The 25 Best Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs

An online Master’s in Organizational Leadership, a practical degree applicable for a wide array of fields, can lead to a career in numerous industries. Every industry needs effective leadership. Employers seek professionals skilled at taking initiative, building and cultivating effective teams, managing group dynamics, making ethical decisions, leading change in complex environments, and dealing with organizational challenges.

According to the Journal of Leadership Studies, the organizational leadership field has become one of the fastest growing fields in higher education.

What is a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership?

An Organizational Leadership Master’s degree utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to prepare students for careers as organizational leaders, including a skillset in high demand across a wide variety of industries and fields. Through utilizing important aspects of different academic areas which encompass the fundamental concerns of any business, and especially in combination with one of many specializations available, a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL)* degree allows students to develop the skills necessary to efficiently lead an organization in growth, expansion, and change.

Whether a student desires to lead a small local business in cornering the regional market, or a multinational corporation, an Organizational Leadership Master’s Degree can help students gain the qualifications they need.

How long does it take to complete an online Organizational Leadership master’s degree? Students can complete the online program in about two years, with some online programs taking less time.

For more degree and career information, skip down to these topics:

• What is Organizational Leadership?
• What kind of jobs can I do with a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership?
• What is the difference between a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and a MBA?
• How much does someone with a Organizational Leadership degree make?

Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership Degree Program Ranking Guidelines

We selected the degree programs based on the quality of the program, the types of courses offered, the faculty, rankings, awards, and reputation, including the school’s reputation for effectively providing online degree programs. *Note: Some schools provide a Master of Arts version of the degree

RANKING METHODOLOGY

Methodology for College Rankings

The motto of TheBestSchools.org is Finding the best school for you. Here is how we do it:

The value of any ranking list of schools and/or degree programs depends on having a methodologically sound assessment of each school’s/program’s characteristics, especially insofar as these can be objectively measured. A college or university is a complex entity, with numerous factors to consider, and distilling these down to the place where meaningful comparisons can be made to form a defensible ranking list becomes part science and part art.

To meet this challenge—and thereby provide you with the most useful and insightful educational rankings on the Internet—TheBestSchools.org formulates our rankings based on five informational categories (six, when considering online schools). The major metrics and qualities for which we rank are these (with expanded, detailed considerations and weights listed):

1. Academic excellence based on a school’s curriculum generally or within the selected discipline [weight = 25%]

• Weighs school against known leading schools in that discipline
• Weighs number of core curricula listed as advanced courses within that discipline and compares against introductory courses
• Weighs school’s curriculum against known knowledge needs of major employers in that discipline
• Considers number and types of specializations offered within that discipline
• Considers faculty expertise in that discipline
• Considers range of electives within that discipline
• Considers quality of online environment offered to students (if applicable), particularly within that discipline

2. Strength of faculty scholarship [weight = 25%]

• Considers education background of the faculty
• Considers years of faculty experience both inside and outside of academia.
• Considers faculty membership and leadership within relevant, prominent associations
• Considers academic papers published by faculty in relevant, prominent periodicals
• Considers awards and recognitions given to faculty members from prominent organizations and from other sources

3. Reputation [weight = 20%]

• Considers a school’s reputation among academic peers and employers regarding the following:
  • Faculty
  • Curriculum
  • “Freshness” of academic knowledge
  • Adaptability to changes in employment sectors
  • Suitability of graduates for the workplace

4. Financial aid [weight = 10%]

• Mandatory: Requires full accreditation from an agency endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and listed on the federal register to accept student federal financial aid
• Considers range of school-sponsored financial aid such as scholarships and grants

5. Range of degree programs [weight = 20%]

• Considers range of degree levels: associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral and professional
• Considers range of degree subjects offered, such as art & design, computers & technology, education & teaching, criminal justice, and business

6. Strength of online instruction methodology (if applicable) [weight = 25%; subtract 5% from each of the above for online schools/programs]

• Considers the following of the online classes:
  • Types of online technology used to deliver content
  • Pedagogy style: asynchronous, synchronous, or both (depending on the degree)
  • Extent and quality of the online, community learning environment, including options for communication, interactivity, and collaboration between students and also between students and instructors
  • Variety, breadth, and depth of coursework, and its support, including project options and online tutoring
• Considers the following of instructors:
  • Extent of training for teaching within an online learning environment
  • Amount of timely, consistent feedback to students
  • Extent of collaboration with prospective employers to ensure suitability of instructional materials for achieving desired skills
  • Ratio to number of students in a class
• Number and quality of internships in a student’s geographical area for applicable degrees

Because students tend to review a variety of information when choosing a school, the weight a student gives any one criterion will vary. For instance, it’s not enough to offer a carefully constructed ranking of great schools if many are too expensive or too difficult to get into.

To better serve the needs of prospective students, we are therefore increasingly offering filters that help you better use our rankings to find the schools that match your specific needs. These supplement our ranking criteria and include:

• Accreditation
• Public or private status
• Acceptance rate
• Retention rate
• Graduation rate
• ACT/SAT requirements
• Cost in-state / out of state
• Undergrad, grad, or both offered
• Region
• State
• City

Get the best rankings here AND get them to suit your personal needs. That’s TheBestSchools.org advantage!

