Best Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership 2024
There are many challenges that face the business world, and many complexities to understand. Completing an online master’s in organizational leadership can help you become a reliable expert on the matter.
These programs focus on developing specialized management and leadership skills in students. They can be beneficial for those looking to advance in their careers, as it helps them stand out in the job market.
This article provides an overview of an online master’s in organizational leadership, such as admission requirements, curriculum examples, and earning potential.
Top Organizational Leadership Master’s Online
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $750
Out-of-State | $820
Credits to Graduate: 30
CU Boulder's online MS in organizational leadership allows you to specialize in one of five areas: human resources, organizational communication, organizational leadership, leading innovation, and strategic leadership. Along with the final capstone course, you also complete a professional development mastery lab.
Online courses run asynchronously in seven-week terms with one-week breaks between classes. As a part-time student taking one course per term, you can complete the program in about 19 months without ever setting foot on campus.
- In-State$10,806
- Out-of-state$36,554
- In-State$12,168
- Out-of-state$32,220
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled39,000
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment73%
- AccreditationYes
Trine University
- Fort Wayne, IN
- 4 year
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $575
Out-of-State | $575
Credits to Graduate: 30
Trine's Lou Holtz master of science in organizational leadership focuses on ethics and communication in a business environment. The program concludes with a capstone course, and some of the courses can lead to professional certificates.
Your asynchronous classes run in eight-week sessions. You can complete the degree in under a year, but the program also allows you to take classes part time, which extends the graduation timeline. Trine offers five start dates each year.
- In-State$9,576
- Out-of-state$9,576
- In-State$10,350
- Out-of-state$10,350
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled1,367
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Arizona State University
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 year
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $779
Out-of-State | $779
Credits to Graduate: 33
ASU's online MS in organizational leadership equips you with the skills to analyze and solve critical problems for organizations. The program's courses cover research and theory, culminating in a thesis or an applied project.
ASU's online classes run asynchronously in 7.5-week sessions. The degree requires 11 total courses, including classes like analyzing organizations, qualitative data analysis in leadership research, and advanced leadership assessment. At ASU, all online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of state residency.
- In-State$10,710
- Out-of-state$12,984
- In-State$9,774
- Out-of-state$9,774
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled57,848
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment98%
- AccreditationYes
John Brown University
- Siloam Springs, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $640
Out-of-State | $640
Credits to Graduate: 30-45
JBU's online MBA or MS in organizational leadership offers flexible scheduling and zero campus requirements. You can complete either version of the program in under two years. Courses run in eight-week blocks and feature the option to webconference with faculty and peers.
While the 30-credit MS program requires only foundational courses in finance and accounting, the 36- to 45-credit MBA version of the degree elevates these concepts with managerial-level classes in both subjects. Both program options include courses like global leadership and ethics, designing and executing strategies, and Christian foundations in business.
- In-State$27,662
- Out-of-state$27,662
- In-State$13,920
- Out-of-state$13,920
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate53%
- Students Enrolled2,459
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Pepperdine University
- Malibu, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,510
Out-of-State | $1,510
Credits to Graduate: 30
Pepperdine's online MS in organizational leadership and learning focuses on team management and organizational design. The 30-credit program combines the flexibility of asynchronous online learning with immersive synchronous sessions. Each term requires a weekend session that you can complete in person or online. The degree takes 15 months and offers start dates in January and September.
You take classes in a cohort model to connect you with the same group of peers across the program. The degree concludes with a capstone course. After graduation, Pepperdine offers you access to virtual networking events and an executive coach.
- In-State$59,450
- Out-of-state$59,450
- In-State$37,300
- Out-of-state$37,300
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled10,029
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Keiser University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Program:
In-State | $30,936
Out-of-State | $30,936
Credits to Graduate: 36
Keiser's online MS in organizational leadership explores how to build and manage teams effectively. Classes cover topics like global human resource management, ethics, and leadership development.
At Keiser, courses run in eight-week terms. You can graduate in 12-24 months. The school keeps class sizes small to ensure learners can receive individualized attention from instructors. The program allows you to transfer up to 12 credits from previous educational experiences.
- In-State$20,800
- Out-of-state$20,800
- In-State$29,632
- Out-of-state$29,632
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled18,800
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Louis University
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $790
Out-of-State | $790
Credits to Graduate: 33
SLU's online leadership and organizational development MA offers multiple annual start dates. Courses are project-based and the program concludes with an applied research project. The school also offers the option for students to complete graduate-level certificates alongside the degree.
