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WGU MSML after MBA - maxxor6868 - 09-14-2025

Hello!
Has anyone pursued the MSML after completing an MBA at WGU? I noticed that about four classes might transfer, and I’m planning to ask my employer if they would cover it. I also have a DBA from South College. I know an MSML might seem redundant given my MBA and DBA, but with potential transfer credits, I could probably complete it very quickly, maybe in just a month.
Current Degrees:
  • AA
  • BACS 
  • MBA (WGU)
  • MSDA (90% complete really just capstone left) (WGU)
  • DBA (South)
Certifications:
  • PMP
A few notes on transfer credits: I know the PMP and MSDA likely won’t apply to the MSML, and my undergrad can’t count as higher-level credit. Previously, I tried to transfer DBA credits into the MSDA, but they were denied because of the distinction between business and IT programs. I think there’s a stronger chance of transferring some DBA credits into the MSML since it’s in the business school.
With my DBA, I could probably get another 2–3 classes transferred, which means I might only need to complete 2–3 classes for the MSML. Since I work in the public sector, the program would be paid for, and if it’s just two classes, I could probably finish in a week or two.
What do you all think? I hate that I have to wait until my term over after the MSDA done but a free degree does not sound bad but I haven't seen too many people go for the MSML after the MBA. Curious on everyone's thoughts.

WGU MSML after MBA - NotJoeBiden - 09-14-2025

Why? You hold a doctorate in the field.

RE: WGU MSML after MBA - maxxor6868 - 09-14-2025

(09-14-2025, 01:12 PM)NotJoeBiden Wrote: Why? You hold a doctorate in the field.

Mainly because it be free and very little work needed. I mean it literally be a couple of classes reverse transfer in a way. Won't help my career I can imagine at all but why pass up the opportunity?

WGU MSML after MBA - NotJoeBiden - 09-14-2025

I know you can transfer in credits from the WGU MBA, but in general it is easier than the MBA. Other than that I have no experience in taking it, just researching it.

RE: WGU MSML after MBA - maxxor6868 - 09-14-2025

(09-14-2025, 06:45 PM)NotJoeBiden Wrote: I know you can transfer in credits from the WGU MBA, but in general it is easier than the MBA. Other than that I have no experience in taking it, just researching it.

right between my DBA and MBA, it should cover most of the credits for the MSML plus I be fresh off the MSDA so I be ready to swiftly knock out whatever classes I would have left in the MSML if I can do it. I understand the MBA is probably weigh more but it could not hurt to have it on my resume I don't think.
(09-14-2025, 06:45 PM)NotJoeBiden Wrote: I know you can transfer in credits from the WGU MBA, but in general it is easier than the MBA. Other than that I have no experience in taking it, just researching it.

https://partners.wgu.edu/Master-of-Science-in-Management-and-Leadership

This is five years old but it does say 50% of a masters needs to be done at WGU so with the 4 classes from the MBA...I could max transfer one class in from my DBA and that if they count it. I could still easy do it in one term and if my employer wants to pay for it, that be just 5 classes. Not as nice as 2 classes but still perfectly doable in theory. I plan on asking my employer tomorrow and I talk to WGU about the transfer credit from South.

WGU MSML after MBA - NotJoeBiden - 09-14-2025

Keep us in the loop!

RE: WGU MSML after MBA - turbotortuga - 09-15-2025

(09-14-2025, 08:50 PM)maxxor6868 Wrote:
(09-14-2025, 06:45 PM)NotJoeBiden Wrote: I know you can transfer in credits from the WGU MBA, but in general it is easier than the MBA. Other than that I have no experience in taking it, just researching it.

right between my DBA and MBA, it should cover most of the credits for the MSML plus I be fresh off the MSDA so I be ready to swiftly knock out whatever classes I would have left in the MSML if I can do it. I understand the MBA is probably weigh more but it could not hurt to have it on my resume I don't think.
(09-14-2025, 06:45 PM)NotJoeBiden Wrote: I know you can transfer in credits from the WGU MBA, but in general it is easier than the MBA. Other than that I have no experience in taking it, just researching it.

https://partners.wgu.edu/Master-of-Science-in-Management-and-Leadership

This is five years old but it does say 50% of a masters needs to be done at WGU so with the 4 classes from the MBA...I could max transfer one class in from my DBA and that if they count it. I could still easy do it in one term and if my employer wants to pay for it, that be just 5 classes. Not as nice as 2 classes but still perfectly doable in theory. I plan on asking my employer tomorrow and I talk to WGU about the transfer credit from South.

When I last investigated doing another Masters at WGU after my MAcc with them, Records wrote to me that I could transfer the courses from the MAcc that were the same as in the MBA "or" I could transfer up to 2 graduate courses from outside of WGU, but not both. So, I would be surprised if WGU accepts both the South coursework and gives you the 4 courses as well. And IIRC, didn't the MBA courses change in 2023? I know the MAcc courses changed drasrtically last Fall.