If you have any questions about our ranking methodology, please contact us.

Citations: For a broader account of our ranking methodology, especially as it relates to TheBestSchools.org’s underlying educational philosophy and, in other ranking articles, looks beyond academic excellence (as here) to such factors as return on investment or incidental benefit, see our article “Ranking Methodology: How We Rank Schools at TBS.” Reputation of schools and degree programs can at least in part be gauged through the rankings of other well-known educational ranking companies. At TheBestSchools.org, we keep track of such social and peer validation: “Making Sense of College Rankings.” For nuts-and-bolts information about colleges and universities, we look to the National Center for Education Statistics and especially its College Navigator. Insofar as salary and inflation data are relevant to a ranking, we look to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Finally, nothing beats contacting schools and degree programs directly, which our researchers often do, with the result that all the entries in this article should be considered as belonging to this citation!

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The Best Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs

1 Saint Louis University – School for Professional Studies

St. Louis, Missouri

The School for Professional Studies at Saint Louis University offers more than 20 online undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and non-degree programs, all of which prepare students to pursue or advance their careers in a variety of professional settings, while studying on a schedule that accommodates their already busy lives. Designed specifically for working adult students, the programs in the School for Professional Studies cater to the non-traditional student’s needs. The School offers programs in five eight-week sessions throughout the year.

The School of Professional Studies offers an online Master of Arts in Leadership and Organizational Development degree program, focused on producing graduates who can work as effective, dynamic leaders of positive change and growth. The program prepares students to advance careers as business leaders through a curriculum focused on subjects such as project-based learning, cultivating relationships and effective communication, utilizing contemporary leadership models, making ethical decisions and applying critical thinking, and more.

Designed for working professionals, the Master’s in Leadership and Organizational Development degree incorporates applied analytics, systems thinking, and behavioral science to help students enhance their ability to act as effective leaders in a variety of professional settings.

The master’s in leadership online program requires 36 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Contemporary Organizational Leadership
• Ethical, Evidence-Based Decision-Making
• Research Methods
• Statistics/Analytics

Students must complete a capstone project.

Applicants to the online Master’s in Leadership and Organizational Development degree program must have employment at least on a part-time basis and have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience for admission.

Saint Louis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

2 Penn State World Campus

University Park, Pennsylvania

Launched in 1998, Penn State World Campus is the online campus of Pennsylvania State University. It enrolls almost 18,000 students in a wide variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and non-degree programs, making it one of the oldest institutions to offer online programs for non-traditional students. In keeping with and furthering Pennsylvania State University’s long history with distance education (since 1892), Penn State World Campus offers the same educational quality online as the on-campus programs of Pennsylvania State University, itself a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU).

Penn State World Campus offers an online Master of Professional Studies in Organizational Development and Change degree program, which develops a comprehensive knowledge base in organizational development and change, through a mix of theoretical and practical approaches.

Students in the program prepare to advance or pursue careers through gaining knowledge in areas such as the theory and application of leadership models, strategic use of resources in leadership, facilitating change, assessing group dynamics, small and large group leadership, and more.

The master’s in leadership online degree requires 33 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Foundations in Organization Development and Change
• Appreciative Inquiry
• Marketing Organization Development
• Assessing Data: Organizational Diagnosis
• Process Consultation in Organization Development
• Facilitating Groups and Teams

Students in the online program must also complete a culminating experience.

Penn State World Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

3 Quinnipiac University – School of Business

Hamden, Connecticut

The School of Business at Quinnipiac University offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs, all designed to prepare students to enter, or advance in, the professional world as well-qualified, effective leaders in their field. With a strong focus on career development throughout their programs, as well as resources such as the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the School of Business presents students with plenty of opportunities for advancement even before graduation.

The School of Business offers an online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership degree program, with four emphasis track options, including: Healthcare Management; Human Resource Leadership; Public Service/Nonprofit Leadership; and Strategic Leadership.

The program prepares students to advance their careers in a variety of professional settings. The program helps students develop a strong foundation in leadership practices and qualities, specifically self-awareness, as well as social responsibility and ethical decision-making, strategic thinking, the value of cultural diversity, the application of analysis and data in organizational leadership, and more. Students enhance their ability to work as effective organizational leaders, adapting to the needs of their setting and situation.

The online master’s in leadership degree requires 33 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Foundations of Organizational Leadership
• The Power and Politics of Communication
• Leadership Across Boundaries
• Performance Management
• Project Management
• Leading Organizational Change
• Ethics and Governance

Students in the online MSOL program must also complete a capstone project.

Designed for working professionals, the program requires a minimum of four years of professional experience for admission.

Quinnipiac University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

4 Creighton University – Graduate School

Omaha, Nebraska

Since its formal establishment as a separate division of Creighton University in 1926, the Graduate School has offered a variety of quality graduate and professional degree programs and non-degree programs. Promoting research among students and faculty alike, the Graduate School, in keeping with Creighton University’s Jesuit mission, emphasizes growth and progress through service, integrity, and independent thought. With a variety of online and hybrid programs, the Graduate School makes education and advancement readily available to all students, whether traditional or non-traditional.

