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Professionals with an online master's in organizational leadership can work as human resources managers, benefits managers, and management analysts. Some use the degree to advance their military career. Master's programs in the field feature classes in leading change, strategic human resource management, and responsible corporate leadership.
Many online master's in organizational leadership programs do not require GRE or GMAT scores. However, some require a minimum 2.75 or 3.0 undergraduate GPA. The following sections explore the benefits of earning an organizational leadership master's degree. This guide also covers tuition costs, typical classes, and how to become a training and development manager.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Organizational Leadership
How much does someone with a master's in organizational leadership make?
Training and development managers earn a median salary significantly higher than the median for all occupations. Degree-seekers can research jobs through their school's career center.
What can you do with a major in organizational leadership?
Graduates can become sales and marketing managers, business executives, and project coordinators. Career advisors can help learners choose a career path.
What does someone with a master's in organizational leadership do?
Many graduates work for consulting firms, which help companies alter their operations. Professionals with a background in organizational leadership can also work in human resources and management.
Why Get a Degree in Organizational Leadership?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for training and development managers to grow 11% from 2020-2030. This figure exceeds the projected growth for all occupations. A positive growth rate indicates a strong job market for recent graduates. Additionally, training and development managers earn a median salary of $115,640 per year.
Working professionals often pursue their master's in organizational leadership online. Asynchronous online programs allow learners to schedule academic requirements around work and family responsibilities. Professionals can immediately apply new knowledge and skills to their current position.
How Much Does an Organizational Leadership Degree Cost?
The cost of earning a master's in organizational leadership online depends on factors including institution type. In-state public schools typically charge the most affordable tuition rates. According to the Education Data Initiative, a master's degree cost an average of $66,340 in 2021. Students typically earn their organizational leadership master's degree in 1-2 years.
Degree-seekers can fund their organizational leadership master's degree through institutional scholarships and grants. These awards may require a separate application. Learners can also receive federal financial aid. Degree-seekers with financial need submit the FAFSA to qualify for federal grants and loans.
Additional Online Student Fees
In addition to tuition, students earning an online master's in organizational leadership should budget for fees. Many schools charge a technology fee to cover online class delivery. Degree-seekers may also need to buy a new laptop or upgrade their internet service. Learners in hybrid programs also pay commuting costs.
Recent graduates often pursue professional certification. The Association for Talent Development (ADT) offers certifications in areas including instructional design and e-learning. As of February 2022, some of these certifications cost more than $3,000. ATD members receive a 10% discount.
How Much Do Organizational Leadership Majors Make?
Training and development managers earn a median salary much higher than the median for all occupations. Professionals can further increase their salary potential by considering positions throughout the country.
Professional, scientific, and technical services companies pay these professionals the highest median salary, $135,780 per year. According to BLS data, training and development managers in New Jersey, New York, and Washington earn the highest average salaries.
Training and development managers need at least a bachelor's degree. However, some employers require applicants to high-paying to hold an organizational leadership master's degree or MBA. Professionals with certifications may also qualify for higher salaries.
Courses in Organizational Leadership
Students in online master's in organizational leadership programs develop negotiation, communication, and decision-making skills. Coursework covers topics including leadership and organizational behavior and theory. Many programs require a final-semester leadership seminar. Degree-seekers may pursue a specialization such as global or servant leadership.
Many organizational leadership master's degrees require the following classes. However, course topics and requirements vary by program. Students should compare prospective programs' curricula and graduate outcomes. Learners can contact an admissions advisor for assistance.
The Foundations of Leadership
This first-semester class introduces organizational leadership fundamentals, such as different theories and communication skills. Students analyze mistakes that poor leaders commonly make in the workplace. Degree-seekers create a personal leadership theory and develop a leadership growth plan to achieve through lifelong learning.Organizational Behavior and Theory
Effective organizational leaders use a large skill set to lead teams and develop talent. They apply organizational behavior strategies to make decisions. This class covers these strategies and relevant theories. Students prepare to lead teams and create interpersonal relationships with coworkers.Leadership Seminar
Students in this capstone class work with a professor to create a unique project. Degree-seekers produce work demonstrating their mastery of knowledge and skills. Learners reflect on their online master's in organizational leadership program and plan for their career.
How to Become a Training and Development Manager
Individuals can become training and development managers with a bachelor's in the social sciences, business, or communications. A bachelor's degree qualifies holders for entry-level roles. Professional experience and further education can help individuals receive promotions to management positions. Some employers provide tuition reimbursement programs to help workers earn a master's degree.
