An online degree in organizational leadership can help you launch a career in executive leadership, general management, or human resources.
Organizational leadership experts help businesses succeed in nearly every industry. They set company-wide goals, develop businesses' strategic visions, and identify ways to improve efficiency. Earning an organizational leadership degree prepares aspiring professionals for this work by instilling high-level management knowledge and cultivating skills in leadership and communication.
Many companies rely on organizational leadership experts to reimagine work culture in light of COVID-19, making it an adaptable and versatile field. Organizational leaders can often work remotely, depending on their work environments.
This page ranks some of the top programs available for online organizational leadership study. It also details what prospective degree-seekers can expect from their programs, including timelines for completion, learning outcomes, and common curriculum offerings, as well as career prospects and related salary data.
| #1 | Arizona State University-Skysong Scottsdale, AZ |
| #2 | Southeastern University Lakeland, FL |
| #3 | University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, OK |
| #4 | University of Iowa Iowa City, IA |
| #5 | University of West Georgia Carrollton, GA |
| #6 | John Brown University Siloam Springs, AR |
| #7 | University of Charleston Charleston, WV |
| #8 | Toccoa Falls College Toccoa Falls, GA |
| #9 | Missouri Baptist University Saint Louis, MO |
| #10 | Brandman University Irvine, CA |
Featured Online Schools
The Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
Founded in 1886 as a school for teachers, today ASU provides educational opportunities across four campuses and online.
ASU offers an online bachelor of arts in organizational leadership to prepare students for management positions in any industry. The curriculum covers topics such as resource allocation, diversity, and behavioral dynamics.
Classes take place fully online and last 7.5 weeks each. Students may optionally complete an internship, or earn the required 120 credits through elective courses.
Applicants must meet ASU's competency requirements for admission.
Founded in 1935, SEU provides a Christian education across 100 graduate and undergraduate degree programs.
SEU students can earn a bachelor of science in organizational leadership in a fully online format. Classes include principled leadership, organizational behavior, and great leaders throughout history. Students also choose one of 50 possible minors to prepare them for roles in a specific career field.
Courses take place in eight-week increments. Asynchronous classes allow students to complete work on their schedule.
Founded in 1890, UCO teaches nearly 15,000 students across 200 graduate and undergraduate programs each year.
UCO offers an online bachelor of science in organizational leadership through its adult degree completion program. After completing general education courses, students take major courses in topics like foundations of organizational leadership, ethics and organizations, and data analysis and interpretation. Students also choose an area of focus in either supervision or global citizenship.
To graduate, students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.0.
Founded in 1847, today UI enrolls nearly 32,000 students each year.
UI offers an online bachelor of liberal studies with an organizational studies track. Foundational courses include organizational leadership, business analytics, and entrepreneurship and innovation. Students then choose upper-level courses covering topics aligned with their career interests. Students may optionally choose to complete an additional track under the liberal studies umbrella.
To graduate, students must maintain a GPA of 2.0.
Applicants may transfer up to 60 credits from a two-year institution or associate degree program, depending on articulation agreements with UI.
Founded in 1906, UWG now teaches more than 13,400 students across 85 programs each year.
UWG offers an online bachelor of science in organizational leadership that students can tailor to their career goals. The curriculum covers topics such as communications for the workplace, technology organizations, and project management. Classes take place in an asynchronous format and last just eight weeks.
Applicants may transfer a maximum of 90 credits into the program. The program may award credit for prior professional experience, military service, and community work.
Founded in 1919, JBU provides a Christ-centered education to just over 2,300 students each year.
JBU offers an online bachelor of science in organizational leadership. The curriculum includes a general education core followed by courses in business communication, strategic management, and leadership competencies, among others.
Classes take place in a flexible online format and last seven to eight weeks each.
Students may transfer up to 84 credits from prior college coursework, military or police training, or other experiences.
Founded in 1888 as a seminary, today UC enrolls 2,600 students in programs across numerous disciplines.
UC offers a bachelor of science in organizational leadership degree completion program that may be completed fully online or in a hybrid format. The curriculum covers professional development, collaborative leadership, and organizational behavior, among other topics.
Students may optionally complete a concentration in healthcare leadership, aviation leadership, or first responder/criminal justice.
Applicants need at least 40 credits of prior college coursework and two years of work experience. Up to 90 total credits may be transferred.
Founded in 1907, TFC offers an intimate Christian education to just over 1,700 students each year.
TFC offers a fully online bachelor of science in organizational leadership. Students take general education courses in bible and theology, humanities, and social science, followed by the major core courses.
The program curriculum includes courses like nonprofit ethics, biblical foundations for leadership, and leading organizational change.
All TFC students receive some form of financial aid.
A Christian educational institution, MBU teaches more than 40 degree programs to over 5,500 students each year.
MBU offers an online bachelor of professional studies in organizational leadership to prepare students for careers in project management, human resources, and other leadership roles. Major courses include business ethics, management concepts and practices, and organizational change and diversity. Students also choose upper-division electives in an area of interest.