The Graduate School’s online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership degree program provides options for concentration in: Business Leadership; Healthcare Leadership; and Organizational Leadership.

The online MSOL degree prepares students to advance their careers as organizational leaders in a variety of professional settings. The curriculum develops a strong foundation in the theory and application of various contemporary leadership models, developing strong communication skills (including written communication), the importance of innovation and adaptation, the importance of diversity in organizations and how to effectively integrate it, ethical decision-making, and more.

The online master’s in leadership degree program requires 36 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Leadership Theory, Application, and Reflection
• Writing for Graduate Students
• Strategic Orienteering and Execution Tactics
• Communication and Leading Across Cultures
• Innovation and Adaptive Change
• Approaches to Human Capital

Students in the online master’s in leadership program must also complete a capstone project.

Designed for working professionals, the MSOL online degree program requires students to have a minimum of two years of full-time work or leadership experience for admission.

Creighton University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

5 Saint Joseph’s University – College of Arts and Sciences – Department of Educational Leadership

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Housed in the College of Arts and Sciences at Saint Joseph’s University, the Department of Educational Leadership offers several graduate and professional degree programs and non-degree programs, both on campus and online. As part of the large College of Arts and Sciences, its programs provide a comprehensive educational experience, which prepare students to advance and excel in their chosen career field through the development of a wide-ranging, but relevant, interdisciplinary knowledge base.

The Department of Educational Leadership offers an online Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership degree program that takes an interdisciplinary, holistic approach to the study of organizational leadership. The program emphasizes experiential learning through interactive, hands-on assignments.

The program prepares students to advance careers in a variety of professional settings through developing a foundation in models and theories of organizational leadership and development, organizational dynamics and psychology, the promotion of sustainable change, interpersonal and group communication, the application of data analysis, and more.

The Master in Organizational Development and Leadership online degree program requires 36 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Organizational Leadership
• Leading Teams
• Change Leader: Facilitating Change
• Organizational Change and Culture
• Organizational Development: Theory and Application
• Research Design and Evaluation

Students in the online master’s in leadership program must also complete a capstone project and a four-day residency.

Saint Joseph’s University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

6 Gonzaga University – School of Professional Studies – Department of Organizational Leadership – Gonzaga Online

Spokane, Washington

The School of Professional Studies at Gonzaga University offers a variety of professional degree programs designed to prepare students to enter or advance in the workforce. In keeping with the Jesuit mission of the university as a whole, the programs in the School of Professional Studies seek to develop the students as a complete person, with a commitment to the betterment of society, the value of critical thought, and the promotion of social justice, solidarity, and global engagement.

Through the Department of Organizational Leadership, the School of Professional Studies offers a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership online degree program, with two concentration options: Servant-Leader or Global Leader. The online MA program overall prepares students to pursue or advance careers as effective leaders in a variety of professional settings through focusing on subjects such as analysis and the application of analytical knowledge, the application of decision-making models to lead organizations and reduce conflict, managing group dynamics, ethical decision-making, and more.

The Servant-Leader concentration incorporates the Jesuit mission of Gonzaga University, “people for others,” and leadership through service. The Global Leader concentration focuses on culturally diverse environments, and international business and interactions. Both concentrations allow students to enhance their ability to effectively lead organizations and facilitate positive change and growth.

The online master’s in leadership degree requires 30 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Foundations of Leadership
• Imagine, Create, Lead
• Communication and Leadership Ethics
• Organizational Behavior and Theory
• Leadership Seminar

Both concentrations require some face-to-face meetings. The Servant-Leader concentration requires a four-day residency, while the Global Leader Concentration requires a study-abroad or an internship experience.

Gonzaga University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

7 Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota – Graduate School of Business and Technology

Winona,Minnesota

The Graduate School of Business and Technology at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers a variety of graduate and professional degree and non-degree programs which provide comprehensive, quality educational experiences with a strong focus on career readiness and the development of a contemporary, sophisticated, and ethical understanding of business in a global context. Whether on campus or online, the programs at the Graduate School of Business and Technology function with the mission of expanding student opportunities through the advancement of a complete education.

The Graduate School of Business and Technology’s online Master in Organizational Leadership degree program provides a strong emphasis on the development of students as well-rounded leaders through identifying, and building a curriculum around, important aspects of five types of leaders: the Learning Leader, the Connected Leader, the Adaptive Leader, the Global Leader, and the Strategic Leader.

The program offers courses in pairs, with each pair corresponding to leader types. Through this comprehensive approach, students prepare to pursue or advance careers as organizational leaders in a variety of professional settings, through developing a foundation in critical thinking and ethical decision-making, building relationships and establishing effective communication, being able to adapt to situations and synthesize information, and more.

The online Master’s in Organizational Leadership degree program requires 36 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Leadership and Ethics
• Critical Thinking and Research
• Collaboration and Teambuilding
• Communication Strategies
• Economic and Political Context
• Social and Cultural Perspectives

Students in the master’s in leadership online program must also complete a capstone project.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

8 University of Denver – University College

Denver, Colorado

University College, the University of Denver’s college of professional and continuing studies offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and non-degree programs tailored to the needs of non-traditional students. Whether through evening courses or entirely online, University College offers an approach that accommodates the professional and personal needs of working adult students who may otherwise be unable to pursue a degree through a traditional program.

