What Is an Organizational Leadership Degree? | Courses, Specializations & Careers

If you've set your sights on a career in management ?or you'd like to work your way up to an executive role ?studying organizational leadership is the way to go. But what do you learn when pursuing a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership? How about a graduate degree?

Organizational leadership degrees teach strategic management, leadership theories, conflict resolution, ethics, and other important business concepts. Below, we'll define organizational leadership and outline the types of degree programs offered in this field. We'll also discuss courses, specializations, and the differences between online and in-person degrees.

What Is Organizational Leadership?

Organizational leadership is a strategy in management that focuses on ensuring success through an effective workforce. Leaders establish initiatives, standards, and procedures to boost employees' morale and help them become more efficient and productive. They also promote teamwork among workers.

Organizational leaders need strong decision-making, critical thinking, and leadership skills. They should also be great at conflict management, strategic planning, and leadership development. Next, we'll explore the types of degrees that help students build these skills.

Learn more: Is an Organizational Leadership Degree Right for Me?

Types of Organizational Leadership Degrees

Students interested in this field can pursue a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree. Affordable online organizational leadership degrees are available if limited finances or a busy schedule are issues. Read on to explore the types of degrees offered at schools of higher education nationwide.

• Bachelor's degree in organizational leadership: A Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, or Bachelor of Business Administration teaches economics, labor relations, and workplace issues.
• Master's degree in organizational leadership: A Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, or Master of Science in organizational leadership prepares students to articulate missions, address key workplace challenges, and solve major business problems.
• Doctorate degree in organizational leadership: A PhD, Doctor of Business Administration, or Doctor of Organizational Leadership prepares learners for academic, research, or corporate leadership positions. Coursework explores organizational change, business management, sustainability, and more.

Core Courses and Curriculum in an Organizational Leadership Program

Core courses teach foundational concepts and lay the groundwork for advanced coursework. The following are some core courses you might find in your degree program.

• Leadership theories and practices

This program explores theories in leadership. Students learn about leadership styles and how to become effective leaders in the workplace.

• Organizational behavior and culture

Learners explore human behavior in businesses. They discover how to diagnose and manage organizational cultures. They also learn about performance appraisal, ''neurotic organizations'', and what makes teams effective.

• Strategic management

This course teaches students how to combine management theory and practice. They learn to create a strategic management plan while growing their decision-making and problem-solving skills.

• Ethics and social responsibility

Students learn how to assess right and wrong conduct and ask moral questions. They also learn to apply moral reasoning to ethical problems and use their knowledge to make a positive difference.

• Communication and conflict resolution

This course explores why self-awareness, inquiry, empathy, and strong communication skills are important when promoting trust and rapport in a business. Students learn to show empathy during hard conversations and strengthen their professional relationships.

Specializations Within Organizational Leadership

Specializations or concentrations in degree programs let students focus their studies on a specific area of interest. Keep reading to explore top specializations for organizational leadership programs.

• Human resources leadership

Human resources leadership prepares learners for HR leadership roles. Students explore strategic management, human capital, and how to implement HR policies and programs.

• Nonprofit management

Students discover the history of nonprofit management. They also learn how to write grants, manage finances, develop resources, and manage volunteers.

• Global leadership

Enrollees build global decision-making skills and learn how to lead cross-cultural teams. They also discover how to promote collaboration in team environments to impact a company's bottom line.

• Healthcare leadership

Healthcare leadership explores health information, health law, and strategic planning. Students learn to lead teams in healthcare settings and manage human and technology systems.

• Project management

Learners discover the role of a project manager. They also learn about risk management, cost, scheduling, and the project cycle. The program teaches the tools and techniques used in project management.

• Strategic leadership

Programs discuss the mindset needed to elevate the performance of work teams. Learners discover how to shape strategy and create a competitive advantage for a business.

• Educational leadership

Students learn how to become socially responsible leaders in academic settings. Programs discuss resource management, operations, public policy, and personnel supervision in education.

• Corporate training and development

This program teaches how to design curricula, conduct training sessions, and perform needs assessments. Students also learn to support worker development and help businesses achieve their goals.

• Diversity and inclusion leadership

Enrollees learn about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) and how to implement this training. The program also teaches ways to improve DE&I efforts and manage views on social justice.

Career Opportunities for Organizational Leadership Graduates

Organizational leadership programs open doors to numerous career paths. Here are 10 organizational leadership degree jobs and career options that graduates should consider after earning a degree.

• Operations manager: oversees day-to-day operations, coordinates departments, and carries out a company's mission
• Human resources manager: leads HR departments, oversees company recruitment, handles staff issues, and plans employee benefits
• Corporate trainer: promotes employee growth with in-person training, employee surveys, and team progress reviews
• Project manager: identifies the needs and scope of projects, discusses project goals and duties with team members, and oversees daily tasks
• Nonprofit director/executive director: manages nonprofit workers, finances, cost-benefit analyses
• Program manager: creates and operates new programs that align with a company's goals and strategies
• Community service manager: learns community needs, creates and oversees community projects, speaks at community-wide events
• School administrator: works as a principal, assistant principal, superintendent, or curriculum developer to support students and faculty and enhance academic records
• Healthcare administrator: manages staffing, work schedules, billing, and legal compliance in health settings
• Organizational development consultant: plans company policies, manages employee training, and works with leadership to help workers become more productive

Online vs. In-Person Organizational Leadership Degree Programs

Students interested in this field can find great online and in-person degrees. But how do these programs differ? In-person programs offer on-campus classes on set days and times. Online courses often have flexible class schedules and let students access coursework on an online learning platform.

Online programs usually provide the same coursework and use faculty members as in-person programs. Online organizational leadership degrees are sometimes more affordable than on-campus degrees due to a lack of campus fees. Many online programs accept financial aid to help lower costs further.

Great jobs are waiting for graduates of these programs. In addition to those listed above, other great roles include logistics coordinators, services managers, and performance analysts.

If you want to become a sales manager, the future of this role is promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for sales managers will jump 6% from 2023 to 2033. This is faster than average for all jobs.

Find the Right College Today

Get ready to pursue a top career in organizational leadership by exploring the degree programs offered by schools listed on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges directly to discover the steps you can take to begin your career.