At a Glance: BestColleges' Top Organizational Leadership Master's Programs
#1: Gonzaga University — Ranks highly for flexibility and convenience, dedicated student support, and over two dozen electives to choose from
#2: Pepperdine University — Short (15-month completion time) and four concentrations available, all in a customizable format
#3: University of Colorado Boulder — Accommodates working adults and only takes 19 months
Do you feel a drive for leadership? Can you see yourself navigating business challenges, using your problem-solving skills to resolve workplace conflicts?
A master's in organizational leadership is a management degree that can teach you about organizational behavior and leadership best practices so you can lead effectively.
And in an online program, you can learn how to apply organizational leadership theories to deliver evidence-based solutions for common workplace challenges — without sitting in a classroom.
For this ranking, we used a complex methodology to select the top online master's in organizational leadership programs so you can find the one that best aligns with your academic and career goals.
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Best Online Organizational Leadership Master's Degrees
Is an Online Master's in Organizational Leadership Degree Right for You?
Pros
You'll develop valuable skills in strategic communication, inclusive leadership, conflict resolution, and ethical decision-making.
A master's in organizational leadership can prepare you for various roles in project management, human resources, consulting, and executive leadership.
In BestColleges' 2024 Online Education Trends Report, 97% of online master's students and graduates said they think that earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
Cons
College isn't cheap, and online master's in organizational leadership programs cost an average of over $15,000 per year, according to the latest data — and that's with financial aid.
Organizational leadership is less focused on the technical aspects of business than MBA programs.
You'll invest plenty of time (2-3 years) into your organizational leadership program, and there's no guarantee the degree will result in a higher-paying job.
How to Choose the Best Master's in Organizational Leadership Program for You
Consider your program's cost, its length, and the careers you can pursue once you graduate. Weighing these factors can help ensure you'll get what you need from your master's in organizational leadership program when it comes to aspects like affordability, quality, and flexibility.
Cost of Master's Programs in Organizational Leadership
Master's in Business, Management, and Marketing
Online
$21,974 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$15,428 Avg. Price After Grants & Scholarships
On-Campus
$10,994 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$8,534 Avg. Price After Grants & Scholarships
Source: NCES PowerStats; the latest available data is from 2019-2020
Business Scholarships: These financial rewards are designed for students pursuing business degrees, including a master's in organizational leadership. You won't have to repay scholarships.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Filling out the FAFSA allows you to access federal financial aid. This includes federal grants and scholarships — free money you can use to pay for tuition and fees.
Student Loans: You can get federal and private student loans to pay your tuition and fees, but you'll have to repay these loans with interest once you graduate.
Online Student Scholarships: Once you enroll in a master's in organizational leadership program, you'll be eligible for scholarships created specifically for online students.
Master's in Organizational Leadership Program Length
Typical # of Credits
30-36 Credits
Typical Program Length
2-3 Years
Master's in Organizational Leadership Application Requirements
Bachelor's Degree: Your four-year bachelor's degree must come from an accredited institution.
Official Transcripts: Ensure you submit your official transcripts from every college or university you've attended.
Minimum GPA: Most programs require a minimum 2.5-3.0 undergraduate GPA.
Application Essay: An application essay, also called a statement of purpose, is a personal statement that outlines your academic achievements and goals as well as your interest in the program to which you're applying.
Resume or CV: Master's in organizational leadership programs generally require applicants to submit a personal resume or curriculum vitae (CV) that showcases their academic and professional experiences and accomplishments.
Letters of Recommendation: Most programs require 1-3 professional or academic letters of recommendation.
GRE or GMAT Scores: Not every program requires GMAT or GRE scores, so check each school's admission requirements.
Jobs With a Master's in Organizational Leadership
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Manager | $140,030 | Oversees an organization's human-centered activities, such as employee recruitment and relations |
| Economist | $115,440 | Collects, analyzes, and researches financial and statistical data, and studies the use of public resources |
| Postsecondary Education Administrator | $103,960 | Supervises student support services, academics, budgets, and faculty at a college or university |
| Social and Community Service Manager | $78,240 | Advocates for the needs of various communities to support and improve public wellness |
| Training and Development Manager | $127,090 | Develops workshops and training programs, like employee orientations, that improve employees' skills and knowledge |
Education Beyond a Master's in Organizational Leadership Degree
Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership: This research program will give you the advanced organizational leadership knowledge and skills needed to make strategic organizational decisions as an executive or business leader. You'll study organizational research and theory, covering diversity, ethics, interpersonal dynamics, and other related topics.
Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership: With a doctor of education (Ed.D.) in organizational leadership, you can work as a corporate trainer, postsecondary educational administrator, or education policy analyst. Alternatively, you could work in healthcare organization management.
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA): While many DBA-holders pursue entrepreneurship and consultancy roles, you can also find work as an economist. Many graduates go on to conduct research in think tanks and pursue executive leadership and government roles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Organizational Leadership Degrees
A master's degree in organizational leadership can be worth it if you want to pursue a leadership role in a variety of industries. Some potential careers include human resources manager, economist, postsecondary education administrator, social and community services manager, and corporate executive.
