35 Best Online Masters in Organizational Leadership [2024 Guide]

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.

Universities Offering Online Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership

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.

1. Azusa Pacific University

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.

• MA in Leadership

APU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

2. Bellevue University

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.

• MS in Organizational Leadership

Bellevue University is by the Higher Learning Commission.

3. California Baptist University

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.

• MA in Organizational Leadership

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

4. Charleston Southern University

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.

• MA in Organizational Leadership

Charleston Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

5. Colorado Christian University

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.

• Master’s in Organizational Leadership

Colorado Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

6. Colorado Technical University

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.

• MS in Management – Organizational Leadership and Change

Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

7. Concordia University – Irvine

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.

• MA in Organizational Leadership

Concordia University Irvine is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

8. Creighton University

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.

• MS in Organizational Leadership

Creighton University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

9. Duquesne University

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.

• MS in Leadership

Duquesne University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

10. George Washington University

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.

• MA in Organizational Leadership and Learning

George Washington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

11. Gonzaga University

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.

• MA in Organizational Leadership

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

12. Indiana Wesleyan University

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.

• MA in Organizational Leadership

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

13. Jacksonville University

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.

• MS in Organizational Leadership

Jacksonville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

14. Lewis University

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.

• MA in Organizational Leadership

Lewis University is accredited by, and a member of, the Higher Learning Commission.

15. Mount Vernon Nazarene University

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.

• MBA in Organizational Management

MVNU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

16. National University

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.

• MBA in Organizational Leadership

National University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

17. Neumann University

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.

• MS in Business and Organizational Leadership

Neumann University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

18. Newman University

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.

• MBA in Leadership

Newman University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

19. Pepperdine University

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.

• MS in Organizational Leadership and Learning

Pepperdine is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges—Senior College and University Commission.

20. Quinnipiac University

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.

• MS in Organizational Leadership

Quinnipiac University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

21. Regent University

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.

• MA in Organizational Leadership

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

22. Regis University

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.

• MS in Organizational Leadership

Regis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

23. Robert Morris University

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.

• MS in Organizational Leadership

Robert Morris University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

24. Saint Joseph’s University

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.

• MS in Organizational Development and Leadership

Saint Joseph’s University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

25. Saint Louis University

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.

• MA in Leadership and Organizational Development

Saint Louis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

26. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

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.

• MA in Organizational Leadership

The Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

27. Southern New Hampshire University

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.

• MS in Organizational Leadership

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

28. Thomas Edison State University

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.

• MS in Management – Organizational Leadership

Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

29. Trevecca Nazarene University

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.

• Master of Organizational Leadership

Trevecca Nazarene University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

30. University of Denver

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.

• MS in Organizational Leadership

The University of Denver is accredited as a doctoral degree-granting institution by the Higher Learning Commission.

31. University of Massachusetts – Global

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.

• MA in Organizational Leadership

University of Massachusetts – Global is accredited by the WSCUC Senior College and University Commission.

32. University of Saint Francis

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.

• Master of Organizational Leadership

The University of Saint Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

33. University of Wisconsin – Platteville

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.

• MS in Organizational Change Leadership

UW-Platteville is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

34. Western Governors University

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.

• MS in Management and Leadership

Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

35. Western Kentucky University

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.

• MA in Organizational Leadership

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

Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership Programs

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:

• Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership
• Online Master’s in Management

Regardless of the specialty you select, you can still expect to receive a strong foundation in organizational leadership and related courses.

Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership

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.

Online Master’s in Management

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 Leadership Careers & Salaries

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:

Organizational Leadership Specializations & Concentrations

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.

• Corporate Social Responsibility: If you have a strong sense of ethics and an interest in regulatory matters, you might enjoy classes on environmentalism and grant writing.
• Emotional Intelligence for Leadership: You can cultivate your interest in psychology by studying emotional intelligence and learning how to create safe, supportive workplaces in which employees can thrive.
• Healthcare Management: You can get ready for leadership positions in healthcare facilities through courses like Healthcare Finance and Administration of Medical Practices.
• Human Resources Management: Position yourself for a job as an HR manager or director by learning about contracts and negotiations, training and development, and recruitment strategies.
• Marketing Science: To work in advertising or promotions management, study consumer trends and behavioral science in a marketing concentration.
• Nonprofit Management: You can learn about fundraising, volunteer relations and communication as you prepare to take the helm of a nonprofit organization or serve as a grant writer or a marketing manager.
• Professional & Executive Coaching: If you want to work as a coach, a motivational speaker or a consultant, you’ll probably appreciate this program’s focus on needs assessment, communication, motivation and problem-solving.
• Project Management: With classes like Procurement for Projects, Contract Negotiation and Project Management Technology, you can gain essential skills for working as a project manager who balances ambitious goals and budgetary constraints.

