Best Organizational Leadership Colleges in California

The best organizational leadership degrees prepare students for leadership roles in a variety of sectors, such as business, education, government, healthcare, and nonprofits. Most organizations prefer leaders and managers to have at least a bachelor's degree.

If you're a prospective student in California, it can be tricky to find an in-state organizational leadership program. Keep reading to discover top organizational leadership degrees in California.

Top Organizational Leadership Degrees in California

A handful of colleges and universities in California offer organizational leadership bachelor's degree programs. We've listed these programs below.

1. National University

National University is a private, nonprofit university in San Diego. It offers a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership that students can complete on campus or online.

This program covers topics such as:

• conflict resolution
• human resources management
• leadership theory
• team building

Students conclude their bachelor's degree with an organizational leadership capstone project. National University also offers a master's degree in organizational leadership that students can complete in person or online.

2. University of LaVerne

The University of La Verne is a private university in La Verne, CA. It offers a Bachelor of Science in organizational management that includes coursework on:

• conflict management
• human resources management
• organizational behavior
• organizational change

This program offers an optional specialization in human resources management. This concentration focuses specifically on topics like training and development.

Online Organizational Leadership Degree Programs

While only a couple of colleges and universities in California offer in-person organizational leadership degree programs, a few more offer organizational leadership degrees as online programs. We've featured these below.

1. California Baptist University

California Baptist University is a private Baptist Christian university in Riverside, CA. It offers an online Bachelor of Arts in organizational leadership that covers topics such as:

• decision making and leadership
• leadership theory
• project management
• strategic management

Bachelor's degree students are required to take six college credits of Christian studies courses. Cal Baptist also offers a Master of Arts in organizational leadership online.

2. California State University Dominguez Hills

California State University Dominguez Hills is a public university in Dominguez Hills, CA. It offers a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership studies online that includes coursework on topics like:

• business management
• leadership theory
• organizational behavior
• strategic communication

This program offers two concentrations: strategic communication and public administration. Students in both must complete a capstone project in organizational leadership. This is a degree completion program, for those who already hold associate degrees.

3. Los Angeles Pacific University

Los Angeles Pacific University is a private, not-for-profit online Christian University in San Dimas, CA. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in organizational leadership that covers topics like:

• diversity, equity, and inclusion
• change management
• organizational development
• project management

Students are required to complete an organizational leadership capstone. An online graduate program in organizational leadership is also available.

4. UMass Global

UMass Global is a private, nonprofit online university based in Aliso Viejo, CA. It's affiliated with the public University of Massachusetts system and offers a Bachelor of Arts in organizational leadership.

This program includes coursework on:

• leadership skills
• leadership theory
• organizational behavior
• organizational development and change

The program also offers electives in fields like business administration, healthcare administration, human resource management, and more. UMass Global also offers graduate degrees in organizational leadership, some of which are offered in the self-paced MyPath format.

FAQs About Organizational Leadership Programs in California

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about organizational leadership programs in California.

Which Is Better: An MBA or a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership?

An MBA (Master of Business Administration) will usually have a strong core focus in business administration along with a handful of organizational leadership courses, and is a better option for those wanting to understand multiple facets of business.

A Master of Arts or Master of Science in organizational leadership will have a greater focus on the different aspects of organizational leadership, like strategic planning and teamwork, and provide an overall more in-depth education on organizational leadership. It's a good option for those who don't necessarily want to work in a traditional business setting but something like a healthcare or education setting.

What Can You Do With an Organizational Leadership Degree in California?

There are many leadership roles you can take on with an organizational leadership degree. These include:

• healthcare administrator
• human resources manager
• management consultant
• nonprofit manager
• operations manager
• program coordinator
• project manager

Is a Degree in Organizational Leadership Worth It?

For many students who want to take on leadership roles within an organization, an organizational leadership degree is right for you. These programs provide an in-depth education on topics like:

• conflict resolution and conflict management
• leadership theory and leadership skills
• organizational behavior
• organizational change
• organizational development
• project management
• strategic management and strategic planning
• teamwork and team building

These programs also help students hone not just their leadership skills but soft skills like communication skills, critical thinking skills, decision-making skills, and problem-solving skills.

Earn Your Organizational Leadership Degree Today

If you're ready to start a career in leadership, explore the organizational leadership degree programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual programs today for more information on admissions requirements, enrollment, and real-world learning opportunities like internships.