Bellevue University Launches Graduate Program Built for 21st Century Leaders and Managers

Key Facts

• Degree: Master of Science in Management and Leadership
• Designed for emerging leaders in business, government, and nonprofit sectors
• Program includes four graduate certificates
• Curriculum integrates generative AI tools
• Focus areas include leadership, change management, and data-driven decision-making

A Purpose-Built Program for Modern Leaders

Bellevue University has launched a new Master of Science in Management and Leadership degree designed to meet the needs of today’s emerging leaders in the business, government, and nonprofit sectors.

According to Program Director Jesica Lamkins, the new degree program was developed with one goal: to help working learners with responsibilities spanning both the traditional manager and leader roles level up their careers, without putting life on hold.

“This program is for leaders on the rise who are also responsible for managing key aspects of their organizations,” explained Lamkins. “The coursework is focused on developing real-world, actionable skills – like managing change, making data-driven decisions, and developing talent. Students graduate ready to lead with confidence from day one.”

Because course content is delivered 100% online in an accelerated format, the program allows students to take one course at a time, with one-week breaks in between. This allows them to balance school with work, family and personal responsibilities.

Stackable Credentials with Immediate Impact

As students progress through the program, they earn four graduate certificates of completion in:

• Management and Organizational Leadership
• Quantitative Tools for Managers
• Managing Change with Integrity
• Managing People and Processes

Dr. Davis added that the credentials can be added to a resume or LinkedIn profile well before the degree is complete, giving students immediate ROI and a competitive edge.

AI-Powered Curriculum Tailored for the Future of Work

The Master of Science in Management and Leadership also integrates generative AI tools throughout the learning experience. From smarter decision-making to streamlined project management and business intelligence, students will learn to partner with AI in ways that enhance their leadership potential and organizational impact. 

According to a 2025 report by McKinsey & Company, many millennials aged 35 to 44 are managers and team leaders who self-report having the most experience and enthusiasm about AI. The McKinsey report notes that because many millennials are managers, they can support their teams to become more adept AI users and help push their companies toward AI maturity.

Lamkins said managers’ AI optimism and knowledge positions them to lead internal conversations ranging from corporate investment in AI technologies and tools to AI governance challenges to AI-powered workflow solutions. “Our program fully adopts AI,” she said, “and further positions students to lean into it and make an impact inside their organizations.”