RE: WGU MSML after MBA - maxxor6868 - 09-15-2025

(09-15-2025, 05:51 PM)turbotortuga Wrote:
(09-14-2025, 08:50 PM)maxxor6868 Wrote:
(09-14-2025, 06:45 PM)NotJoeBiden Wrote: I know you can transfer in credits from the WGU MBA, but in general it is easier than the MBA. Other than that I have no experience in taking it, just researching it.

right between my DBA and MBA, it should cover most of the credits for the MSML plus I be fresh off the MSDA so I be ready to swiftly knock out whatever classes I would have left in the MSML if I can do it. I understand the MBA is probably weigh more but it could not hurt to have it on my resume I don't think.
(09-14-2025, 06:45 PM)NotJoeBiden Wrote: I know you can transfer in credits from the WGU MBA, but in general it is easier than the MBA. Other than that I have no experience in taking it, just researching it.

https://partners.wgu.edu/Master-of-Science-in-Management-and-Leadership

This is five years old but it does say 50% of a masters needs to be done at WGU so with the 4 classes from the MBA...I could max transfer one class in from my DBA and that if they count it. I could still easy do it in one term and if my employer wants to pay for it, that be just 5 classes. Not as nice as 2 classes but still perfectly doable in theory. I plan on asking my employer tomorrow and I talk to WGU about the transfer credit from South.

When I last investigated doing another Masters at WGU after my MAcc with them, Records wrote to me that I could transfer the courses from the MAcc that were the same as in the MBA "or" I could transfer up to 2 graduate courses from outside of WGU, but not both. So, I would be surprised if WGU accepts both the South coursework and gives you the 4 courses as well. And IIRC, didn't the MBA courses change in 2023? I know the MAcc courses changed drasrtically last Fall.

It depends on the major I suppose. Each master degree has a different policy for what they will take in. The last official public document I could find was from 2020 and it did not say there was a limit to transfer but 50% had to be done through WGU regardless for a masters degree. So even if South work, I could not use both. I could not find anything about the 2 classes rule which is weird because the MBA offers 4 classes carryover. Your right though the program has been updated though. Not sure how my current program aligns with the new one.
(09-15-2025, 05:51 PM)turbotortuga Wrote:
(09-14-2025, 08:50 PM)maxxor6868 Wrote:
(09-14-2025, 06:45 PM)NotJoeBiden Wrote: I know you can transfer in credits from the WGU MBA, but in general it is easier than the MBA. Other than that I have no experience in taking it, just researching it.

right between my DBA and MBA, it should cover most of the credits for the MSML plus I be fresh off the MSDA so I be ready to swiftly knock out whatever classes I would have left in the MSML if I can do it. I understand the MBA is probably weigh more but it could not hurt to have it on my resume I don't think.
(09-14-2025, 06:45 PM)NotJoeBiden Wrote: I know you can transfer in credits from the WGU MBA, but in general it is easier than the MBA. Other than that I have no experience in taking it, just researching it.

https://partners.wgu.edu/Master-of-Science-in-Management-and-Leadership

This is five years old but it does say 50% of a masters needs to be done at WGU so with the 4 classes from the MBA...I could max transfer one class in from my DBA and that if they count it. I could still easy do it in one term and if my employer wants to pay for it, that be just 5 classes. Not as nice as 2 classes but still perfectly doable in theory. I plan on asking my employer tomorrow and I talk to WGU about the transfer credit from South.

When I last investigated doing another Masters at WGU after my MAcc with them, Records wrote to me that I could transfer the courses from the MAcc that were the same as in the MBA "or" I could transfer up to 2 graduate courses from outside of WGU, but not both. So, I would be surprised if WGU accepts both the South coursework and gives you the 4 courses as well. And IIRC, didn't the MBA courses change in 2023? I know the MAcc courses changed drasrtically last Fall.
https://cm.wgu.edu/t5/WGU-Student-Policy-Handbook/Residency-Requirements-and-Credentialing/ta-p/23797

Found it. Yeah, even if I could get every class but the capstone in for the masters plus MBA carryover, I still need 50% from WGU regardless. So even if I get 4 from my MBA and appeal one more class from my doctorate that still 50% for the MSML. I could easily do that in one term. That if my employer will pay for it. If they do, I might go for it just for fun but not 110% sure yet. I wanted to do the MSDA because it was a goal of mine but I never thought about the MSML other than because of credit carryover.

RE: WGU MSML after MBA - bjcheung77 - 09-17-2025

OP - Basically, I wouldn't worry about the transfers, you can take the one term and get it all completed. I'm all in for continuous life long learning, even though you're in your twenties, it's never a bad idea to keep learning, the icing actually is the degree at the end of the day. BTW, I noticed you're on Modern States again, nice video!

RE: WGU MSML after MBA - DarrenfromKY - 09-18-2025

(09-17-2025, 09:38 AM)bjcheung77 Wrote: OP - Basically, I wouldn't worry about the transfers, you can take the one term and get it all completed.  I'm all in for continuous life long learning, even though you're in your twenties, it's never a bad idea to keep learning, the icing actually is the degree at the end of the day.  BTW, I noticed you're on Modern States again, nice video!
I’m researching doing the MSML at WGU after completing the MBA (only one course and capstone left). My program mentor did both and told me only four classes are eligible for transfer into the MSML (C200 Managing Organizations, C202 HR course, C204 Communications, and C206 Ethical Leadership). Your MBA coursework will likely allow you to pass the “Business Acumen” course quickly (which is the most challenging class in the MSML). I’ve also heard that the remaining MSML classes (not duplicated from the MBA) have loftier APA/citation requirements than what we were required to do for the MBA (I’m almost embarrassed to admit publicly how seldom we are required to write in APA for the WGU MBA…I’ll take a proctored exam any day Smile ). Best of luck!