The online program features no campus requirements and runs in eight-week terms. Most classes run asynchronously, though some courses may require synchronous components. Learners who take two classes per term can finish in just over two years.
- In-State$48,100
- Out-of-state$48,100
- In-State$21,960
- Out-of-state$21,960
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled12,483
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment26%
- AccreditationYes
College of Saint Mary
- Omaha, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $540
Out-of-State | $540
Credits to Graduate: 30
CSM's online MS in organizational leadership teaches you to build, change, and lead teams and organizations. This women's college designed their program for working students, so classes run fully online in flexible formats.
By taking two classes in every eight-week session, you can accelerate the program and graduate in one calendar year. The school prefers applicants with at least three years of professional experience.
- In-State$21,800
- Out-of-state$21,800
- In-State$17,638
- Out-of-state$21,103
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate50%
- Students Enrolled838
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Excelsior College
- Albany, NY
- 2 year
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $715
Out-of-State | $715
Credits to Graduate: 30
Excelsior's online MS in organizational leadership with an emphasis in technology and data analytics teaches you how you can use data to help organizations thrive. The program concludes with a real-world capstone and portfolio.
Classes run in eight- and 15-week sessions and use asynchronous modalities to increase flexibility for working professionals. Excelsior allows you up to five years to complete the program. You can transfer up to 15 credits from previous learning experiences toward your degree.
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention RateNot provided
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled14,584
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentNot provided
- AccreditationYes
Creighton University
- Omaha, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,000
Out-of-State | $1,000
Credits to Graduate: 36
Creighton's online organizational leadership master of science emphasizes experiential leadership, exploring topics like strategic orienteering and organizational change. The program also offers two concentration options: business leadership and healthcare leadership.
You can apply elective credits toward certificates in subjects like bioethics, leadership and well-being, and sports leadership. The program runs part time to fit into working students' schedules. Creighton requires applicants to hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and at least two years of work experience.
- In-State$42,618
- Out-of-state$42,618
- In-State$17,190
- Out-of-state$17,496
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled8,480
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
What Is an Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership?
An online master’s in organizational leadership prepares students for leadership positions within various organizations. These programs include coursework, practical experience, and capstone projects that develop leadership, organizational, and strategic thinking skills and provide advanced industry training. They are fully online, consist of 30-36 credits, and often take 2-3 years to finish.
Core Courses
Core courses in organizational leadership cover important topics such as ethical decision-making, organizational behavior, change management, and strategic planning. These courses provide students with a strong foundation in leadership theory and practice, and are essential for developing leadership skills.Electives and Specialization Tracks
Specialization tracks and elective courses are available to help students become more competitive and versatile in the job market. Specialization tracks and elective courses can cover areas such as human resource management, nonprofit management, criminal justice, health services, and project management.Capstone Project
A capstone or thesis project allows students to apply theoretical and practical knowledge they’ve gained throughout their course. They focus on a specific topic or issue, allowing students to address and practice solving a real-world challenge. Master’s programs typically end with a capstone or thesis project.Online Format
Though online degree programs have pros and cons, they generally provide flexibility to balance school, work, and personal obligations. Online programs may have synchronous (gathering at the same time) and asynchronous (going at your own pace) courses in a virtual setting. The length of an online degree may depend on whether you study full-time or part-time.
Types of Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership
Schools offer master’s programs in organizational leadership in different types. They may be part of a master of science (MS) or master of arts (MA) degree or a concentration of a master of business administration (MBA) program.
Each provides specialized skills and knowledge in areas such as strategic decision-making, effective communication, team leadership, and organizational development. But they also have differences. The following are brief summaries of each type of organizational leadership master’s degree programs.
MS in Organizational Leadership
An MS in organizational leadership is a graduate degree that emphasizes the science of leadership. The curriculum often includes studying various leadership styles, conflict management, ethics, and fostering innovation within organizations.
MA in Organizational Leadership
An MA in organizational leadership program combines areas such as psychology, leadership theory, and team management. These programs provide skills applicable to many organizational settings, including leadership, communication, marketing, and human resources management.
MBA in Organizational Leadership
An MBA in organizational leadership typically blends key business principles and leadership training. These programs focus on applying leadership strategies to address business problems, covering strategic decision-making, organizational change, and human behavior in a business setting.