Students may transfer up to 96 previously earned credits into the program. To graduate, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
Originally founded as an educational institution serving the Marine Corps, today Brandman continues its military-friendly legacy in addition to serving adult learners from all backgrounds.
Brandman offers a bachelor of arts in organizational leadership in fully online and hybrid formats. The core curriculum covers topics such as organizational behavior, theory and practice of leadership, and research and analytical thinking. Students may choose an emphasis in organizational administration or supply chain systems.
Applicants must submit official transcripts showing the completion of at least 12 baccalaureate credits with a GPA of 2.0.
One of the oldest Catholic universities in the country, Saint Francis now teaches more than 50 programs across disciplines.
Saint Francis offers a bachelor of science in organizational leadership as a degree completion program for students with prior college credit. The curriculum covers topics in accounting, management, and other business areas. Students may optionally complete an aviation concentration that enables them to earn their pilot's license at the same time as completing coursework.
Classes take place entirely online, although some student can opt to take some classes in-person. Students may transfer up to 98 credits into the program.
Founded in 1885 on United Methodist principles, today SC offers more than 40 graduate and undergraduate programs in a variety of fields.
SC's bachelor of science in strategic leadership takes place in an accelerated online format with classes lasting just six weeks. Courses include leadership theories and practical applications, managing group dynamics, and strategic planning. Students may optionally earn certificates in organizational communication or operational leadership to enhance their degree.
Students must also complete general education requirements or earn an associate degree. The program allows students to transfer up to 94 total credits.
Founded in 1823, Union University serves over 3,000 students across 100 programs in affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention.
Union offers an online bachelor of science in organizational leadership degree completion program designed for working adults. Students choose from one of seven concentrations, including health management, church leadership, and information technology.
Coursework covers topics like leadership assessment and development, strategic communication, and organizational research and planning.
Applicants should be at least 22 years of age with 60 college credits and two years of work experience.
Founded in 1878, Duquesne now offers 85 undergraduate programs as well as professional degrees.
Duquesne's bachelor of science in organizational leadership takes place fully online. Courses include principles of leadership, critical thinking and decision making, and organizational communication. Students tailor their curriculum by choosing eight electives based on their interests and goals.
Classes take place in five eight-week terms per year to allow working students the flexibility to complete their degree. Students with an associate degree or at least 60 transfer credits typically complete the program in two years.
Founded in 1895, GU enrolls nearly 1,500 students in more than 35 academic programs each year.
GU offers an online bachelor of arts in organizational leadership with flexible scheduling to accommodate busy adult learners. Courses include organizational behavior, interpersonal and intercultural communication, and psychology of the workplace.
The program accepts students with no prior college experience as well as those with an associate degree. Students must earn a total of 120 credits across general education and major courses to complete the degree.
To graduate, students must also maintain a 2.0 GPA across all coursework.
Established in 1947, Bethel now offers more than 50 paths of study both on-campus and online.
Bethel's online bachelor of science in organizational management helps working students with prior college credit earn their degree on an accelerated timeline. Courses include communications, business ethics, and biblical perspectives for managers.
Classes take place fully online and last seven weeks each.
Students may transfer credits from any undergraduate course in which they've earned a grade of "C-" or better. Applicants must earn at least 60 credits from another school for entrance into this program.
Founded in 1851, C-N provides a Christian education to over 2,700 students each year.
C-N offers a fully online bachelor of science in organizational leadership to help working adult complete their undergraduate degree. Many students complete their degree in 18 months.
The curriculum covers topics like project management essentials, organizational accounting and finance, and leadership in the Old Testament.
Applicants should transfer at least 48 credits of prior college coursework into the program, with a 2.0 GPA for these classes.
Established in 1950 by California's Southern Baptist Convention, CBU now enrolls more than 11,000 students each year.
CBU offers an online bachelor of arts in organizational leadership designed for working professionals to develop leadership skills. Courses include business and organizational management, leadership theory, and ethical and biblical principles for leadership.
Accelerated classes last eight weeks and enable some students to complete their degree in 16 months.
Ideal applicants hold at least 24 transferrable credits with a GPA of 2.0.
A Catholic university founded in 1818, today SLU teaches nearly 13,000 students each year.
SLU offers a bachelor of science in organizational leadership and technology in a flexible online format designed for working professionals. Classes take place in six accelerated eight-week terms a year.
The curriculum includes an organizational leadership core and a technology core. Courses include foundations of effective leadership, organizational behavior and team effectiveness, and data-driven decision-making.
Applicants should adults of at least 22 years of age with at least three years of work experience.
With Christian education origins stretching back to 1913, today Judson teaches just over 1,000 students each year.
Judson offers an online bachelor of arts in organizational leadership through its adult professional program. Courses include strategic management, leading innovation, and diversity and intergenerational effectiveness. Students apply classroom learning to real-world experiences through an internship and/or business capstone.