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.

Choosing an Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership Degree

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:

• Is online or on-campus? Online programs are flexible, accomodating and great for self-starters, but in-person classes are helpful for those who need the accountability of a set schedule.
• Issues a generalist degree or offers specializations? A generalist program can prepare you to work in many different organizational leadership roles, but a specialization may boost your credentials in a particular area of this field.
• Lets you enroll part-time or full-time? Part-time enrollment can be helpful if you’re not quitting your job to go back to school, but it will take less time to finish your degree if you carry a full course load.
• Runs year-round or on traditional semesters? Year-round classes can help you fast-track your way through school, but a two-semester calendar may give you the luxury of an extended summer break.

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.

Organizational Leadership Curriculum & Courses

A master’s degree program usually requires 30 to 60 credit hours. Some of those credits may come from classes like:

• Behavioral Science for Leadership: Learning what motivates people and how groups interact can help you become an influential leader.
• Change Management: You can discuss how to bring teams through transition periods and come out stronger on the other side.
• Communication in Organizations: This course can help prepare you to clearly present your ideas to individual team members or your entire organization.
• Data and Decisions: You can learn to make reliable decisions based on data analytics.
• Ethical Leadership: You and your classmates can discuss what it means to be a socially responsible leader who operates with integrity.
• Growth for Leaders: One of the keys to being a strong leader is a continual willingness to stretch yourself, so this class covers strategies for personal growth.
• Human Resources Management: This course may cover recruiting, hiring, training and negotiating.
• Personal and Organizational Performance: This course can help you learn how to encourage individuals and teams to realize their full potential.
• Planning and Problem Solving: Studies in this class address how to identify organizational needs and develop strategies to meet them.
• Technology for Business Leadership: Tech tools can help you organize and streamline your workplace activities and communications.

In addition to core courses, your organizational leadership program may include concentration classes or electives. Some also have internship or practicum components.

Admissions Requirements

Some master’s 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:

• Essay: The response that you craft to the school’s essay question can provide insight into your character, your experiences and your goals.
• Reference letters: Academic or professional supervisors can attest to your knowledge, abilities and work ethic.
• Resume: A record of your professional history helps admissions personnel understand what experience you’ll contribute to the program.
• Transcripts: These official school documents show your undergraduate coursework and GPA, and, if you’ve taken previous graduate classes, they may help you transfer in credits.

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.

Accreditation

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 graduate program. Accredited degrees are also beneficial when applying for jobs.

Organizational Leadership Professional Organizations

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.

• American Business Women’s Association
• American Management Association
• American Society of Association Executives
• Center for Creative Leadership
• Institute of Certified Professional Managers
• Institute for Management Consultants
• National Association of Sales Professionals
• National Management Association
• Society for Human Resources Management
• Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology

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.

Organizational Leadership Licensing and Certification

After graduation, you can take courses to continue your education. Some of these classes may lead to certifications.

• Management for IT Professionals Certificate: You can enroll in this six-month course for self-paced studies in workplace culture, budgeting, communication and leadership for IT professionals.
• Project Risk Management Certificate: You can learn to the risks involve in projects large and small through a four-day in-person class with online components, or you can bring in a team to do training for your entire department.

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.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

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.

What Can You Do With a Masters in Organizational Leadership?

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.

Do Employers Look Down on Online Masters Degrees?

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.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership?

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.

Is Organizational Leadership a Good Degree?

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.

Is a Masters in Organizational Leadership Worth it?

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.

What is Organizational Leadership?

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.

How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership?

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.

Is a Masters in Organizational Leadership Online Affordable?

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.

What is the Difference Between an MBA vs. Masters in Organizational Leadership?

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.

Getting Your Masters in Organizational Leadership Online

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.