35 Best Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership [2024 Guide]
By Joy Miller
Edited by Briana Sukert
Updated on September 23, 2024
If you want to become a more influential leader, enroll in an online masters in organizational leadership program.
As you learn more about human resources, employee development, team dynamics, organizational psychology and effective management, you can prepare to pursue some of the top administrative roles in your company or institution.
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Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Offering more than one-hundred two-year, four-year, graduate, and professional degrees, Azusa Pacific University has made private education available since 1899. This evangelical Christian enrolls over 10,000 students annually through online and in-person classes.
Azusa Pacific University has seven locations throughout California and has nine specialized schools to choose from.
APU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Bellevue University is a product of hard work And dedication That began in 1966. This public university received its current name in 1994. Students who attend Bellevue University are able to accomplish BA, BS, or graduate degrees in various academic curriculums.
Bellevue is also known for its extensive distance learning programs that give students the flexibility needed to achieve academic success.
Bellevue University is by the Higher Learning Commission.
Opening in 1950, California Baptist University combines spiritual learning with rigorous academics that gives students an opportunity to apply Christian beliefs to higher learning areas. This private school accepts students of all religions and teaches compassion and citizenship in each undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs.
California Baptist University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
Charleston Southern University first began in 1964 as a small Christian private school. Students who attend CSU can choose from a wide assortment of academic majors when pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degrees. Charleston Southern University has a host of learning formats that allow students to take classes online or on-campus.
Charleston Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Colorado Christian University began shaping the lives of adults seeking higher education when it opened in 1914. CCU now helps students across the United States have access to high-quality education. Offering all levels of degree programs, Colorado Christian University has a multitude of academic domains for students to participate in.
With its main campus located in the Rocky Mountain area, CCU also has a competitive distance learning program for busy adults.
Colorado Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Known as a military-friendly school, Colorado Technical University has been delivering higher education to adults since 1965. It has an array of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in various academic subject areas.
This private educational facility serves students around the world through virtual and on-campus learning platforms.
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Concordia University- Irvine joined the Concordia University family when it opened in 1976. This Lutheran based private school serves a diverse population of learners who wish to achieve a four-year degree or above from one of their five specialized schools.
Each school has numerous majors for status to choose from, including seminary, business, education, and health care.
Concordia University Irvine is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Established in 1978, Creighton University furnishes a means for students to acquire a four-year degree, an MA, or doctoral degree. CU is a private Christian School that gives learners a huge selection of education majors and encourages students to participate in volunteer projects or become involved in solving global issues.
Creighton University serves over 8,000 students every single year through online or traditional formats.
Creighton University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Duquesne University is a private research university that started in 1878 as a small Catholic school. Since, it has grown to serve over 9,300 students looking to acquire an bachelor’s or graduate degree. Duquesne University has ten schools of study and a campus based in Rome. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, DU serves students from over eighty countries.
Duquesne University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
George Washington University has worked to be a leader in private education since it opened in 1821. Many political leaders, scholars, and authors Are among the alumni from George Washington University.
Offering numerous educational areas of study, students attending GWU can pursue a bachelor’s degree, various graduate degrees, or professional level of education to help them be more competitive in their field.
George Washington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Gonzaga University has taught students the importance of whole-self-learning by incorporating spirituality, emotional health, and communication into each of its specialized study areas since opening in 1887.
Gonzaga University has over 100 baccalaureate or advance degrees to include master’s and doctoral programs to choose from, including law, leadership, and business. Students of GU can also earn a JD.
Gonzaga University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Founded in 1920, Indiana Wesleyan University affords learners everywhere the chance to academic success. Offering a large collection of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degrees, Indiana Wesleyan University is rated high among private Christian schools.
Students enrolled in IWU can participate in traditional classroom or distance learning formats. It also makes several study abroad opportunities available for learners.
Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Founded in 1934as a junior college, Jacksonville University began offering four-year degrees and higher in 1956. Throughout the years, it has spread across the world and has more than 100 academia options to earn undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.
Each course offered at JU includes practical learning applications and critical thinking skills to help students advance in their careers.
Jacksonville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, Lewis University began offering private education in 1932. Excepting students evolved denomination, Lewis University serves over 6,000 students on a yearly basis through online and traditional formats. It has over one-hundred scholarly majors to choose from that lead to undergrad or graduate degrees.
Lewis University is accredited by, and a member of, the Higher Learning Commission.
Students who attend Mount Vernon Nazarene University have had access to a well-rounded liberal arts education since it opened in 1968. Being a private University, MVNU awards an array of baccalaureate and graduate degrees in various subject areas that are designed to give students the personal attention and confidence needed to succeed in their education.
MVNU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
As a leader in private education since 1971, National University furnishes an assortment of educational majors to assist students in their pursuit of a two-year, four-year, master’s, or professional degree. NU has over twenty campuses around the United States and a dynamic virtual learning platform that reaches students worldwide.
National University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Neumann University is an esteemed Roman Catholic, liberal arts University that opened in 1965 under a different name. NU is a private school that has five academic divisions the graduate students who achieve undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degrees.
Popular programs offered at Neumann University include education, arts and science, human services, and business.
Neumann University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Opening its doors in 1933 as a small private liberal arts college, liberal University is affiliated with the Catholic Church that has a multicultural student body. Offering undergraduate education and graduate degrees, Newman University has various academic fields to major in.
Several of the majors furnished at NU include science, education, business, and nursing.
Newman University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Founded in the year 1937, Pepperdine University emerged as a faith-based school that combines hands-on learning with rigorous curriculum expectations to produce confident graduates. Pepperdine University has seventy plus areas of study that lead to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.
Some popular majors offered at PU include public policy, education, and business.
Pepperdine is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges—Senior College and University Commission.
Quinnipiac University commenced in 1929 and is a private school that Incorporates three campuses and a virtual learning platform.
Students attending Quinnipiac University can achieve bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD’s and professional degrees from nine schools of study, Each offering a unique perspective to applying practical learning, innovations, and research to academia.
Quinnipiac University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Regent University first began offering private education in 1977. This faith-based University is located in Virginia Beach and provides online classroom options for busy students who need a flexible way to gain higher education.
Offering an array of two-year, undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in various academic areas, Regent University caters to all students.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Offering both traditional and distance learning platforms, Regis University has been helping students achieve higher educational goals since 1927. Today, RU has an assortment of academic majors for students seeking a BA, BS, master’s degree. It also has an array of doctoral degrees and professional certificates.
Supplying private education to the community, RU has hands-on learning opportunities available in each study area.
Regis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Established in 1921, Robert Morris University helps students achieve the next step in their professional lives by offering undergraduate studies and graduate degrees. Once a school for accounting, Robert Morris University has emerged as a private education leader with more than eighty academic majors, including business, leadership, and education.
Robert Morris University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
1851 marks the beginning of Saint Joseph University’s long history of delivering award-winning academics to students looking to pursue a BA, BS, master’s, doctoral, or PhD degree.
Affiliated with the Catholic Church, this private university strives to meet the needs of their diverse student population by offering academic counselors, study abroad options, and online classes.
Saint Joseph’s University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Established in 1818, Saint Louis University has been supplying private education longer than any school West of the Mississippi River. Saint Louis University is a faith-based college then enrolls students from all over the world into their diverse undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Many programs offered at SLU can be completed through its distance learning platform.
Saint Louis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Commenced in 1912 as a small Catholic school. Today, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota assists a great number of learners year after year in completing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
As a private educational entity SMUM an abundance of scholastic majors, including education, business, organizational leadership, and business.
The Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Southern New Hampshire University is a well-respected university that delivers educational serves throughout the US. It began in 1932 and now serves a slew of students from around the world in gaining undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in more than two-hundred scholarly selections.
