[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are many challenges that face the business world, and many complexities to understand. Completing an online master’s in organizational leadership can help you become a reliable expert on the matter.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These programs focus on developing specialized management and leadership skills in students. They can be beneficial for those looking to advance in their careers, as it helps them stand out in the job market.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This article provides an overview of an online master’s in organizational leadership, such as admission requirements, curriculum examples, and earning potential.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top Organizational Leadership Master’s Online[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”primary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we pride ourselves on our proprietary ranking methodology to help prospective students like you find the best fit. Our ranking system uses official government data to present schools without bias, taking into account key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is an Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online master’s in organizational leadership prepares students for leadership positions within various organizations. These programs include coursework, practical experience, and capstone projects that develop leadership, organizational, and strategic thinking skills and provide advanced industry training. They are fully online, consist of 30-36 credits, and often take 2-3 years to finish.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Core Courses[/hen-ui-heading] Core courses in organizational leadership cover important topics such as ethical decision-making, organizational behavior, change management, and strategic planning. These courses provide students with a strong foundation in leadership theory and practice, and are essential for developing leadership skills.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Electives and Specialization Tracks[/hen-ui-heading] Specialization tracks and elective courses are available to help students become more competitive and versatile in the job market. Specialization tracks and elective courses can cover areas such as human resource management, nonprofit management, criminal justice, health services, and project management.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Capstone Project[/hen-ui-heading] A capstone or thesis project allows students to apply theoretical and practical knowledge they’ve gained throughout their course. They focus on a specific topic or issue, allowing students to address and practice solving a real-world challenge. Master’s programs typically end with a capstone or thesis project.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Online Format[/hen-ui-heading] Though online degree programs have pros and cons, they generally provide flexibility to balance school, work, and personal obligations. Online programs may have synchronous (gathering at the same time) and asynchronous (going at your own pace) courses in a virtual setting. The length of an online degree may depend on whether you study full-time or part-time.[/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Types of Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schools offer master’s programs in organizational leadership in different types. They may be part of a master of science (MS) or master of arts (MA) degree or a concentration of a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-mba/”]master of business administration[/hen-ui-link] (MBA) program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each provides specialized skills and knowledge in areas such as strategic decision-making, effective communication, team leadership, and organizational development. But they also have differences. The following are brief summaries of each type of organizational leadership master’s degree programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]MS in Organizational Leadership[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MS in organizational leadership is a graduate degree that emphasizes the science of leadership. The curriculum often includes studying various leadership styles, conflict management, ethics, and fostering innovation within organizations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]MA in Organizational Leadership[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MA in organizational leadership program combines areas such as psychology, leadership theory, and team management. These programs provide skills applicable to many organizational settings, including leadership, communication, marketing, and human resources management.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]MBA in Organizational Leadership[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MBA in organizational leadership typically blends key business principles and leadership training. These programs focus on applying leadership strategies to address business problems, covering strategic decision-making, organizational change, and human behavior in a business setting.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Admission Requirements for a Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Researching and reviewing specific program requirements is important as they can vary. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution is a typical requirement. Other requirements for a master’s in organizational leadership include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admissions essays[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Personal statements[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Letters of recommendation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum grade point average (typically 3.0 on a 4.0 scale)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]GMAT or GRE scores may be necessary to enter some programs. Professional work experience is often preferred. Online students may also have to meet certain technology requirements, such as having access to a computer with reliable internet access.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do with an Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a master’s in organizational leadership, you can leverage your expertise and qualify for higher-level leadership or [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/management-careers/”]manager roles[/hen-ui-link]. These roles typically include positions that oversee organizational and administrative functions, including chief executive officer, [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/human-resources-specialist/”]human resources manager[/hen-ui-link], and management analyst. You may handle planning, time management, and company-wide strategic goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following are potential careers with a master’s in organizational leadership:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Chief Executive Officer[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The chief executive officer (CEO) is the highest leader in charge of managing an organization. CEOs report to a board of directors, who hold them accountable for the company’s performance and decisions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CEOs may hold different titles, such as executive director, managing director, or president. