Admission:  Master of Leadership Development

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 M LD program requires degree application.  Nondegree enrollment is not permitted.

International Students

For application requirements in all visa categories, click here.

Degree Application Requirements 

For admission to the MBA master's degree program, you must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited college or university with credit conditions equivalent to those required by Penn State. 

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 
• Non-refundable $45 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. (More Info)
• Resumé  (More Info)
• Statement of intent or leadership development objective (one page)  (More Info)
• Two confidential evaluation forms   (More Info)

Mail transcripts and other required documents to:  Penn State Great Valley, Admissions Office, 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 an applicant's 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. An applicant's 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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A current resumé  gives the committee information about an applicant's relevant leadership and work experience. Penn State Great Valley generally considers candidates with a minimum of three to five or more years of professional experience. An applicant's 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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A one-page statement of intent should outline leadership development goals and reasons for desiring to enroll in the program. This statement should be specific and include information about short- and long-term personal and organizational goals for leadership development and how enrolling in the program may help achieve them. The statement of intent also offers applicants the opportunity to demonstrate writing and communication skills, specify examples of leadership, and provide pertinent information that will assist the committee in selecting candidates who can benefit from and contribute to the M LD program.

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

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