SNHU maybe a private school, but it boasts one of the lowest tuition rates in the nation.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Allowing students more control over their education, Thomas Edison State University is a public college that started in 1972 that believes hands-on learning is an effective means of earning a degree.
Students seeking an undergraduate or advanced degree from TESU can use professional work experience, military training, or comprehensive exams towards college credit.
Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Trevecca Nazarene University opened in 1901 as a private educational institution That serves students with a holistic approach. TNU has a pathway to an associate, bachelor’s or graduate degree and several professional certificates in a various of educational areas. It incorporates whole-brain learning, social skills, and emotional health into all study areas.
Trevecca Nazarene University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Established in 1864, the University of Denver serves over 12,000 students annually. Students at UD come from all of the world to participate in its globally recognized undergraduate and MA, MS, or higher programs.
The University of Denver gives learners over 300 educational majors and excels in research and innovation. This private school helps students become a part of a global community.
The University of Denver is accredited as a doctoral degree-granting institution by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Massachusetts Global has been offering higher education since 1958. With degree options that range from two-year to doctoral degrees, UMass Global has many academic fields for students to major in. This private school helps students develop professional and critical thinking skills to become strong competitors in their career fields.
University of Massachusetts – Global is accredited by the WSCUC Senior College and University Commission.
Founded in 1890, the University of Saint Francis provides an array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees to more than 2,000 students each year. USF is a private entity that is affiliated with the Catholic Church but serves students of every denomination.
Popular programs offered at the University of Saint Francis include business, health science, and liberal arts.
The University of Saint Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Wisconsin – Platteville started in 1866 as a public educational facility. Today, it has more than 40 scholarly programs that lead to an undergraduate, master’s degrees, and advance professional studies.
UWP offers social campus activities, clubs, and sports to those looking for an exciting campus life. It also has a dynamic online platform for busy adults who need more flexibility.
UW-Platteville is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Western Governors University opened in 1997 to give students an alternative way to gain higher education. Using a virtual format to deliver high-quality programs, Western Governors University is a private school that offers an extensive catalog of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
All courses offered at WDU is based on 21st-century learning and evidence-based curriculums.
Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Western Kentucky University opened in 1906 in works diligently to bring higher education to adults looking to maximize their skills and potential. As a public school, Western Kentucky University is an affordable option for students looking to obtain a bachelor’s or graduate degree. WKU is also an essential contributor to the economics of its community.
Western Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
As a leader, you may work in an administrative or management capacity. Either a master’s in organizational leadership or a master’s in management may provide the training that you’ll need.
Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:
Regardless of the specialty you select, you can still expect to receive a strong foundation in organizational leadership and related courses.
If you have strong interpersonal skills and enjoy helping teams reach their full potential, then a master’s degree in organizational leadership may be for you.
To help you become adept at working with team members, you may study behavioral science, psychology and learning theories. You’ll likely take classes in human resources, business ethics, and leadership as well.
Organizational management degrees often lead to careers in human resources and employee development. You might also become a project manager, an operations manager or a development director. Another option is to work as a consultant who provides insights for many organizations.
If you have your sights set on a role with “manager” in the title, then a master’s degree in management may be the obvious choice for a degree. This degree may also help you earn a senior leadership job, such as a CEO position or another spot in the C-suite.
The courses for your management program may cover human resources, project management and organizational structure. You may explore decision making, conflict resolution and communication.
This degree can prepare you for many different management roles, including human resources, supply chain and operations management.
Organizational leaders keep companies running well by making sure that the right people are in place for each task and that operations are carried out effectively. They hold administrative and managerial roles and sometimes ascend to the top leadership positions in a company.
Often, organizational leaders focus their attention on the people who keep institutions running. Their responsibilities may include hiring, training and motivating employees. For that reason, earning an online Master of Science in Leadership may help you find work in a human resources department or as a training manager.
