They say that some people are “born leaders,” but earning your masters in organizational leadership can help you learn how to fine tune your natural talents for the professional world.
You might have aspirations to be a manager, director, or even executive-level leader. While a masters doesn’t guarantee a position, pursuing a graduate degree in organizational leadership can help you learn theories and practices that can give you an advantage in your career.
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Let’s take a look at how earning a masters in organizational leadership degree online could help you become a more effective and influential leader.
Online Masters in Organizational Leadership Programs
An online organizational leadership master degree is a unique opportunity to learn how to grow and become more effective as a leader.
Today’s leaders are tasked with a variety of responsibilities toward their teams, including resource retention, meeting performance goals, and accomplishing a myriad of tasks assigned to them from the top. Many professionals theorize that employee satisfaction starts with leadership. An effective manager should be able to motivate and inspire their teams.
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So, the skills highlighted in an organizational leadership master degree program are beneficial to leaders of any industry and level. Highlighted skills typically include:
- Written and verbal communication
- Conflict resolution
- Talent development
- Encouraging staff members’ engagement
- Understanding how to gauge workers’ satisfaction
Masters in organizational leadership online programs can help professionals with formal work experience grow as leaders. You have the opportunity to build upon your current experience or to select a field that is important to your future career goals.
Graduating with a master in organizational leadership does not guarantee a job as a top executive, but it can provide you with greater insight into workplace productivity and management principles.
Common Online Master Degree in Organizational Leadership Specializations
Organizations of all types function best with astute leadership. Many online masters degrees in organizational leadership offer specializations that allow you to focus on an area that’s most relevant to your career path.
Specializations can vary from school to school, but here are some common options:
- Nonprofit Organization Management. This specialization focuses on the tools and theories that help nonprofit organizations thrive.
- Medical and Healthcare Management. Students who wish to pursue a management career in a medical or healthcare-related field can select this specialization.
- Human Resources Management. In this specialization, you can learn what it takes to keep employees engaged and satisfied.
- Project Management. This specialization is designed for those who work in project planning or implementations.
- Professional Coaching. Students who are interested in providing coaching for future leaders may choose this specialization.
Choosing a specialization that is directly related to your ideal career field could help you understand unique situations and perspectives for professionals in that area.
Organizational Leadership and Development Careers & Salaries
Earning an organizational leadership master degree can prepare you for management roles in a variety of fields. Depending on your career path and specialization, you may receive the training that can help you excel in a particular area, such as sales or finance.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for management positions is $102,450 per year.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $179,520 |
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers | $133,380 |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | $127,530 |
| Sales Managers | $127,490 |
| Human Resources Managers | $126,230 |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,130 |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers | $119,860 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $101,340 |
| Administrative Services and Facilities Managers | $99,290 |
| General and Operations Managers | $97,970 |
With an organizational leadership master degree, you may develop the knowledge and skills to make you a competitive candidate for a variety of managerial roles.
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that management and director roles will continue to expand in a variety of businesses and fields, ranging from corporate settings to private nonprofit organizations.
Master of Organizational Leadership Curriculum & Courses
Each of the masters in organizational leadership online programs you may investigate will offer their own unique courses, but the overall goal of educating top-notch leaders remains the same.
Common types of courses you may encounter include:
- Organizations and Human Behavior: This course explores the interplay between a business organization and the individual behavior of each colleague.
- Human Resource Management Strategies: In this course, you’ll get the chance to explore how to best manage, organize, and develop a workforce.
- Ethical Leadership: There are certain ethical considerations that future leaders should keep in mind, as this course demonstrates.
- Corporate Organization and Structure: In this course, you’ll learn how organizations and internal structure can change and grow to become more effective.
- Communication Skills for Leaders: This course covers theories, stylistic ideas, and concepts for communicating with a variety of parties, from clients to direct reports.
- Leadership Theory: You’ll have the opportunity to learn and practice a variety of theories related to leadership methods and policies in this course.
- Analyzing Organizational Effectiveness: In this course, you’ll learn how to carefully review an organization for effectiveness and how to assemble an effective team.
- Social and Cultural Perspectives of Leadership: Understanding the social and cultural identity of your team members can be helpful in providing motivational leadership.
- Promoting Learning and Development: This course explores how leaders can engage their team to participate in learning and growth opportunities that can benefit individuals and the team alike.