University College offers a Master of Science in Leadership and Organizations online degree with a concentration in Organizational Development which prepares students to pursue or advance careers as leaders in organizational management in a variety of professional settings. The curriculum focuses on subjects including historical, theoretical, and practical attitudes and approaches to organizational development, emphasis on critical thinking and ethical decision-making, the goals of organizational development intervention, and the assessment and application of different models of change.

The online Master’s degree in Science in Leadership and Organizations requires 48 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Leadership Development
• Building the 21st Century Organization
• Principles of Financing for Organizations
• Graduate Social Research Methods

Students must also complete a capstone project.

The University of Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

9 Colorado State University–Global Campus – School of Management and Innovation

Greenwood Village, Colorado

The School of Management and Innovation, part of Colorado State University Global Campus, offers a wide variety of quality undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and non-degree programs for non-traditional students. With plenty of resources available, including tutoring and career advancement, the School of Management and Innovation offers non-traditional students a complete educational experience, with a strong focus on career readiness and development.

The School of Management and Innovation offers an online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership degree program, with options to pursue a Practitioner track or a Research track, and numerous options for specialization, including: Accounting; Applied Business Management; Business Intelligence; Criminal Justice Leadership; Finance; Fraud management; Healthcare Administration; Human Resource Management; Human Resource Performance; Information Technology; International Management; Online Learning Innovation and Design; Organizational Learning and Performance; Project Management; and Strategic Innovation and Change Management.

The MSOL degree program emphasizes the importance and application of research and data, critical thinking and ethical decision-making, contemporary leadership models, diversity in teams, group communication, and global marketplace context.

The online master’s in leadership program requires 36 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Fundamentals of Research and Writing
• Effective Organizations – Theory and Practice
• Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
• Leading Diverse Teams
• Examination of Modern Leadership
• Decision Theory in a Global Marketplace

Students in the online master’s in leadership program must also complete an internship.

The School of Management and Innovation also offers a dual-degree option, combining the MS in Organizational leadership degree with an MS in Management degree.

Colorado State University–Global Campus is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

10 Regis University – College of Business and Economics

Denver, Colorado

Through a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and non-degree programs, the College of Business and Economics promotes Regis University’s Jesuit mission of experiential learning, with the goal of producing career-ready professionals. The College of Business and Economics caters to students both on campus and online with a focus on integrity, ingenuity, and service, and gives back to the local community through business partnerships.

The College of Business and Economics offers an online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership degree program, with a general track, as well as four specialization options, including: Human Resource Management and Leadership; Enterprise Resource Leadership and Planning; Organization Leadership Management; and Project Leadership and Management.

Through a curriculum focused on critical thinking and ethical decision-making, the use of analytics and data in assessing and instituting plans of action, contemporary leadership models, and more, the MSOL online degree prepares students to advance their careers in their field through allowing them to enhance their ability to act as effective, adaptive leaders in creating significant change and growth.

The master’s in leadership online program requires 30 credit hours, and includes the following required courses:

• Transformational Leadership
• Foundations of Organizational Behavior
• Leading Change and Innovation
• Strategic Leadership
• Delivering Organizational Excellence or LDR 6240 – Organizational Development
• Organizational Culture and Design

Students in the online MSOL program must also complete a capstone project.

The courses utilize an eight-week format, and start five times per year.

The College of Business also offers the option to pursue a dual specialization, combining two of the program specializations.

Designed for working professionals already in the field, the program requires a minimum of two years of work experience.

Regis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

11 Azusa Pacific University College

Azusa, California

University College at Azusa Pacific University offers students online academic programs which integrate faith and knowledge. Built upon a broad foundation of liberal arts and a Christian worldview, the college strives to educate the whole person, giving meaning and purpose to the skills and knowledge they gain through their studies—preparing them to make a difference in the world.

The Master of Arts in Leadership and Organizational Studies online degree program caters to working professionals seeking advancement or a leadership position. The program is ideal for people who already have professional skills, but seek advanced leadership and organizational skills. The program has an emphasis on the development of excellent management skills and personal integrity.

The online master’s in leadership includes the following required classes:

• Organizational Behavior and Analysis
• Managerial Marketing
• Research in Organizations
• Group and Team Dynamics
• Information Systems for Managers
• Conflict and Negotiations in Organizations
• Survey of Organizational Finance
• Human Resource Management
• Improving Quality and Productivity
• Strategy and Planning
• Leadership and Managerial Ethics

The online Master’s in Leadership and Organizational Studies degree program includes 33 units. Students take one course at a time, completing two classes each semester.

University College at Azusa Pacific University is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

12 Lewis University – College of Arts and Sciences – Department of Organizational Leadership

Romeoville, Illinois

The College of Arts and Sciences at Lewis University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, all of which build upon the Catholic and Lasallian mission of the University. Lewis University, initially founded in 1932 as an aviation technical school for boys, has grown significantly since its founding, but still maintains a balanced focus on theoretical learning with practical application and experience, a focus which continues to guide the numerous programs in its College of Arts and Sciences.

