10 Free Organizational Leadership Degrees & Courses

Don't let high tuition rates discourage you from pursuing an organizational leadership degree or course. Many degree programs are flexible and affordable, especially with various financial aid options available. For those looking for a way to learn about organizational leadership for free, consider online organizational leadership courses.

Many of these online courses are free, but optional certifications are available for purchase. These classes can help you evaluate your career goals and passions to determine whether this major is a good fit for you. Then, you can choose to improve your leadership development skills by enrolling in a cost-effective online program.

Below are some of the best affordable online organizational leadership degrees and courses.

Can I Earn My Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Leadership for Free Online?

Unfortunately, there are no entirely free online degrees, though some students can have all their costs covered with the right combination of financial aid. However, you can take an online course for free. If you want to pursue a degree, you can choose a low-cost school or apply for financial aid to cover the cost. Fill out the FAFSA online form to see which funding opportunities you can participate in.

Make sure to apply early to maximize your benefits package. You will receive a student aid report (SAR) listing the federal student aid you qualify for. Some examples are grants and work-study programs.

Free Online Organizational Leadership Courses

Online organizational leadership courses are a great way to help you determine whether you should enter this field. Many courses feature interactive content, practical case studies, and networking opportunities.

These online courses also offer shareable certificates for purchase. A certificate can help boost your professional credibility for employment opportunities. Here are some free online organizational leadership courses.

1. Northwestern University � Organizational Leadership Specialization

Northwestern University offers an Organizational Leadership Specialization course through Coursera. Students can purchase a certificate and share it on their LinkedIn profiles.

You can complete this self-paced course in a month of study. Some of the modules here include:

• High-Performance Collaboration
• Leadership Communication for Maximum Impact: Storytelling
• Leadership Through Social Influence
• Leadership Through Marketing

2. Harvard University � Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles

Harvard University partners with edX to offer the Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles course through HarvardX. Students participate in case studies to learn significant business principles.

Learners will develop strategies to secure financial support for business efforts. Some of the topics covered here include:

• delivering public value and services
• critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• moral and ethical challenges
• improving public value outcomes

3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign � Strategic Leadership and Management

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign provides the Strategic Leadership and Management Specialization course on Coursera. Students will learn about industry-specific concepts and initiatives.

This program features a capstone project, which you will complete after finishing all assignments. Modules here include:

• Designing the Organization
• Managing the Organization
• Business Strategy
• Corporate Strategy

4. University of Michigan � Leading People and Teams Specialization

The University of Michigan offers the Leading People and Teams Specialization course through the Coursera learning platform. This beginner-level program requires a month of study and has five courses, including a capstone project.

Students will learn how to lead teams of people and apply research skills through practical leadership assignments. Some of the modules here consist of:

• Inspiring and Motivating Individuals
• Managing Talent
• Influencing People
• Leading Teams

5. Rice University � Organizational Leadership in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Rice University's Organizational Leadership in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialization course is available on Coursera. Unlike the other courses on this list, students should have some leadership knowledge before enrolling.

You will explore essential diversity and inclusion components in business to help manage the attitude toward social justice. Modules here comprise of the following:

• Defining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Organizations
• Key Concepts in Organizational DE&I
• Best Practices in Planning DE&I
• Assessing Cultural Climate

Free and Low-Cost Bachelor's Degrees in Organizational Leadership

Although bachelor's degrees aren't free, you can reduce or eliminate costs through financial aid. Other components, like accelerated programs, transfer credits, and institutional scholarships, can help you complete a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership quickly and affordably.

These online business schools have a mix of elective and core courses to provide a well-rounded education. Students should expect to study coursework on organizational change and leadership styles.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University's online Bachelor of Arts in organizational leadership focuses on helping students develop a people-focused mindset. You will learn how to be an impactful manager in your chosen industry.

Learners can transfer credits to complete this degree more quickly. Coursework here includes:

• Behavioral Dynamics in Organizations
• Organizational Ethics
• Special Topics
• Resource Allocation in Organizations

2. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers a Bachelor of Arts in organizational leadership that emphasizes team building and mentoring. Learners are encouraged to lead diversity in the workplace.

Students in this program can gain foundational knowledge about social influence and persuasion that is needed for leadership positions. Coursework is asynchronous and includes:

• Foundations of Leadership
• Writing for Business
• Ethical Issues in Organizations
• Fundamentals of Organizations

3. The University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in organizational leadership. This program prepares students to work in the corporate, non-profit, and government sectors. Some areas of interest include economics, psychology, and behavioral sciences. Courses here consist of:

• Psychology of Leadership
• Leadership in a Diverse Environment
• Ethics in Public and Private Sectors
• Entrepreneurship and Small Business Growth Dynamics

4. Penn State World Campus

Penn State World Campus provides a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership that teaches students about contemporary labor management and leadership issues. You can customize part of the curriculum by choosing from a long list of courses to complete your degree.

Learners must get a C or higher in all courses to be eligible for graduation. You will learn about data-based decision-making and purposeful communication. Courses here include:

• Evidence-Based Leadership
• Collective Decision-Making
• Work Attitudes and Motivation
• Elementary Statistics

5. Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University offers an online Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership through the College of Leadership and Professional Studies. The instructors teach this program from a Christian perspective.

Students will learn about conflict resolution and leading with purpose. Coursework here consists of:

• Self Assessment in Leadership
• Teams and Team Leadership
• Crisis Management in Organizations
• Ethics for Leaders

What Will I Learn In a Free Online Organizational Leadership Course?

Free online organizational leadership courses mix industry-specific knowledge with practical applications to prepare aspiring business professionals for real-world challenges. Some of the topics covered in these courses include:

• leadership theories
• communication skills
• team dynamics
• change management

You can find these courses through online learning platforms like Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn. Search for the specific topic you want to learn about and choose the course that most aligns with your interests. Consider purchasing a certificate to enhance your resume or portfolio.

What Can You Do with an Organizational Leadership Degree?

An organizational leadership degree opens up career opportunities in various industries, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and business administration. Some popular leadership roles include:

• project manager
• human resources manager
• entrepreneur
• sales manager

These career paths emphasize strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and leadership skills. At the workplace, you'll utilize these skills to boost team collaboration and foster a positive work environment.

Find an Organizational Leadership Program Today

The first step toward a fulfilling and profitable career in this field is obtaining an organizational leadership degree. This degree program allows you to learn crucial skills such as effective leadership and data analytics to succeed in business. Contact one of the featured institutions on Learn.org for more information.