- Conflict Resolution: Leaders are often counted upon to resolve conflict, and this course teaches concepts to help mitigate conflict in professional settings.
In addition to these courses, you’ll be asked to take classes related to your specialization.
Admissions Requirements
Before you start the application process, it can be helpful to thoroughly review the admissions requirements of each school.
While each school may have its own unique admissions process, here are some common admissions requirements for masters in organizational leadership online programs:
- GRE or GMAT scores (only some schools require them)
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Professional resume
- Statement of intent
- Letters of recommendation
You may also be asked to complete an interview with an admissions representative as well as an online application.
Accreditation
As you review different colleges and universities that offer a graduate degree in organizational leadership, it’s strategic to only consider schools that have received regional accreditation. Credible regional accrediting agencies are recognized by CHEA, or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
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Schools that have received accreditation have demonstrated that they provide a higher standard of education. Receiving a master in organizational leadership degree from an accredited university may be a requirement for financial aid eligibility and professional organization membership. Most employers also consider your education’s credibility in the hiring process.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
If you’re interested in needs-based financial assistance, you may wish to complete the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The federal government often provides students with income-based financial aid in the form of loans, grants, and work-study programs. Additionally, if you’re currently working, you may wish to check with your employer regarding tuition assistance or reimbursement opportunities. Some workplaces also offer scholarships for continuing education.
Many schools also offer scholarships and grants to qualifying students based on their academic history or area of study. You might consider checking with each learning institution to determine what financial aid options they can provide. You can also look for industry-based scholarships and grants offered by various community groups and national organizations.
Organizational Leadership Professional Organizations
In addition to earning your organizational leadership master degree, you may wish to participate in a variety of professional organizations designated for organizational management.
These types of organizations can help you network with other professionals in the management field. Plus, members often receive resources and up-to-date information regarding new practices and trends. Here are a few examples of organizational leadership professional organizations:
- American Business Women’s Association (ABWA)
- American Management Association (AMA)
- American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)
You may wish to consider professional organizations related to your chosen field as well.
What Is a Masters in Organizational Leadership?
A masters in organizational leadership is an opportunity to refine your leadership skills while learning more about how to help organizations run at peak efficiency.
It’s essential for leaders to understand how to communicate in a variety of situations. Today’s leaders are expected to appreciate and develop talent, decrease turnover, and demonstrate profitability for the organization in which they work.
A graduate degree in organizational leadership encourages you to practice creative and inspirational leadership methods in the workplace. This, in turn, could relate to greater productivity and satisfaction in the workforce.
What Can I Do with a Masters in Organizational Leadership?
A masters degree in organizational leadership can be an asset for those who are interested in pursuing management positions.
Regardless of the industry or field in which you work, an advanced degree in organizational management can help you appreciate and understand the challenges that face today’s leaders. Many roles—such as HR manager, training and development manager, PR manager, and benefit and compensation manager—are important to many different businesses.
On the other hand, some roles—such as a medical and health services managers—may be specific to a particular field.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership?
The length of time it takes to complete a masters in organizational leadership online depends on the program structure and school schedule.
For instance, if a program requires 36 credit hours and no thesis requirement, full-time students may be eligible to complete the program in 1 year. This may also entail enrolling year-round. Programs with a final thesis project generally take longer to complete, depending on the scope of the thesis.
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Additionally, attending school part-time can also increase the amount of time it takes to earn your organizational leadership master degree.
How Much Can You Make with an Organizational Leadership Master’s Degree?
A graduate degree in organizational leadership can be beneficial to leaders in a variety of industries and fields. As a result, your potential pay range can be very different based on your specialization, prior work experience, chosen industry, and location.
For instance, the lowest 10% of general and operations managers make $43,260 per year, but the top earners make more than $208,000 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Meanwhile, compensation and benefits managers tend to earn between $77,040 and $208,000 each year. The median salary for management occupations overall is $102,450, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What’s the Difference Between an MBA vs. Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership?
There are a few similarities between a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a masters degree in organizational leadership. The goal of each program differs, though.
An MBA program focuses on important business skills, such as:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Information technology
- Statistics
- Economics
A masters in organizational leadership emphasizes skills such as:
- Interpersonal relations
- Team motivation
- Social engagement
- Talent development
- Applying organizational change
An MBA is often a deep dive into many essential areas of running a business, while a masters degree in organizational leadership focuses on developing and managing talent.
