Northwood University, a national leader in auto industry education, is launching a new Master of Science in Organizational Leadership program tailored for automotive professionals.

Lisa Fairbairn, dean of the university’s DeVos Graduate School, said the school “has a long history of providing customized corporate and industry master’s programs in the automotive sector, and we are very excited to add a leadership-focused program.”

The university said the MSOL for Automotive Professionals program demonstrates its “continued dedication to providing specialized education for individuals deeply entrenched in the automotive field.”

The program, designed for participants with diverse auto industry experiences, offers a path for graduates of Northwood’s automotive marketing management and automotive aftermarket management programs, creating “a unified and comprehensive educational journey,” Northwood said in a news release.

Enrollment for the program is now open. Classes are scheduled to begin Jan. 15.

“This innovative initiative aims to equip graduates with the essential skills and knowledge required to lead effectively in the dynamic and rapidly evolving automotive industry,” vice president of graduate enrollment and professional studies Matthew Bennett said.

The program includes:

  • A curriculum tailored with automotive readings and cases for an in-depth exploration of industry-specific challenges and opportunities.
  • Interactive learning experiences emphasizing team-building, strategic development and critical thinking.
  • Experiential learning opportunities like exercises, simulations and projects that mirror real-world scenarios to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
  • Networking opportunities with automotive professionals and mentors, and exclusive cohorts to facilitate mutual learning, enabling students to share best practices and insights.
  • An applied capstone project that delivers measurable results to an automotive organization, impacting the student’s career and the industry.
  • A flexible online format that allows professionals to complete the coursework in 24 months, enabling individuals to pursue advanced education anywhere in the world without interrupting their careers.
  • Concierge-level advising to provide personalized support from application through graduation.

Northwood is hosting a virtual informational webinar about the new program at noon EST Nov. 29. Registration is available here.

More information about the MSOL Automotive Professionals program, including course names and descriptions, can be found here.