What Is MPS?

The MPS in the Psychology of Leadership is designed for working professionals who seek advanced education in leadership to enhance their careers, support organizational goals and objectives, and apply strategies for leading, influencing, and motivating diverse work groups and individual employees. The program examines the nature and role of leadership across varied organizational settings.

Why an Online MPS in the Psychology of Leadership from Penn State?

The Psychology of Leadership program focuses on the relationships between leaders and followers. The program is based on well-supported psychological research and theory that has been shown to increase leadership effectiveness in work groups and organizations. While based in research, the program emphasizes the application of learned knowledge. In general, coursework in the program addresses the way that various aspects and techniques of leadership can enhance the motivation, attitudes, and performance of individual employees and teams in work organizations. Our faculty members are both world renowned researchers and practitioners of leadership. They have exhibited leadership as entrepreneurs and in a variety of organizations, including the military, Fortune 500 companies, education, and more.

Who Should Apply?

If you work in a leadership position now or if you aspire to move into a leadership role, the MPS in the Psychology of Leadership was designed for you. This program is not designed to improve such managerial skills as budgeting or business strategy, but rather to help you understand people and social situations in work settings where more effective leadership can make an impact. If you wish to gain skills that can enhance your leadership effectiveness, this program is a good fit for you.

The Psychology Club — a Psi Chi Chapter

The first fully online Psychology Club was founded by Penn State World Campus students and includes members from the United States, Europe, South America, Japan, the Middle East, and other areas of the world. The club uses video conferencing, Facebook, and other social media to keep members in touch with program faculty and staff, each other, and alumni to let them know about education opportunities, internships, and career opportunities. Psi Chi is the international honor society in psychology. Graduate students are eligible for both the Psychology Club and Psi Chi.