Other managerial roles may be open to you as well. Some organizational leaders take top spots in IT, operations or project management departments. Pursuing a concentration with your online organizational leadership degree may help you land specialized jobs.
Holding a graduate degree may help you rise to the highest leadership positions in your organization. You might become a member of the C-suite or the president or executive director to whom all other employees report.
Organizational leadership jobs are commonly found in the business world. An online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership may also help you gain entry into nonprofit, healthcare or government management.
You may also have the opportunity to become a consultant. Companies might hire you to analyze their management styles or conduct training workshops.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for those with a master’s degree is $78,210. Your salary may reflect these average figures, but it will depend on a variety of factors, including your experience and certifications as well as your job title and the area of the country where you live.
Some careers in the organizational leadership field include:
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Chief Executive | $185,950 |
| Human Resources Manager | $121,220 |
| Training and Development Manager | $115,640 |
| Industrial Production Manager | $108,790 |
| Top Executive | $107,680 |
| General and Operations Manager | $103,650 |
| Administrative Services Manager | $98,890 |
| Management Analyst | $87,660 |
| Operations Research Analyst | $86,200 |
| Business Operations Specialist | $77,420 |
Specializing in a particular area of organizational leadership may help you stand out as a candidate for certain jobs.
Consider one of the following concentrations for your online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership.
Some schools allow you to craft your own specialization through your choice of electives. If you can’t find a concentration track that’s just right for your interests, you may want to inquire about a self-designed program.
Many colleges offer an online master’s in leadership degree. As you sort through the options, it’s smart to have an idea of what you’re looking for.
Would you prefer a school that:
A school’s accreditation status is one characteristic about which there should be no question. It’s always smart to choose a college that is regionally accredited.
A master’s degree program usually requires 30 to 60 credit hours. Some of those credits may come from classes like:
In addition to core courses, your organizational leadership program may include concentration classes or electives. Some also have internship or practicum components.
Some master’s programs, like business degree programs, are quite competitive, so you’ll need to assemble a compelling application packet that highlights your strengths.
Your admissions materials may need to include:
Some schools also request scores from standardized tests, such as the GRE or the GMAT. Not every graduate program uses test scores in the admissions process, though, and some that do also grant waivers to qualified applicants.
Regional accreditors are institutions that have the authority to evaluate a college’s performance. Seven U.S. regional accreditors are approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Not just any school can receive regional accreditation. An accrediting body must first evaluate how the college does things and what sort of academic results it produces. Approval is given only if the school meets the accreditor’s standards.
Regional accreditation makes a school reputable. You can usually transfer the credits elsewhere or use your degree to get into a doctorate in organizational leadership program or in a related field. Accredited degrees are also beneficial when applying for jobs.
Many leaders join professional organizations to connect with other managers and administrators and learn about new developments in the science of leadership. Many groups offer both online resources and in-person events.
If you join a professional organization during your master’s program, you may receive a discounted student rate. Membership may help you make valuable connections with industry leaders.
After graduation, you can take courses to continue your education. Some of these classes may lead to certifications.
You can list trainings like these on your resume. Your expertise may be attractive to potential employers, and your commitment to continual education can demonstrate your growth mindset.
Getting any master’s degree or PhD in Leadership can increase your earning potential, but you first have to pay for your schooling. Although the initial price tag of a graduate degree may seem high, you might be able to bring the cost down with government aid and private scholarships.
Begin your financial aid search with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). After submitting this form, you may learn that you’re eligible for government loans. Many students rely on these loans because they come with low interest rates, which makes it easier to repay them after graduation.
Depending on your financial situation, you may also qualify for government grants. This money won’t have to be returned after graduation.
In addition to federal funding, you may able to get similar help from your state. You can also look into private loans, but they usually have higher interest rates than government loans.