What’s the Difference Between an MA vs. MS in Organizational Leadership Online Program?
You may notice that some schools offer a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, while others offer a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership.
Here are a few common differences between the programs.
| MA in Organizational Leadership | MS in Organizational Leadership |
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You may wish to check out different schools’ curricula and course descriptions for more details about differences between programs.
Is a Master’s in Organizational Leadership Worth It?
Yes, a master’s in organizational leadership is worth it for many professionals. This degree program allows you to learn more about how leadership can inspire greatness in a team.
Many professionals choose to earn a masters degree in organizational leadership so they can positively influence the future of industries and businesses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 9% job growth for management occupations over the next ten years.
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Your career path may depend on your professional experience as well as your chosen degree specialization. Most graduates go on to become managers or directors in their respective fields.
Universities Offering Online Masters in Organizational Leadership Degree Program
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.
Arizona State University offers a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. This program is designed to help students advance in their careers and prepare them for managerial roles. The curriculum requires the completion of 11 courses, all of which meet online. Each course is 7.5 weeks long. Courses cover topics like organization analysis, evidence-based inquiry, and social psychological perspectives.
Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Colorado State University offers a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. The curriculum aims to deepen students’ expertise in research, innovation, critical thinking, communication, leadership, and ethics. The program offers several leadership specializations so students can cater their studies to their professional goals. Students can attend classes, access resources, and get support 100% online.
Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Cornerstone University offers a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. Potential careers for graduates include leadership positions in government, health care, technology, insurance, sales, and manufacturing sectors. Coursework can be completed fully online or on campus. Students typically take one to two classes during each 7 week session.
Cornerstone University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Eastern Washington University offers a fully online program for a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. The curriculum seeks to equip students with the skills to synthesize theories, analyze data, communicate plans, and lead employees effectively. The program requires the completion of 44 credit hours. Students can potentially finish the program’s requirements in just 10 months when attending full-time.
Eastern Washington University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Florida Institute of Technology offers a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. This degree may be an excellent next step for individuals who want to deepen their leadership skills and affect positive change. All classes can be attended asynchronously online. On average, students can complete their degree requirements in 2 years.
Florida Institute of Technology is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Northeastern University offers a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. Students can select a concentration in Coaching, Health Management, Human Resources Management, Organizational Communication, Project Management, or Leading Technical Projects.
Students can attend 100% online. The program encourages students to gain additional hands-on experience through simulations and internships in the field.
Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Toccoa Falls College offers a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. The program offers concentrations in Intercultural Studies, Management, Ministry, and Sports Management. Courses cover key concepts like organizational communication, team-building strategies, research development, ethical decision making, and management of change within an organization. All classes are housed entirely online.
Toccoa Falls College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Colorado—Boulder offers a fully online program for a Master’s in Organizational Leadership. The curriculum combines fundamental principles from business, communication, and social science disciplines. The program uses an accelerated, 7 week model for all courses. Students can specialize in Strategic Leadership, Human Resources, Leading Innovation, Organizational Communication, or Generalized Studies.
The University of Colorado – Boulder is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Kansas offers a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. Classes cover topics like ethics, team building, and leadership strategy. The program utilizes a blend of online and in-person courses to provide both flexibility and networking opportunities. Students may be permitted to transfer in up to 6 approved credits from outside institutions or military training.
The University of Kansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Oklahoma offers a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. The curriculum is designed to help students gain the knowledge and skills needed to lead individuals, teams, and organizations. The program is housed fully online and offers three start dates a year. Students can typically complete their 33 required credits in 20 months when attending full-time.
The University of Oklahoma is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Organizational Leadership Masters Degree Online
Professionals with inherent leadership abilities can still be shaped into stronger, more efficient leaders. Earning a masters in organizational leadership may be the next step in your career. After that, you can even consider an on-campus or online PhD in Organizational Leadership program and earn a doctorate in the field.
Whether you’re currently in a leadership role or would like to be, a graduate degree in this field can help you develop your managerial skills. For instance, you could learn how to better develop and motivate both individuals and teams.
The sooner you start exploring accredited universities, the sooner you may find the organizational leadership masters program and specialization that best fit your career goals.
