Admission to the Master of Leadership Development Program - Penn State Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies

Admission: Master of Leadership Development

International applicants: Before applying, please review this information.

New students are admitted to the program at the start of each spring and fall session. Applications should be submitted at least 2 months prior to the start of the session in which you wish to enroll.

The MLD program requires degree application. Nondegree enrollment is not permitted.

Degree Application Requirements

For admission to the MLD master's degree program, you must hold a bachelor's degree from a U.S., regionally accredited institution or a postsecondary degree that is equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree earned from an officially recognized, degree-granting, international institution.

Admission is granted jointly by the Penn State Graduate School and the academic program at Penn State Great Valley. The Admissions Committee reviews applications and makes decisions based on the quality of an applicant's credentials relative to other applicants.

To apply, please submit the following:

Online application
- under major sought, enter Leadership Development; under degree sought, enter M LD. Requirements for Degree Application
Enter answers to Essay Questions to support your application
Enter name and contact information of the two people who will provide your recommendations helpful information
Upload Résumé, helpful information
Non-refundable application fee, payable by credit card online or by check or money order payable to The Pennsylvania State University.
Two official transcripts from each college or university you have attended. Penn State students do not need to submit transcripts. helpful information. Transcripts should be sent directly from each college or university you have attended to the Penn State Great Valley Admissions Office, Attention: JoAnn Kelly, 30 E. Swedesford Rd, Malvern, PA 19355. Your admission will be reviewed after your application portfolio is complete.

Concurrent Programs

Penn State offers an opportunity to pursue 2 degree programs on a concurrent basis.

Helpful Information

Undergraduate and Graduate Academic Transcripts

The Admissions Committee will review your undergraduate and graduate transcript. Individuals with a combined junior/senior grade-point average of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale and appropriate course backgrounds will be considered for admission. Your area of concentration and the balance of communication and analytical courses are also considered. Periodically, exceptions to the minimum grade-point average may be made for individuals with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests. The Admissions Committee may require that some students prepare for the program by enrolling in refresher courses offered at Penn State Great Valley by the Continuing Education division.

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Résumé

A current résumé gives the committee information about your relevant leadership and work experience. For the MLD program candidates with a minimum of three to five years of professional experience are generally considered. Your leadership skills, aptitude for leadership development, and general knowledge of the business environment are also reviewed. Please highlight all leadership roles you have experienced throughout your life.

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Confidential Evaluations

Two current confidential recommendations provide a more complete personal understanding of an applicant's leadership abilities. The recommendation should specifically address current employment or recent academic experience, as well as your potential to successfully complete the program. Recommendations should cite examples of speaking, writing, and analytical abilities, as well as how you interact in a group setting.

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