Applicants must submit official transcripts showing at least 40 transferrable credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0, as well as at least two years of professional work experience.
Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
What Is an Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree?
Earning an organizational leadership degree helps you build the core skills necessary to help businesses set goals, inspire staff, and navigate administrative concerns. Graduates are also empowered to identify and develop their own management and communication styles.
The best candidates for an organizational leadership program are strategic thinkers with clear leadership potential. Most programs begin with fundamental courses in management or business administration.
As learners progress toward graduation, they expand their knowledge base with skills in analytical problem-solving, strategic decision-making, team-building, leadership development, and communication. Some programs require a culminating capstone project to help students integrate these concepts with practical situations.
What Are the Differences Between Organizational Leadership BA and BS Degrees?
Some programs offer options to earn either a bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (BS) in organizational leadership. Which is best for your career depends on what your professional goals are.
The BA pathway focuses on the more human side of organizational leadership, exploring concepts and theories drawn from the social sciences, language arts, and the humanities. A BS focuses more on data-driven approaches to organizational leadership, exploring how scientific and empirical methods of inquiry can enhance efficiency and overall performance.
Choosing an Online Program
Factors to consider when selecting an organizational leadership degree include your professional responsibilities and other outside commitments, financial aid availability, career potential and earning power, and program flexibility. Use the links below to learn more about how to find a program that meets your needs.
What to Expect From an Organizational Leadership Major
Each school offers its own approach to organizational leadership, but most programs have similar curricula and learning objectives. In general, they offer a working overview of the field, covering popular leadership styles, methods of effective management, and problem-solving strategies. Some institutions offer specializations in areas like business management or public administration.
Organizational Leadership Curriculum
While each program sets a distinct curriculum, organizational leadership degree-seekers will commonly encounter the following courses.
- Business Ethics: This class explores common ethical issues in business, including issues surrounding employee management. Coursework focuses on how individuals in leadership roles can use popular management models to make ethical choices.
- Conflict Resolution: Degree-seekers learn how to respond to instances of conflict by using negotiation and collaboration. The class develops clear strategies for facilitating healthy work relationships and organizational efficiency.
- Human Resource Development: This class teaches aspiring professionals how to manage human resources in their organizations and leverage them for success. Coursework covers training implementation, employee education, and how to understand key performance indicators.
- Organizational Communication: Learners in this course acquire core skills in communication techniques, trust-building, and relational development. They also learn how to develop a healthy organizational culture.
- Critical Thinking: Drawing on traditions in philosophy and other liberal arts disciplines, this class teaches degree-seekers how to dissect, analyze, and interpret arguments. Topics include logical reasoning, reflective thinking, biases, and common fallacies.
- Leading Organizational Change: This class focuses on how organizations can thrive amid industry evolution and broader cultural shifts. Coursework covers prominent thought leaders and examines their leadership styles.
Organizational Leadership Community
A great way to set yourself apart as a potential job candidate is to get involved in the broader community of business and organizational leadership. Start by exploring professional associations in organizational leadership.
Organizations like those below support seasoned professionals and new graduates alike by hosting networking events, recognizing outstanding achievements, and reporting on news in the field. Some focus on more academic questions, while others look at practical applications.
- Academy of Management
- Academy of Human Resource Development
- Association for Talent Development
- Change Management Institute
- Institute of Management Consultants
- International Society for Performance Improvement
- Organizational Development Network
- Society for Human Resource Management
Organizational Leadership Careers
Earning an organizational leadership degree marks you as a versatile and desirable job candidate. Some graduates with this degree pursue work in human resources, while others opt to put their skills to work in management or business administration roles.
Featured Online Schools
Here are some popular career options available to organizational leadership graduates.
| Career | Mean Annual Wage (2019) | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | $193,850 | ↑ |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | $134,210 | ↑ |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers | $132,630 | ↑↑↑ |
| Human Resources Managers | $129,570 | ↑↑ |
| Training and Development Managers | $123,470 | ↑↑ |
| General and Operations Managers | $123,030 | ↑ |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $115,160 | ↑↑↑ |
| Administrative Services and Facilities Managers | $106,550 | ↑↑ |
| Management Analysts | $95,560 | ↑↑↑ |
Key to Projected Job Growth
↑ as fast as average
↑↑ faster than average
↑↑↑ much faster than average
Frequently Asked Questions
Organizational leadership is an approach to management that highlights how leaders can use a two-pronged approach to goal-setting, establishing benchmarks both for the organization as a whole and for individual employees.
At the undergraduate level, organizational leadership degrees can be either a BA or a BS. Most programs blend theory with practice to develop techniques for solving real-world problems.
Businesses and organizations across nearly every industry rely on organizational leadership experts. Earning this degree qualifies candidates for many leadership roles and prepares them for graduate study.
Organizational leadership helps businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations work more efficiently to maximize their potential. This approach also provides effective strategies for employee development and retention.
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