Is 45 Too Old to Get an Organizational Leadership Degree?

Whether it's for career advancement or looking to start a new career, people of all ages are going to college. Some are returning, some are going for the first time, but all of them are going to earn a degree.

Even as college becomes more of an 'all ages' pursuit, some people wonder if their college window has closed. Going to college has no maximum age, and 45 isn't too old to pursue an organizational leadership degree or any other degree.

Reasons To Earn Your Organizational Leadership Degree at 45

For the longest time, starting college was tied to high school graduation in the minds of many people. As that mindset has changed, people might wonder why they should go to college at 45. Pursuing an organizational leadership degree at 45 might be the right move for you for several reasons.

Career Advancement

Regardless of your industry, sometimes the biggest barrier to advancement is having a college degree, especially if you're pursuing a management or executive-level position. Starting a bachelor's or master's degree in organizational leadership can position you for a promotion or new opportunity with a different company.

Additional Life Experience

Organizational leadership goes beyond business management and into true leadership. At age 45, you've probably experienced multiple bosses and jobs. This added experience will help you apply real-world experience to what is covered in your organizational leadership degree program. Younger students won't have the same advantages as students in their 40s.

Some schools might allow you to use relevant experience as a substitute for credit hours. Because this isn't universal, make sure you speak with an academic advisor or review your school's requirements before applying.

Age-Specific Grants and Scholarships

To promote older students returning to finish a degree or earning their first degree, there are many grants and scholarship programs designed specifically for older students. After you fill out your FAFSA online application form, you'll be able to apply for some of these grants and scholarships (as well as non-age-specific ones) to help reduce the costs of tuition and supplies.

What Will I Learn in an Organizational Leadership Degree Program?

Organizational leadership degree programs will cover multiple aspects of business as well as leadership. The coursework will cover different theories behind leadership to help prepare you for management and executive roles within a variety of organizations. To help support this, you'll learn about communication and research methods to truly understand your employees and their place in your organization.

What Can I Do with My Organizational Leadership Degree?

A degree in organizational leadership degree can help you prepare for management and executive positions.

A few of the main opportunities that you can pursue with this degree are:

Marketing Manager

If you're already on a sales or marketing team, earning your organizational leadership degree can help you move to a leadership role, such as a marketing manager role. The experience you've earned in your career will help you understand the work and the degree will give you the skills you need to lead.

Human Resources Manager

One of the most valuable leadership roles within an organization is a human resources manager. With an organizational leadership degree, you'll be prepared to help employees settle disputes with each other and other members of the organization.

Business Executive

Executive-level positions often require a master's level degree and an organizational leadership degree combined with a bachelor's in another form of business could make you a valuable candidate for an executive role in your current company or with another employer. This can take the form of being a Chief Executive Officer, Chief Marketing Executive, or other similar C-Suite positions.

Performance Analyst

Performance analysts work within all kinds of industries. Their role is to help look at the business and overall performance of the industry to make sure that the company is heading in the right direction. Performance analysts also make recommendations to other business leaders based on the data and trends they observe and record.

FAQs About Starting an Organizational Leadership Degree at 45

Going to college at any age can make you ask questions, that's especially true if you're pursuing an organizational leadership degree at 45.

Are There Benefits to Starting My Organizational Leadership Degree at 45?

There are several benefits to starting your organizational leadership degree at 45. One of the main reasons is the experience and understanding that comes with age. Having been in the workforce longer, you'll have a better understanding of business as a whole and management styles. Other benefits include:

• age-specific financial aid
• better time and financial management skills
• career advancement or change

Can I Complete My Organizational Leader Degree Online?

There are multiple online organizational bachelor's degrees available. Accredited schools offer both bachelor's and master's degrees as well as certifications that can help supplement a different degree.

Can I Work and Go to College?

It is possible to work full-time while attending an organizational leadership degree program. The best way to earn a degree and work full-time is by attending your degree program online. Before you select an online degree program, verify the accreditation status of the degree program. Selecting an online degree will also provide a more flexible schedule that makes working while taking classes easier.

How Late Is Too Late to Become an Organizational Leader?

There's no maximum age for assuming a leadership role in a company, and there's no age cap on pursuing an organizational leadership degree. As long as you're passionate about the subject and want to advance or change your career, you're the perfect age to apply for an organizational leadership degree.