Master of Arts • LPU Online
Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership
Develop the strategic thinking, biblical perspective and organizational leadership skills to lead people and organizations with clarity through complexity and change.
Program Overview
Lead strategically. Grow personally. Serve faithfully.
MASL is designed for leaders who want to increase their effectiveness in ministry, nonprofit, business and organizational settings.
The program blends leadership, management and organizational theory with practical theology. Students learn to evaluate complex contexts, conduct applied research, think strategically and lead meaningful change.
A cohort model creates ongoing collaboration and support, while a field-based capstone gives students the opportunity to develop a strategic initiative with practical impact in their own leadership context.
Designed for Calling-Driven Leaders
Why Strategic Leadership at LPU?
Lead Through Change
Build the strategic and organizational perspective to guide teams, ministries and organizations through complexity, growth and change.
Integrate Faith & Leadership
Study leadership in a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled environment where biblical and theological reflection informs leadership practice.
Apply Learning Now
Connect coursework to your current context through applied research, organizational analysis and a field-based leadership capstone.
See where strategic leadership can take you.
Explore the MASL, connect with LPU, or start your application.
Residency Week
Online learning. In-person formation.
Each program year begins with a one-week residency on LPU’s San Dimas campus, bringing the cohort together for concentrated learning, relationships and formation.
Residency is where online classmates become a leadership community. Students spend focused time with faculty and peers before continuing the residency coursework online and moving into the program’s eight-week course sequence.
Student Voices
What MASL students are experiencing.
At the beginning of the program, I didn’t even see myself as a leader. Now I know who I’m called to be, and it has nothing to do with titles.Kimberly BauerAssociate Pastor · Sequim Valley Foursquare · Sequim, WA
Coming into residency, I suddenly understood why God had orchestrated this season. The clarity and confirmation were undeniable.Diana AsaadMarriage Counselor/Pastor · Para Church Ministries · Fort Mill, SC
I love how the previous master’s students care about the current students. They offer guidance, support, and encouragement - which makes you feel like you’re part of a bigger familyRon FloresPastor · Meadows Fellowship · Las Vegas, NV
Learning that leadership requires adaptability—that no single theory fits every situation—changed how I lead people.Julio (Julian) AlasPastor · Victory Outreach · Bakersfield, CA
Your next chapter can start here.
Explore the MASL, connect with LPU, or start your application.
Format & Schedule
Built for leaders already serving.
Students progress through the sequential 36-unit curriculum as a cohort of approximately 12–20 people.
Each Program Year
- One-week on-campus residency
- Four weeks of online work completing residency coursework
- Five eight-week online courses scheduled one at a time
- Breaks built into the academic calendar
Online Learning Rhythm
- Concept-based learning and weekly course materials
- Discussion-board participation and faculty interaction
- Research, reflection and applied written work
- Plan for approximately 15–18 hours of study per week
- New cohorts begin in January and July
Program Outcomes
What you’ll be prepared to do.
Bible & Theology
Apply biblical and theological perspectives, sound interpretation and ethical leadership to ministry and organizational practice.
Vocation & Context
Apply research to diverse vocational contexts, evaluate trends and cultural settings, and respond thoughtfully to a changing world.
Leadership
Evaluate organizational dynamics, communicate effectively, build teams and implement strategic planning and change.
Personal Formation
Grow as a leader, mentor others toward their potential and pursue sustainable spiritual, personal and professional development.
Career Directions
Lead in the places you’re called to serve.
MASL develops transferable leadership capabilities for ministry, nonprofit and organizational settings. Specific roles depend on prior experience, employer requirements and professional goals.
Curriculum
A 36-unit sequence for strategic leadership development.
Students move through the curriculum together as a cohort. Course requirements may change; use the current university catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.
Year 1
Year 2
Want the program details in one place?
Explore the MASL, connect with LPU, or start your application.
Helpful Details
Plan your next step.
Tuition & Costs
For 2026–27, LPU lists MASL tuition at $610 per unit and a program total of $30,510. Additional graduate fees may apply.
Application Deadlines
Completed applications are due November 15 for January cohort enrollment and May 15 for July cohort enrollment.
Office of Admissions
Life Pacific University
1100 W. Covina Blvd.
San Dimas, CA 91773
Call or text: (877) 886-5433
Email: lpuonline@lifepacific.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about the MASL
What is the purpose of this program?
The MASL serves leaders who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want specialized education that develops additional skills in leadership and ministry.
Who should enroll?
The program is designed for field-based leaders seeking greater effectiveness in current and future ministry and organizational leadership roles. Ideal students have completed undergraduate education and demonstrate significant commitment to ministry and organizational leadership.
What is the focus of the curriculum?
The biblically grounded, professional curriculum develops advanced leadership and organizational understanding, applied research skills, and the ability to implement strategic change. A field-based capstone allows students to develop a leadership project with practical organizational or ministry impact.
How are classes scheduled?
Students progress in cohorts of approximately 12–20 through the sequential 36-unit curriculum. Each program year begins with a one-week campus residency followed by four weeks of online residency coursework and five eight-week online courses scheduled one at a time.
How do online classes work?
MASL uses concept-based online learning with weekly course materials, discussion-board participation, and written assignments. Coursework may include research and reflection papers, book reports, exegetical studies, and related graduate-level work.
How much time should I expect to spend each week?
Students should plan for approximately 15–18 hours of study per week. The online format provides flexibility for work, ministry, family, and travel responsibilities.
When do new cohorts begin?
MASL cohorts begin in January and July, with scheduled breaks around Christmas/New Year’s and late June/early July.
What are the standard admission requirements?
Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from a school accredited by a CHEA-recognized accrediting organization, have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5, and have a minimum of three years of organizational leadership, management, or ministry involvement.
Ready to Lead Forward?
Grow the leader. Strengthen the organization. Expand the impact.
If you’re ready to deepen your leadership, strengthen your strategic thinking and serve your organization with greater clarity, take the next step with LPU.