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data shows they earned an annual median salary of [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes111011.htm” target=”_blank”]$206,680 in May 2023[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]HR Manager[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A human resources (HR) manager oversees the planning, setting, and directing of administration functions within an organization. They’re responsible for all aspects of employee management, from recruitment to exit interviews.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]HR managers also maintain communication between an organization’s management and its employees. They earned a median annual salary of [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes113121.htm” target=”_blank”]$136,350 in May 2023[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Organizational Development Manager[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Organizational development managers focus on developing and growing a company’s employees. They identify and implement training and development programs that align with strategic goals and enhance performance.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]They may also act as a liaison between various teams and upper leadership. According to Payscale, organizational development managers earn an average salary of [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Organizational_Development_Manager/Salary” target=”_blank”]$91,773 as of April 2024[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Administrative Services Manager[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Administrative services managers oversee various office support services to help organizations operate efficiently. In larger organizations, they may specialize in monitoring facilities or mail distribution. In small organizations, they may act as business office managers. Administrative services managers earned $106,470 in median annual salary in May 2023, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes113012.htm” target=”_blank”]BLS data shows[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Management Analysts[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Management analysts help improve an organization’s performance and help them achieve their goals. These analysts, also known as consultants, may provide strategic planning, process improvement, and organizational change management services.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Companies may hire management analysts to advise from an external perspective or for their specialized expertise to handle a certain issue. Management analysts earned a median annual salary of [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes131111.htm” target=”_blank”]$99,410 in May 2023[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Can You Make with an Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Data shows the earning potential for a master’s in organizational leadership can be high, ranging from $80,750-$390,710, according to the BLS.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many graduates join the management of companies and enterprises sector, one of the highest-paying among management occupations. The annual mean wage of these roles — such as chief executive, human resources manager, and administrative services manager — was $182,120 in May 2023, BLS data shows.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Choosing an Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Important factors to consider when choosing an online organizational leadership graduate program include tuition, program length, [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transfer-credits-online-colleges/”]transfer policies[/hen-ui-link], and graduation requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation: Accreditation is a review process that indicates that the school meets high academic standards. Having an accredited degree can expand employment, financial aid, and education opportunities. Accrediting agencies must be recognized by the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chea.org/” target=”_blank”]Council for Higher Education Accreditation[/hen-ui-link] and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ed.gov/accreditation/” target=”_blank”]U.S. Department of Education[/hen-ui-link] (ED) to be considered legitimate.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Cost: In-state students typically pay less than out-of-state students, though some online programs offer the same tuition to online students regardless of residency. Additionally, public schools often offer lower tuition than private schools. However, many private schools offer more financial aid and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/academic-scholarships/”]scholarship[/hen-ui-link] opportunities to offset tuition costs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Transfer Policies: Transfer policies vary by institution. Many regionally accredited schools only accept transfer credits from other regionally accredited schools. In addition to credit for prior coursework, some programs may grant transfer [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-credit-for-work-experience/”]credit for work experience[/hen-ui-link]. Check with each prospective school to determine its transfer policy.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]School Size and Type: Small schools typically feature similarly small class sizes that afford students ample one-on-one attention from professors. Larger schools may consist of larger classes, but they may also offer more degree and specialization options than smaller schools.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]On-Campus Requirements: Consider whether a school offers the program fully online or in hybrid format. Hybrid structures combine online courses with on-campus requirements, so students should ensure that they can meet all on-campus requirements. In fully online programs, students can graduate without visiting campus.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s in Leadership Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is an Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership Worth It?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online master’s degree in organizational leadership can lead to a career as a project manager, executive director, or human resources manager. Many of these professionals make upwards of $100,000 a year. While a master’s degree can help you advance your career, it’s not always needed for leadership roles.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the Job Outlook With an Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the BLS, management occupations such as human resources manager and executive director are expected to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/home.htm#:~:text=Overall%20employment%20in%20management%20occupations,who%20leave%20the%20occupations%20permanently.” target=”_blank”]grow at a faster rate[/hen-ui-link] than all occupations from 2022-2032. The BLS projects about 1.1 million openings each year, on average. The median annual wage for all management occupations was $116,880 as of May 2023, BLS data shows.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Much Does an Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership Cost?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]National data on an online master’s in organizational leadership is unavailable. However, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) provides tuition data for related degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average annual cost of an online master’s in business and management is $10,994.5, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. If you were to finish the degree in three years, the total cost would be $32,982.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]