If a traditional, in-person education model doesn’t work for your lifestyle, you are not alone. Higher education is undergoing a dramatic shift. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, 74% of undergraduate students bear a characteristic of a nontraditional student—meaning they are above the age of 25, work full-time, or have a family to take care of.
The reality for many people is that a traditional, in-person model of higher education often doesn’t integrate with their career or family needs. Mounting program costs and inflexible schedules make earning an in-person degree unattainable for those who work or support a family.
For those seeking a flexible alternative, competency-based education (CBE) seeks to fill that gap—offering an approach that fits into your lifestyle rather than the other way around. By prioritizing students’ mastery of specific skills or competencies rather than time spent in a classroom, it equips students with the foundation and credentials they need to succeed in their profession.
Our Master of Executive Leadership (M.EL.) program is built on this CBE foundation, giving students the flexibility, control, and affordability they need to pursue their education goals.
An Alternative Approach: The M.EL.
The Master of Executive Leadership degree is a two-year Christian Master’s program created for those seeking executive-level leadership training. This includes pastors, non-profit leaders, business owners, corporate executives, managers, and more. What makes this program unique is its adaptability to your needs. Rooted in a competency-based education (CBE) framework, it emphasizes comprehension and mastery over seat time. It makes achieving your dreams possible—despite the demands of everyday life.
For those seeking real-world experience and training, it offers an alternative to the limitations of traditional education models. Whether you are a stay-at-home mom, small-business owner, corporate executive, or pastor, the MEL is created for your calling.
1.Affordable
Cost is one of the most prohibitive factors to pursuing higher education. As data from Gallup and Lumina reveals, 55% of people who are not enrolled in college cite cost as the top reason. Average college tuition ranges anywhere from $10k-$50k+, making it not only expensive, but unattainable.
We understand that affordability opens doors. That’s why we strive to keep our degree programs as affordable as possible. Our M.EL. costs $5k a year, and with only a two-year commitment, it provides a high-quality education for a fraction of the cost.
2. 100% online
Our M.EL. degree program is 100% online and offers a flexible learning pace. Everyone learns differently, and our program was designed to reflect that. While the online cohorts meet at specific times, you have the ability to complete your classwork asynchronously. Assignments are competency-based and designed to fit within the margins of your everyday life—meaning you don’t have to sacrifice family time or your job in order to obtain an education.
3. Personalized to you
In an age where services often feel impersonal, personalization is not just desirable but refreshing. We understand everyone has different goals and learning needs, and this Christian leadership Master’s degree seeks to meet you where you are. Students move through each of the 5 modules as they prove mastery, ensuring they are building upon a solid foundation.
4. Practical and proven results
Our M.EL. program isn’t just convenient. It actually works. This two-year program translates from the classroom to the workforce by using competency-based assignments with real application value. Program participants engage in the same leadership development processes that have developed high-level leaders in some of the world’s top businesses and organizations. You will leave this program with more than just head knowledge but with practical experience that will prepare you to lead with confidence.
Created for Callings
If you are struggling to find a degree that works for your busy lifestyle, our Master of Executive Leadership degree might just be the answer. It was intended with active business leaders in mind, equipping them for professional success in every stage of life.
At CLSTG, we believe in the importance of providing quality, accessible, and relevant Christian leadership training. The M.EL. was created for callings—and to help you reach yours.