Within the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Organizational Leadership offers a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership online degree, with five concentration options, including: Higher Education Student Services; Nonprofit Management; Organizational Management; Professional and Executive Coaching; and Training and Development.

The program prepares students to pursue or advance careers in organizational leadership in a variety of professional settings through developing a strong foundation in contemporary leadership theories and practices, the importance of social responsibility and ethical decision-making, the development of relationships and communication, conflict management, assessing a situation and designing and implementing a plan, and more.

The online Organizational Leadership Master’s degree program requires 36 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Leadership: Theories, Practices, and Context
• Assessing Leadership Skills
• Leading Change
• Ethics, Integrity, and Social Responsibility
• Conflict Management
• Psychology of Motivation

Students in the online master’s in leadership program must also complete a capstone project.

The courses in the online program utilize an eight-week model, with each course taken one at a time.

Lewis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

13 Robert Morris University – School of Communications and Information Systems – Department of Organizational Leadership

Moon, Pennsylvania

The School of Communications and Information Systems at Robert Morris University offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree and non-degree programs that provide an interdisciplinary approach to the study of communications and leadership in a variety of fields, with a steady focus on practical learning, experiential knowledge, and career readiness. Home to the Robert Morris University Academic Media Center, providing TV and Radio broadcast services to the campus, the School of Communications and Information Systems situates itself at the core of university communications and athletic activity.

Within the School of Communications and Information Systems, the Department of Organizational Leadership offers a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership online degree which prepares students to pursue or advance careers as strong organizational leaders in a variety of professional settings.

The curriculum emphasizes the history and application of different attitudes toward leadership, the importance of critical thinking and ethical decision-making, integrity and social responsibility, the development of strong communication and relationships, and the importance of diversity in organizations.

The online MSOL degree requires 30 credit hours, and includes the following department core courses:

• History & Theory of Leadership
• Leadership and Communication
• Leadership and Ethics

Students in the online master’s in leadership program must also complete a capstone project.

The online program utilizes an eight-week model for its courses, with several start dates throughout the year.

Robert Morris University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

14 University of Wisconsin-Platteville – School of Graduate Studies – Distance Learning Center

Platteville, Wisconsin

The School of Graduate Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville offers a variety of graduate and professional degree and non-degree programs which prepare students to pursue or advance careers in numerous fields through earning a higher degree and advanced education. Through the Distance Learning Center, the School of Graduate Studies makes many of these programs available to non-traditional students, and with several industry associations and resources, students in the School of Graduate Studies programs have plenty of opportunities to develop professionally, as well as intellectually.

Through the Distance Learning Center, the School of Graduate Studies offers a Master of Science in Organizational Change Leadership online degree, with three options for emphasis, including: Project Management; Healthcare; and Human Resources.

The online program prepares students to pursue or advance careers in leadership in a variety of professional settings through building a strong foundation in areas such as strategic thinking and ethical decision-making, the assessment and application of business analytics, the theory and practice of various contemporary organizational change models, the importance of diversity in organizational change, fostering strong communication and relationships, and more.

The online Master’s in Organizational Change Leadership degree program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Organizational Behavior
• Organizational Communication
• Strategic Thinking and Change
• Business Analytics
• Introduction to Organizational Change Leadership: Theory and Practice
• Intercultural Change Leadership

Students in the master’ in leadership online program must also complete a capstone project, seminar research paper, or thesis project.

In addition to providing a quality education, the online Master in Organizational Change Leadership degree program comes with the bonus of readily available access to several industry resources, including the Association for Talent Development, the Society for Human Resource Management, the Organizational Development Network, the International Coach Federation, and the Madison Organizational Development Squad. Each of these resources provides opportunities for students to expand their network and advance their career and potential.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

15 Regent University – School of Business and Leadership

Virginia Beach, Virginia

With a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and non-degree programs, the School of Business and Leadership at Regent University prepares students to engage and thrive in the professional world. In keeping with Regent University’s strong Judeo-Christian values and mission, the programs in the School of Business and Leadership emphasize servant leadership and social responsibility through embracing a multidisciplinary and entrepreneurial approach.

The School of Business and Leadership’s online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership degree program provides the following concentration options: Futures Studies; Healthcare Management; Human Resource Management; Interdisciplinary Studies; International Organizations; Kingdom Business; Leadership Coaching and Mentoring; Not-for-Profit Management; Organizational Business Analytics; Organizational Communication; Organizational Development Consulting; Servant Leadership; and Small Business Information Technology.

The curriculum focuses on subjects such as the development of interpersonal and group relationships and communication, the assessment, design, and implementation of organizational plans, the history, development, and application of leadership theories, critical thinking and ethical decision-making, and conflict resolution.

The online MA program requires 33 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Information Research and Resources
• Foundations of Leadership: History, Theory, Application, and Development
• Organization Development: Consulting, Design, Intervention, and Evaluation
• Organizational Research, Analysis, and Problem-Solving
• Motivation, Teams, Coaching, and Mentoring
• Organizational Communications, Conflict Resolution, and Negotiation

Students in the online master’s in leadership program must also complete a culminating experience.

Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

16 Indiana Wesleyan University – College of Adult and Professional Studies – School of Service and Leadership

Marion, Indiana

Housed in the College of Adult and Professional Studies at Indiana Wesleyan University, the School of Service and Leadership offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and non-degree programs, with the goal of producing qualified and skilled leaders in the human services fields, including social work, addictions counseling, criminal justice, and ministry.

Through numerous regional education centers throughout Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, as well as through online programs, the College of Adult and Professional Studies extends its goal of developing career-ready professionals to many non-traditional students.

The School of Service and Leadership’s online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership degree prepares students to pursue or advance careers as organizational leaders in a variety of professional settings. The curriculum builds a strong foundation in practical and theoretical understandings of organizational leadership and the application of contemporary leadership models. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and ethical decision-making, the development of strong communication and relationships, adaptation and growth, and more.

The online Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership program requires 36 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Leadership Theory
• Wisdom and Leadership
• Followership
• Ethical Challenges of Leadership
• Organizational Behavior and Communication
• Organizational Learning and Change

Students must also complete a thesis project.

The online program utilizes a cohort model, in which students take the courses one at a time in a sequential fashion, alongside a learning group of other students.

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

17 Jacksonville University – JU Davis College of Business

Jacksonville, Florida

The JU Davis College of Business at Jacksonville University offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and non-degree programs in the fields of business, finance, information technology, and aviation. The JU Davis College of Business maintains numerous corporate partnerships, allowing students to test their knowledge and skills, and grow their networks with valuable industry connections, helping ensure the advancement of their careers after graduation.

The JU Davis College of Business offers an online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership degree program which prepares students to pursue or advance careers as leaders in a variety of professional settings.

The curriculum develops a foundation in the theory and application of contemporary leadership models, as well as finance and accounting. The curriculum reviews subjects such as the development of leadership skills, human resource management, innovation, and teamwork. The program also covers fostering strong communication and relationships, managing production and service operations, ethical decision-making, social responsibility, and more.

The online master’s in leadership degree requires 30 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Leading People and Organizations
• Managing Corporate Innovation
• Strategic Human Resource Management
• Managing Production and Service Operations
• Teamwork and Organizational Change
• The Legal and Ethical Environment of Business

The admissions guidelines for the online program recommends that students have a minimum of three years of professional experience.

Jacksonville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The JU Davis College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance College Schools of Business (AACSB).

18 North Park University – School of Business and Nonprofit Management

Chicago, Illinois

At North Park University, the School of Business and Nonprofit Management offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and non-degree programs, which prepare students for a variety of careers in business and feature a unique focus, in some programs, on the study of nonprofit organizations and their successful operation.

While the School of Business and Nonprofit Management offers quality programs for business students of all interests, their programs are particularly attractive for students working, or intending to work, in nonprofit organizations. In addition to its academic programs, the School of Business and Nonprofit Management houses the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management, providing plenty of resources and networking opportunities for students who seek to advance their careers beyond earning a degree.

The School of Business and Nonprofit Management offers an online Master of Organizational Leadership degree program that prepares students to pursue or advance careers as organizational leaders in variety of professional settings, with a specific emphasis on organizational leadership in non-profit organizations.

The program covers subjects such as ethical decision-making and social responsibility, leadership theories and their application in the specific context of non-profit management, and the importance of diversity (including conflicts relating to diversity). The program also reviews subjects including global macroeconomics, the intersection of private and public sectors, assessing organizational programs and their outcomes, and more. Through this comprehensive focus, students enhance their ability to act as effective leaders in guiding nonprofit organizations through change, growth, and development.

The online master’s in leadership degree program requires 36 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Organizational Behavior and Ethics
• Human Resource Management
• Diversity and Conflict
• Negotiation and Influence
• Nonprofit Management: Theory and Application
• Global Macroeconomics for Managers
• Multi-Sector Convergence and Social Responsibility
• Measuring Outcomes and Assessment

North Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

19 Western Kentucky University – University College – School of Professional Studies – WKU Online

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Housed in the University College at Western Kentucky University, the School of Professional Studies offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree and non-degree programs for non-traditional students seeking to advance their careers through advancing their education. With programs that promote personal development, career-readiness, ingenuity, and social responsibility, students emerge ready to achieve professional success as well-rounded individuals.

The School of Professional Studies offers an online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership degree program, which provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study through blending aspects of business, economics, political science, and psychology.

The online MA program prepares students to pursue or advance careers in a variety of professional settings through developing a strong foundation in the theory and application of contemporary leadership practices, the cultivation of leadership skills, critical thinking and ethical decision-making, the application of analytics and data, organizational behavior, communication and negotiation, and more.

The master’s in leadership online degree program requires 30 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Effective Leadership Studies
• Leadership Ethics
• Special Topics or Global Leadership Communication or Leading Teams or Leadership in Global Contexts or Elements of Public Administrations
• Applied Research Methods in Organizational Leadership or Research Methods or Methods of Social Research
• Leadership Studies Capstone

Western Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

20 Concordia University Wisconsin – Batterman School of Business

Mequon, Wisconsin

The Batterman School of Business at Concordia University offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and non-degree programs which promote the development of the student as a professional and an individual. In keeping with the Christian mission of the Lutheran-affiliated Concordia University Wisconsin, the Batterman School of Business emphasizes the values of leadership through service, ethical and spiritual development, innovation, and global competency in all of its programs.

