At a Glance: BestColleges' Top Organizational Leadership Degrees
#1: Saint Louis University — Flexible online format, scholarships, and small class sizes
#2: Samford University — Low tuition rates, online learning, and a unique educational approach
#3: John Brown University — Low entry barriers and tailored class schedules
If you have a high school diploma or the equivalent and are eager to become a leader of a business, nonprofit, or government organization, you should consider exploring organizational leadership bachelor's degree programs. There are many online options if you're seeking flexibility.
No matter where you study, you'll learn leadership methods across industries by taking courses like leadership in a diverse environment, writing for business, and organizational behavior. You'll also gain relevant skills by solving real-world business problems, preparing to manage everyday challenges in the modern workplace.
Still curious about organizational leadership degree programs? Read this page to find the best programs of the year.
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Top Organizational Leadership Bachelor's Degrees
Is an Online Organizational Leadership Degree Right for You?
Pros
Coursework teaches relevant skills in conflict resolution, decision-making, and team management.
An online organizational leadership program provides the flexibility to build business and leadership skills while managing other responsibilities.
You will have opportunities to apply leadership skills to actual work situations and solve business problems.
Cons
As an online student without in-person oversight, you'll need solid self-discipline and time-management skills to manage your coursework.
Earning a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership is a big commitment and typically takes at least four years of full-time study.
You may face a learning curve, especially if you are new to leadership and management.
How to Choose the Best Online Organizational Leadership Degree Program for You
Before you enroll in an organizational leadership degree program, consider the following factors: tuition rates, program length, application requirements, school and program accreditation, and relevant careers you can pursue once you graduate.
Cost of a Business, Management, and Marketing Degree
Cost of a Business, Management, and Marketing Degree
Online
$10,473 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$5,918 Avg. Net Price
In-Person
$16,941 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$9,248 Avg. Net Price
Source: NCES PowerStats; data is for bachelor's programs in business, management, and marketing; the latest available data is from 2019-2020.
Business degree scholarships: Offered by colleges, various nonprofit, and corporate organizations, these scholarships are designed for students in business fields like organizational leadership.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Filling out the FAFSA is the primary way to apply for federal financial aid, which includes scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and student loans.
Student loans: You can get federal or private student loans to pay for tuition; however, you will need to repay these loans, with interest, after you graduate.
Online student scholarships: You can find internal scholarships from your college or university or explore external scholarships through platforms like Fastweb and College Board's BigFuture .
Scholarships for adults and nontraditional students: If you're an undergraduate over the age of 24, you may be eligible for scholarships for adults and nontraditional students.
Organizational Leadership Degree Program Length
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
Organizational Leadership Degree Application Requirements
High school diploma or GED: Bachelor's programs in organizational leadership require you to hold a high school diploma or the equivalent to enter.
Application form and fee: An application to each school is a standard requirement, and you'll usually have to pay an application fee, which averages around $50 per application.
Official transcripts: You'll be required to share copies of official transcripts from all schools you've attended, especially if you've started or earned an associate degree.
Minimum GPA: Organizational leadership bachelor's degree programs tend to require a minimum GPA of at least 2.0.
Application essay: An application essay, often called a personal statement, is a common requirement that gives you an opportunity to showcase your academic and life achievements.
Letters of recommendation: Usually, you'll need to provide 1-3 letters of recommendation from a previous educator, coach, or employer who can speak to your skills and work ethic.
As you consider your options, make sure you only apply to organizational leadership degree programs that hold programmatic accreditation from organizations like the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) or the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE).
These accreditation agencies help ensure your organizational leadership degree program has the qualifications and resources needed to provide a quality education and that you'll earn a degree employers will recognize and respect.
Jobs With a Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Human resources manager | $140,030 | Oversees their organization's administrative operations, including recruitment, hiring, and manager-employee relationships. |
| Project management specialist | $100,750 | Coordinates projects across industries, ensuring on-time delivery. |
| Logistician | $80,880 | Manages the movement of products through supply chains. |
| Industrial production manager | $121,440 | Supervises manufacturing plants to make their operations run more efficiently. |
| Management analyst | $101,190 | Consults organizations on how to improve efficiency and increase profits. |
Source: BLS
Education Beyond a Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership
Master's in organizational leadership: You can dig deeper into business and leadership topics by earning a master's in organizational leadership. You'll learn to dissolve conflict while leading teams and creating positive work cultures.
Master's in business administration: One of the most popular master's degrees, the MBA can equip you with knowledge of best practices in business management so you can excel as a business leader.
Master's in human resource management: If you want to lead human resources departments, a master's degree in human resources (HR) will teach you about recruitment, labor relations, and employee benefits, among other HR topics.
Frequently Asked Questions About an Organizational Leadership Degree
An organizational leadership degree can be worth it if you want to pursue a management or executive role.
These degree programs can teach you how to become an effective leader by providing relevant skills in change management, decision-making, and strategic planning.
Once you graduate, you can pursue well-paying career opportunities, including human resources manager, logistician, project management specialist, and management analyst.
