause your life. The distance learning format meshes with your personal and professional responsibilities.

You can finish your master’s degree in two years while maintaining your lifestyle, and supplementing it with:

  • new opportunities
  • lifelong connections
  • valuable skills
Jenei Skillett

Jenei Skillett

Class of '23
Throughout the MIL program, I have been able to explore and develop my leadership capabilities, allowing me to step into roles of influence with newfound assurance.

What Skills Will You Gain With a Master of Arts in Leadership?

Leadership isn’t something you’re born with, but a combination of skills you learn and how you apply them. With our degree, you’ll build a solid foundation in leadership theory. From there, we emphasize six essential skills.

With these skills, students will be able to better navigate change individually and within organizations, lead diverse and inclusive teams and apply leadership throughout their lives.

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Global and Social Responsibility

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Leadership and Management

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Organizational Behavior

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Problem-Solving and Decision Making

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Financial Management

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Strategic Thinking

Higgins

Katherine Higgins

Class of '23A
Coming back to Doane for my Masters in Leadership was an easy choice. The staff and other students in my classes allow me to connect with real-life individuals who challenge my thinking, see different perspectives and also give me the confidence to continue my journey of working with families and youth to be the leader that I know I can be.

Program Information

Courses
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Faculty and Staff
Jared Cook, Assistant Professor of Leadership

Jared Cook - Assistant Professor of Leadership

Icon_Phone Created with Sketch. 402.826.6738

Terri Deems, Assistant Professor of Practice

Terri Deems - Assistant Professor of Practice

Icon_Phone Created with Sketch. 402.466.4774

Charlena Miller, Assistant Professor of Business

Charlena Miller - Assistant Professor of Business

Icon_Phone Created with Sketch. 402.466.4774

Admissions Requirements
  • Official transcript
  • Previous completion of a Bachelor's degree
  • $50 application fee
Distance Learning

Students meet once a week over Zoom, a method that accommodates busy schedules while retaining the benefits of meeting together as a class.

Please refer to this link from Zoom regarding questions about system and bandwidth requirements, as well as supported web browsers.

Skills Development

100% of graduates in 2023 say they use more analytical, creative, and effective thinking skills when considering issues and problems.

92% of graduates in 2023 say they collaborate more effectively with others.

92% of graduates in 2023 say they consistently apply moral principles to their decision making and behavior.

Job Placement

92% of graduates in 2023 were not seeking employment (i.e., they are employed, in graduate school, etc.)

Jobs of 2023 graduates:

  • Senior Benefits Specialist
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Foster Care Program Director
  • Human Resources Generalist
  • Operations and Customer
  • Quality Engineer

Places of Employment for 2023 graduates:

  • SCC
  • Rand Worldwide
  • Epworth Village
  • Applied Materials
  • Union Bank & Trust Company

2023 graduates will work in Nebraska and California

The Doane Difference

When asked, "what one thing significantly helped your ability to complete your Doane experience?", students responded saying:

  • They appreciate the flexibility of the program as well as the feedback they receive from their professors. 
  • Faculty understand that students are pulled in many directions.
  • They appreciate, “teachers understanding the non-traditional factor in my education.”
  • They're challenged to think deeply.

Unlock Your Leadership Potential

Earn your Master of Arts in Leadership and take the next step in your career.

The Benefits of a Liberal Arts Degree from Doane

Many students pursue graduate programs to advance their careers. Our liberal arts approach adds a new dimension. You’ll learn the hard skills, like ethics, and develop the soft skills, such as effective communication, to make you stand out as an empathic and intelligent leader. 

Small class sizes encourage collaboration and creative problem-solving and make space for multiple perspectives.

Niche skills are nice to have — and our students excel in their chosen field of study — but fluency in critical thinking is invaluable. With a liberal arts degree from Doane, you will:

  • Possess the necessary skills to adapt and lead in our changing world
  • Be ready to solve problems in unique ways
  • Make immediate differences in your career and community
  • Feel personally and professionally fulfilled

Master of Business Administration or Master of Arts in Leadership: Which Program Is Your Best Fit?

Both our MBA and MIL programs are immersive and leadership-based. How do you decide which one to pursue? The best match depends on your overall goals and needs.

Our MIL program develops you as an ethical, emphatic, resilient leader. This program is best suited for individuals who have a broad interest in leadership and might work outside the business industry.

  • 30 courses
  • Finish your degree within two years
  • Classes offered via distance learning

While it features a leadership component, our MBA program covers all aspects of business, including accounting, data analytics, finance, marketing, ethics and international business. This program is best suited for individuals who have an interest in the numbers and strategy behind business and may already have a career in the industry.

  • 24 courses
  • Finish your degree within two years
  • Accelerated MBA program can be completed in less than one year
  • Classes offered in-person in the evening, online or hybrid
Career Information

Professor at Doane

MIL News

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Three Models of Communication and Leadership

Fred Brown Building on the Lincoln campus
General

December 19, 2023

MBA or MIL — Which program is the best fit for you?

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All News & Events

December 19, 2023

Featured Tigers — Nina Theiler ’19, ’24A

The morning commencement ceremony at Cassel Theatre on Saturday, May 13, 2023
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May 31, 2023

Featured Tigers — Purity Anyango Ortiz ’23A

The morning commencement ceremony at Cassel Theatre on Saturday, May 13, 2023
All News & Events

May 31, 2023

Featured Tigers — Jenei Skillett ’23A

Shape Your Education

Whether in-person or online, Doane University is committed to providing you with the education that meets your needs and goals.

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