The Batterman School of Business offers an online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Administration degree program, with a curriculum which emphasizes experiential learning and takes a hands-on approach, including coursework which prepares students for the Certified Professional Manager certification exam from the Institute of Certified Professional Managers.

The program prepares students to advance careers as organizational leaders in a variety of professional settings through focusing on the theory and application of current organizational leadership models, the implementation of information systems, critical thinking and ethical decision-making, fostering strong relationships and communication, negotiation and mediation, and more.

The online Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Administration requires 32 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Theories, Strategy, and Visioning for Leaders
• Organizational Communication and Negotiation
• Leading Change in Organizations
• Selecting and Implementing Information Systems
• Ethical Dimensions of Leadership

Students in the online MS program must also complete a capstone project and a practicum.

Concordia University Wisconsin is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

21 Olivet Nazarene University – School of Graduate and Continuing Studies – Department of Business

Bourbonnais, Illinois

The School of Graduate and Continuing Studies at Olivet Nazarene University offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and non-degree programs designed for adults. Through its programs, the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies seeks to create qualified professionals who can positively affect the world through advancing the university’s Christian mission.

The Department of Business in the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies offers an online Master of Organizational Leadership degree program, which prepares students to pursue or advance careers as leaders in variety of professional settings. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in areas such as the theory and application of contemporary leadership models, critical thinking and ethical decision-making, development of strong communication and relationships, effective organizational structures, and more. In keeping with the mission of Olivet Nazarene University, the program emphasizes Christian values in leadership.

The online master’s in leadership degree program requires 36 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Professional Communication
• Financial Environments of Organizations
• Organizational Culture and Ethics
• Power, Politics, and Leadership
• Decision-Making
• Understanding and Creating Effective Organizations

Olivet Nazarene University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

22 University of the Incarnate Word – School of Professional Studies – UIW Online

San Antonio, Texas

At the University of the Incarnate Word, the School of Professional Studies offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree and non-degree programs for non-traditional students seeking to advance their careers through advancing their education. In keeping with the founders of the University of the Incarnate Word, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, in 1881, the School of Professional Studies welcomes a diverse community of students in pursuit of knowledge, understanding, self-realization, and the common good.

Through UIW online, the School of Professional Studies offers an online Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership degree program that prepares students to pursue or advance careers in a variety of professional settings.

The curriculum develops in students a foundation in areas including the theory and application of contemporary leadership models, human resource management, strategic leadership, organizational development, theories of behavior and learning, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and more.

The online Organizational Development and Leadership Master’s degree requires 36 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Principles of Ethical Leadership
• Organizational Behavior and Learning
• Human Resources Management
• Foundations of Organizational Research and Assessment
• Strategic Leadership
• Foundations of Organizational Development
• Interventions in Organizational Development

Students in the online MS program must also complete a capstone project.

The master’s in leadership online program utilizes an eight-week model for its courses, taken two at a time over six sessions.

The University of the Incarnate Word is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

23 California Baptist University – CBU Online

Riverside, California

California Baptist University, a private university affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention and founded in 1950, enrolls more than 8,000 students in a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree and non-degree programs. Through CBU Online, California Southern Baptist University meets the needs of non-traditional, working students who seek to advance their careers through further education, while maintaining the university’s goal of cultivating academic, professional, and spiritual success in all students.

CBU Online offers an online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership degree program which prepares students to pursue or advance careers as organizational leaders in variety of professional settings. The curriculum emphasizes theoretical and practical experience to develop a strong knowledge base in areas including contemporary leadership models, intercultural leadership, diversity in leadership and organizations, and legal and ethical aspects of leadership.

The online Organizational Leadership Master’s degree requires 30 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Foundations of Organizational Leadership
• Conflict Resolution and Negotiations
• Organizational Communication
• Leadership Across Cultures
• Leading Organizational Change
• Legal, Ethical, and Public Policy Issues

Students in the online master’s in leadership program must also complete a capstone project.

California Baptist University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

24 Crown College – School of Online Studies and Graduate School

St. Bonifacius, Minnesota

Crown College, a private college founded in 1916 and affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance, enrolls a population of over 1,000 students in over 40 Christian-centered undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and non-degree programs. With a dedicated focus on Christian values and service in all of its programs, Crown College imbues students with a comprehensive educational experience that includes intellectual, personal, and spiritual growth.

Crown College, through its School of Online Studies and Graduate School, offers an online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership degree program, with 12 track options for emphasis, including: Biblical Studies; Christian Studies; Church Development; Community Development; Disaster and Emergency Management; Intercultural Ministries; International Christian Education; Non-Profit Leadership; Pastoral Counseling; Pastoral Leadership; Social Science Research; and Spiritual Formation.

With so many options for emphasis, the online program provides plenty of opportunities for students to prepare to pursue or advance their careers, and, in particular, to focus on the niche needs of organizational leadership in a variety of Christian settings, with Christian teaching and values integrated throughout the program.