To help round out your financial package, look into scholarships and fellowships. These involve money that is gifted to you by an organization, such as a school, a corporation or a foundation. Scholarships may contribute to the cost of your tuition, your living expenses or even some educational experiences, such as conferences or travel.
To secure scholarships or fellowships, you’ll first need to seek out programs for which you might qualify. Then, you’ll need to craft strong applications, submit them and wait to see if you are chosen. The more programs you apply to, the greater your chances of receiving funds.
Getting a leadership degree may help you secure managerial or executive positions. Common departments to head up include human resources, operations and development. With enough experience, you might someday become a company’s senior leader.
Many organizations need the skills and experience that you can gain in an online master’s in leadership program. This includes not only businesses and corporations but also nonprofit groups, healthcare facilities, school systems and government agencies.
No, online colleges cover equivalent content as on-campus programs, so you can get a reputable degree no matter how you participate in classes. After you graduate, your online masters in leadership diploma probably won’t mention that you took distance courses.
What is important is that you enroll in a regionally accredited program. In doing so, you can trust that you will get a good education that comes with a reputable degree.
Traditionally, it takes around two years to complete a master’s degree, but you may be able to speed up the process with an accelerated online program.
In a fast-track program, each course session is typically six to 10 weeks long and you take only one or two classes per session. As soon as those classes wrap up, you begin a new set. With this approach, you may be able to get your degree in 12 to 19 months.
From small nonprofits to large corporations, there’s a need for capable managers and administrators. Earning a master’s degree in organizational leadership can demonstrate to hiring committees that you have what it takes to provide the leadership that their organizations need.
Management jobs are projected to grow at a rate of 5% in the next 10 years (Bureau of Labor Statistics), faster than the average for all occupations. Common careers in this field include business operations specialist, administrative services manager, general and operations manager, and human resources manager.
Yes, a masters in organizational leadership is worth it for many students. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, management jobs are expected to grow 5% over the next decade. That category includes training and development managers, human resources managers, fundraising managers, marketing managers, and top executives.
Earning a master’s degree in organizational leadership may help you secure one of those positions. They may also offer opportunities for prestige, influence and personal fulfillment.
The field of organizational leadership addresses leveraging individuals and teams for organizational productivity. It is a business discipline, but there’s a greater focus on interpersonal relationships and human interactions than business analytics and technical operations.
Because of their expertise in motivation, group dynamics and emotional intelligence, organizational leaders usually make excellent managers and administrators. They may be quite successful at increasing the productivity of an organization, improving the workplace culture and navigating times of transition.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary that people earn with a master’s degree is $78,210. Income varies with experience and responsibilities, though.
In the organizational leadership field, you could potentially earn $63,490 annually as a human resources specialist, but a promotion to human resources manager might increase your salary to about $121,220 and might go as high as $208,000.
Master’s programs vary in cost, but it’s common for the total tuition to be at least $20,000. Many programs charge $600 to $800 per credit hour, and you’ll probably need to earn between 30 and 60 credits.
Don’t let the tuition price deter you from pursuing higher education. Scholarships and government financial aid can help make school more affordable. You may also want to consider your state’s public universities. You may qualify for a resident discount.
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate program that focuses broadly on many aspects of working in the business world. For an MBA concentration in organizational leadership, you may take two or three classes that focus on leadership skills.
An online master’s in leadership touches on business principles but weaves leadership concepts into nearly every class. The emphasis is often on the personal nature of leadership — cultivating relationships, motivating employees and building effective teams.
You have the potential to become a strong leader who guides organizations toward growth and success. An online Master of Science in Leadership or an online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership can help you refine and develop your administrative capabilities.
Managerial skills are in demand by employers, and employment opportunities for managers are growing. Getting a master’s degree may help you secure a well-paying job as a manager, a director, a president or a chief officer.
Your path toward these top positions may begin with sending applications to graduate schools. A degree can demonstrate your administrative expertise and your preparation for leadership responsibilities.
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