Admission Requirements for a Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership
Researching and reviewing specific program requirements is important as they can vary. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution is a typical requirement. Other requirements for a master’s in organizational leadership include:
- Admissions essays
- Personal statements
- Letters of recommendation
- Minimum grade point average (typically 3.0 on a 4.0 scale)
GMAT or GRE scores may be necessary to enter some programs. Professional work experience is often preferred. Online students may also have to meet certain technology requirements, such as having access to a computer with reliable internet access.
What Can You Do with an Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership?
With a master’s in organizational leadership, you can leverage your expertise and qualify for higher-level leadership or manager roles. These roles typically include positions that oversee organizational and administrative functions, including chief executive officer, human resources manager, and management analyst. You may handle planning, time management, and company-wide strategic goals.
The following are potential careers with a master’s in organizational leadership:
Chief Executive Officer
The chief executive officer (CEO) is the highest leader in charge of managing an organization. CEOs report to a board of directors, who hold them accountable for the company’s performance and decisions.
CEOs may hold different titles, such as executive director, managing director, or president. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data shows they earned an annual median salary of $206,680 in May 2023.
HR Manager
A human resources (HR) manager oversees the planning, setting, and directing of administration functions within an organization. They’re responsible for all aspects of employee management, from recruitment to exit interviews.
HR managers also maintain communication between an organization’s management and its employees. They earned a median annual salary of $136,350 in May 2023.
Organizational Development Manager
Organizational development managers focus on developing and growing a company’s employees. They identify and implement training and development programs that align with strategic goals and enhance performance.
They may also act as a liaison between various teams and upper leadership. According to Payscale, organizational development managers earn an average salary of $91,773 as of April 2024.
Administrative Services Manager
Administrative services managers oversee various office support services to help organizations operate efficiently. In larger organizations, they may specialize in monitoring facilities or mail distribution. In small organizations, they may act as business office managers. Administrative services managers earned $106,470 in median annual salary in May 2023, BLS data shows.
Management Analysts
Management analysts help improve an organization’s performance and help them achieve their goals. These analysts, also known as consultants, may provide strategic planning, process improvement, and organizational change management services.
Companies may hire management analysts to advise from an external perspective or for their specialized expertise to handle a certain issue. Management analysts earned a median annual salary of $99,410 in May 2023.
How Much Can You Make with an Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership?
Data shows the earning potential for a master’s in organizational leadership can be high, ranging from $80,750-$390,710, according to the BLS.
Many graduates join the management of companies and enterprises sector, one of the highest-paying among management occupations. The annual mean wage of these roles — such as chief executive, human resources manager, and administrative services manager — was $182,120 in May 2023, BLS data shows.
Choosing an Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership Program
Important factors to consider when choosing an online organizational leadership graduate program include tuition, program length, transfer policies, and graduation requirements.
- Accreditation: Accreditation is a review process that indicates that the school meets high academic standards. Having an accredited degree can expand employment, financial aid, and education opportunities. Accrediting agencies must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to be considered legitimate.
- Program Cost: In-state students typically pay less than out-of-state students, though some online programs offer the same tuition to online students regardless of residency. Additionally, public schools often offer lower tuition than private schools. However, many private schools offer more financial aid and scholarship opportunities to offset tuition costs.
- Transfer Policies: Transfer policies vary by institution. Many regionally accredited schools only accept transfer credits from other regionally accredited schools. In addition to credit for prior coursework, some programs may grant transfer credit for work experience. Check with each prospective school to determine its transfer policy.
- School Size and Type: Small schools typically feature similarly small class sizes that afford students ample one-on-one attention from professors. Larger schools may consist of larger classes, but they may also offer more degree and specialization options than smaller schools.
- On-Campus Requirements: Consider whether a school offers the program fully online or in hybrid format. Hybrid structures combine online courses with on-campus requirements, so students should ensure that they can meet all on-campus requirements. In fully online programs, students can graduate without visiting campus.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s in Leadership Degrees
An online master’s degree in organizational leadership can lead to a career as a project manager, executive director, or human resources manager. Many of these professionals make upwards of $100,000 a year. While a master’s degree can help you advance your career, it’s not always needed for leadership roles.
According to the BLS, management occupations such as human resources manager and executive director are expected to grow at a faster rate than all occupations from 2022-2032. The BLS projects about 1.1 million openings each year, on average. The median annual wage for all management occupations was $116,880 as of May 2023, BLS data shows.
National data on an online master’s in organizational leadership is unavailable. However, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) provides tuition data for related degrees.
The average annual cost of an online master’s in business and management is $10,994.5, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. If you were to finish the degree in three years, the total cost would be $32,982.