The core curriculum reviews subjects such as strategic planning and program evaluation, the theory and application of contemporary leadership models, and organizational behavior and development. The curriculum also covers the importance of ethical decision-making, the development of strong communication, and more. Students can enhance their ability to act as effective leaders of growth and change in Christian organizations.

The online master’s in leadership degree requires 36 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Strategic Planning
• Organizational Communication
• Theoretical and Spiritual Foundations of Leadership
• Program Planning and Evaluation
• Foundations of Organization Theory
• Organizational Behavior
• Organizational Development
• Ethical Leadership

Crown College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

25 Southern New Hampshire University – College of Online and Continuing Education

Hooksett, New Hampshire

Southern New Hampshire University, a private university founded in 1932, enrolls over 3,000 students in a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and non-degree programs, including plenty of online program options for non-traditional students.

Through the College of Online and Continuing Education, Southern New Hampshire University offers an online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership degree program which prepares students to pursue or advance careers as organizational leaders in a variety of professional settings.

The program provides a strong foundation in theoretical and practical approaches to organizational leadership. The program focuses on subjects such as the development of communication and relationships within organizations, conflict resolution, the importance of diversity, human resource management, socially responsible leadership, critical thinking skills, ethical decision-making, and more.

The online MS in Organizational Leadership degree program requires 36 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Human Behavior in Organizations
• Strategic Human Resource Management
• Leading Change
• Organizational Leadership
• Responsible Corporate Leadership

Students in the online master’s in leadership program must also complete a capstone project.

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Honorable Mention: University of Colorado Boulder – Graduate School – Division of Continuing Education

Boulder, Colorado

Note: The University launches the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership degree program in the fall of 2017, exclusively online.

Although the MSOL program is new to the University of Colorado Boulder, faculty members, administrators, and instructional designers with extensive knowledge and experience in developing online management/leadership programs developed the program.

At the University of Colorado Boulder, the Graduate School offers a variety of graduate and professional degree and non-degree programs in many different fields. Through the Division of Continuing Education, the Graduate School offers programs specifically for non-traditional students, many of whom already work full-time and seek to advance their careers through further education. In addition to their quality programs, students in the graduate school have access to numerous professional development resources to ensure they get the most out of their experience, and see the greatest possible success post-graduation.

The Division of Continuing Studies offers an online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership degree program, with options to pursue a general track, or two specializations: in Human Resources or Strategic Leadership. The online MSOL degree program prepares students to pursue or advance careers as leaders in a variety of professional settings.

The interdisciplinary curriculum blends theoretical and practical approaches to develop a foundation in subjects such as the application of leadership models, leading change and innovation, the use of data and analytics in organizational decision-making, the importance of developing strong communication and relationships, resource management, ethical decision-making, and more.

The MSOL online degree requires 30 credit hours, and includes the following core courses:

• Leadership and Organizations
• Leading Change and Innovation
• Analytics and Data-Driven Decision-Making
• Strategic Communications
• Performance Management

Students in the online program must also complete a capstone project.

The online master’s in leadership program utilizes an accelerated model, with courses lasting seven weeks, which students take one at a time. The program takes just over one-and-a-half years to complete.

The online Master in Organizational Leadership degree program also comes with the benefit of the Professional Skills Mastery Lab (ProLab), through which students can access resources and engage in professional experiences beyond the classroom—such as mentorship, career coaching, communication workshops, and more—to ensure they gradate career-ready.

The University of Colorado Boulder is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Important Organizational Leadership Education and Career Information

What is Organizational Leadership?

Though hard to define precisely, organizational leadership, in the most fundamental sense, involves operational oversight in a company with the goal of promoting growth, development, positive change, and the achievement of goals, as determined by the corporate vision. Organizational leadership requires a person-centered approach that acknowledges the needs of the individual and of the group in relation to the promotion and success of the corporate vision.

What can you do with a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership?

A wide variety of organizations need qualified professionals with organizational leadership skills. A Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership allows graduates to pursue careers in general and niche industries, nonprofits, and government agencies.

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Organizational Leadership Master’s Degree Jobs

An Organizational Leadership Master’s Degree qualifies individuals for many different jobs including:

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Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership versus MBA

While both can provide students with valuable training, a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership differs in focus from an MBA. In particular, an MBA takes an analytical approach to the study of business administration, utilizing a macro-level view to train students in how to run a company through a strong focus on administrative theories, practices, and analytics. By contrast, a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership incorporates a more person-centered approach, training students primarily to work with individuals and teams within an organization in directing change and development. Both degrees have their value to individuals and organizations, but each offers its own take on how to generate progress.

If you’ve decided that an MBA is right for you, visit our 50 Best Online MBA Programs ranking article.

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Organizational Leadership Master’s Degree Salary

Potential career paths associated with an Organizational Leadership Master’s Degree vary widely; therefore, the average salary for an individual holding such a degree is difficult to narrow down. However, average annual salaries for some common jobs held by Organizational Leadership graduates include:

• Chief Executive Officer: $194,350
• Financial Manager: $121,750
• Education Administrator (Post-Secondary): $90,760
• Human Resource Manager: $106,910
• Management Analyst: $81,330
• Management Consultant: $81,330
• Marketing Manager: $127,560
• General and Operations Managers: $122,090

(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016)

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