The Leadership Crisis That's Costing Companies Billions (And How You Can Capitalize On It)

Every Day You Wait, Someone Else Takes the Leadership Role You Deserve

Right now, 75% of C-level executives report a critical skills gap in their organizations, and 70% say their businesses are suffering financially because their workforces lack the right competencies. But here's what might surprise you: 44% of employees desperately want leadership training, yet only 36% of leaders think it's necessary.

This disconnect is creating the biggest career opportunity of our generation.

While companies scramble to fill leadership positions, millions of qualified professionals with Associate degrees in applied sciences remain stuck in technical roles—not because they lack potential, but because they lack the applied leadership credentials that open doors to management and executive positions.

The Problem: Your Technical Expertise Isn't Enough Anymore

If you've earned an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Applied Arts and Technology (AAT) degree, you already have something invaluable: real-world, hands-on experience. You understand how things actually work, not just how they should work in theory.

But here's the challenge you're facing:

The Skills Gap Crisis is Real—And Growing

• 87% of companies worldwide face skill gaps or expect them soon
• Nearly 40% of leaders say the skills gap at their company has worsened in the last year
• 49% of current workforce skills will be irrelevant by 2025

Leadership Skills Top the Demand List

Strategic thinking ranks as the #1 most needed soft skill (57% of leaders), followed by problem-solving and communication. Companies are desperate for leaders who can bridge the gap between technical expertise and strategic vision.

Traditional Transfer Paths Are Broken

Here's a shocking statistic: AAS transfer students lose almost 28 credits on average upon transfer to a university—a full academic year's worth of courses. That means you're essentially paying twice for the same education and delaying your career advancement by an entire year.

The Earnings Gap Keeps Widening

Bachelor's degree holders earn $40,500 more annually than those with just a high school diploma—86% higher median earnings. Over a lifetime, that's $1.2 million in additional earnings.

You Deserve Better Than Starting Over

You didn't spend years mastering your technical field just to have your credits dismissed by a traditional university program. You need a path that values your experience, builds on your expertise, and prepares you for leadership—without forcing you to abandon everything you've already accomplished.

The Solution: Applied Leadership Education That Actually Works

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership at Mississippi State University's College of Professional and Continuing Studies was designed specifically for professionals like you who need more than textbook theory—you need applied leadership skills that work in the real world.

Why Applied Science Degrees Outperform Traditional Degrees

Applied Science degrees focus on building practical management and leadership skills in specific industries, while traditional business programs focus on general business theory. The result? Increased potential for career growth, immediate employment after graduation, and improved salary potential.

Research shows that 73% of BAS graduates report the program helped them with leadership and management skills, with more than 80% saying their communication skills improved and they developed a broader perspective.

Perfect Transfer Path for AAS/AAT Graduates

Unlike traditional universities that dismiss your applied learning, Mississippi State's BAS program:

• Recognizes Your Technical Expertise: Your AAS/AAT credits aren't just accepted—they're valued as the foundation of your applied knowledge
• Flexible, Working-Adult Friendly: Courses delivered in seven-week sessions online, allowing completion in as little as 10 courses
• Stackable Credentials: The first four courses also package as a Graduate Certificate, giving you immediate credentials
• Real-World Application: Every course connects directly to workplace leadership challenges you'll face

Meet the Exploding Demand for Project Leaders

The numbers don't lie: There's a need for 25 million new project management professionals globally by 2030, with 88 million individuals needed in project management-oriented roles by 2027.

The demand for experienced project managers is growing faster than any other occupation, and PMP-certified professionals earn 33% more than their non-certified peers.

What Success Looks Like

Imagine walking into your next performance review not as someone hoping for a promotion, but as someone already equipped with the leadership credentials employers desperately need.

Picture yourself leading cross-functional teams, making strategic decisions, and earning the respect that comes with proven leadership expertise—all while building on the technical foundation you've already mastered.

The Cost of Waiting

Your Next Step is Simple

Mississippi State University's College of Professional and Continuing Studies has been pioneering applied education since 1999, serving working adults who need education that actually advances their careers.