Many training and development managers work in the scientific, technical, management, and finance sectors. These professionals may train staff in group and individual sessions, develop budgets, and update training materials. These managers analyze their work's effectiveness through interviews and surveys. Successful managers use advanced collaboration, critical-thinking, and instructional skills.
Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
#1 Best Online Master’s In Organizational Leadership Degrees
Lincoln Christian University
- Lincoln, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Lincoln Christian University is home to many quality online graduate programs. A notable option is the master of arts in organizational leadership developed for learners with a bachelor’s in organizational leadership. Enrollees complete an accredited curriculum with little need to relocate or give up their full-time jobs.
Degree candidates study in classes with a 15-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio that is conducive to personalized learning. Enrollees complete specialized coursework and training focusing on advanced ideas and practices in organizational leadership. This academic preparation is a prerequisite for higher-level careers in business and industry or a doctoral program in some cases.
Tuition costs $8,154 per year annually. Grants and scholarships help qualifying degree-seekers pay for their education. At this institution, about 60% of enrollees use student loans to finance all or part of their program.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Master’s In Organizational Leadership Degrees
Crown College
- Saint Bonifacius, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Many students want to attend graduate school online, and Crown College offers that privilege from the Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota, campus. Learners interested in graduate programs they can pursue from a distance can choose from nine online master's degrees. One option includes the master of arts in organizational leadership.
Online education's flexibility and adaptability attract many students to this graduate program. Enrollees can watch video recordings and complete coursework when convenient. Degree candidates gain invaluable knowledge that employers value or they may use to enter a doctoral program.
Applicants receive acceptance letters at a rate of 50% each year, with variations expected across programs. For consideration, degree-seekers need a bachelor's degree unless otherwise stated. Consult with the program to find out more about entrance and application requirements like transcripts, interviews, and recommendation letters.
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Master’s In Organizational Leadership Degrees
University of Northwestern-St. Paul
- Saint Paul, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Prospective organizational leadership graduate students should consider University of Northwestern-St. Paul for flexible programs that allow them to earn an advanced degree while they work. The master of organizational leadership is one of the top-ranked programs that attracts remote learners, who can choose from six online master's programs at the St. Paul, Minnesota, school. This adaptable program opens up access to full-time workers and others with scheduling challenges preventing in-person graduate education.
Applicants typically need a bachelor’s degree in the same major or a related field. The potential job opportunities and higher pay make the master's degree a worthy pursuit for many degree-seekers. The program may satisfy the entry requirements for a Ph.D. program in this field.
Enrollees pay $8,982 per year in tuition. Many learners help foot the bill by securing grants and scholarships from the institution and outside sources. In addition to financial aid students don’t need to pay back, they may also want to consider federal or private loans.
Percent Online Enrollment
50%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Master’s In Organizational Leadership Degrees
North Central University
- Minneapolis, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Degree-seekers from around the country attend North Central University for the top-ranked master of arts in strategic leadership, one of the best in its class. The master’s degree equips enrollees with advanced training valued by employers in their profession. Some master's graduates move on to a doctorate.
The convenient online format makes this school an especially good choice for many. The program accommodates busy students such as those who work and have pressing family obligations. Enrollees also like the fact that faculty serve as mentors, and they study in an environment that sees each learner’s potential.
The application requirements include a bachelor’s degree, unless the program states otherwise. The school accepts around 90% of all who apply, though different programs post different averages. Popular funding streams for those who qualify include loans and scholarships. Tuition costs Minnesota residents about $9,450 per year.
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Master’s In Organizational Leadership Degrees
Hannibal-LaGrange University
- Hannibal, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Without significantly interrupting their lives, graduate students can earn a master of arts in leadership at Hannibal-LaGrange University, an institution that emphasizes flexibility and accessibility. Though located in Hannibal, Missouri, the school offers three online master's degrees for remote learners, including the master of arts in leadership. This degree offers a flexible online format that accommodates the needs of busy professionals and others who work.
Applicants usually need a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in the same field or a related one. The program provides advanced education beyond a bachelor’s, preparing enrollees for career advancement and other opportunities. Another benefit of this degree is preparation for a doctoral program or another terminal credential.
Tuition costs $11,250 per year. Paying for tuition is always a concern, and grants and scholarships are an avenue for exploration. Many students may also want to consider loans as an option to afford tuition.
Percent Online Enrollment
28%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
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