KINGSTON, R.I. – June 17, 2025 – The University of Rhode Island College of Business has introduced a new master’s degree program for the fall. The Master of Science in Management is crafted to cultivate students’ capabilities to lead with assurance, data-driven discernment, and inventive problem-solving allowing them to become more effective and innovative leaders for their organizations.
Students looking to enroll in the inaugural fall class must apply by Aug. 15. The deadline for spring enrollment is Nov. 15. The master’s degree program is open to applicants of all educational backgrounds, though a four-year degree is required.
Designed with a commitment to adaptability, the 30 credit strategic leadership program enables students to take classes full-time, part-time, in-person or online as well as the ability to flex between different class formats. The program gives students the ability to balance between their academic and professional commitments.
“The idea is that this is a shorter program, and it’s more specialized, so it’s more focused on career readiness,” says marketing professor Christy Ashley, who also serves as the program’s interim director.
What distinguishes the program is it allows students to complete a generalist program with a focus on strategic leadership, or to specialize in sports management, financial technology, or human resources, where the tracks are designed to align with evolving industry demands.
“The initial Master of Science in Management program has been set up as an umbrella program under which we can serve different audiences with different specializations,” says Ashley.
Another key consideration in the program’s design was to offer a distinctive opportunity for students without a conventional business background, particularly those with liberal arts or STEM degrees.
“In many cases, people coming out of liberal arts majors have very strong critical thinking skills, but a lot of times there’s a gap in confidence and knowing how to apply them to different business situations,” said Ashley. “This program can help build that confidence.”
With classes that integrate critical business skills and client-based projects for hands-on experiences, MSM program graduates will be prepared to immediately become assets for their future employers.
“This program was created to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce and tomorrow’s leaders,” said Ashley. “Whether you’re just graduating or seeking to advance your career, URI’s MSM will help you to stand out in a competitive job market.”
The College of Business already offers graduate degrees in healthcare management, supply chain management and applied analytics; human resource management and labor relations; and textiles, fashion merchandising and design.
The College plans to expand the MSM portfolio with additional tracks, including marketing, which is set to launch in 2026, and others such as business analytics and artificial intelligence.