3 Best Organizational Leadership Colleges in Illinois

Organizational leadership is a management approach focused on organizational leaders motivating workers to become as efficient and productive as possible. This discipline emphasizes teamwork, training and development, and maximizing employees' strengths and talents.

Do you want to become a leader in your field? Earning a degree from one of the best organizational leadership colleges is a good start. As an Illinois resident, you can find great organizational leadership bachelor's degrees at schools like Illinois State University and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Below, we'll explore top organizational leadership degrees in the state and beyond. We'll also answer frequently asked questions about these programs.

Top Organizational Leadership Degrees in Illinois

Illinois is home to great bachelor's degree programs in organizational leadership. Keep reading to explore top degrees in this field.

1. Illinois State University

Illinois State University's College of Business offers a Bachelor of Science in management, organizational leadership for students who want executive or leadership positions at for-profit and nonprofit organizations. This on-campus program explores leadership theories, teamwork, culture, and management while helping students strengthen problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Coursework prepares learners to inspire their workforce and improve business performance. Ethical action, collaboration, and shared leadership are key program components.

2. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students can enroll in a BS in agricultural leadership, education, and communications with a concentration in organizational and community leadership. This program teaches students to communicate with diverse teams. They also learn to manage ethical issues and solve complex problems.

Students can participate in the program's 10-week internship to gain real-world experience. They can work in the agricultural industry or with a community organization.

3. North Park University

The Bachelor of Arts in organizational management and leadership at North Park University in Chicago explores leadership theory, development, and styles. The program also teaches conflict and change management and employee development skills.

Students can enjoy flexible courses that meet once a week on evenings or Saturdays at one of the school's two campus locations. Taking six or more courses a year and transferring up to 90 credit hours can help students finish their studies in two and a half years or less.

Online Organizational Leadership Degree Programs

Don't see the degree program you're looking for or want to expand your search? These online programs also prepare students for leadership careers.

1. Concordia University St. Paul

Concordia University St. Paul Global offers an online BS in management and leadership for students who want to gain project management skills and prepare to handle daily business needs. The program consists of 11 courses that cover organizational behavior, conflict management, and more.

Certificates are available in conflict resolution, digital marketing and e-commerce, and data analysis. After completing this program, students will be ready for career opportunities as team leaders or project managers.

2. Penn State World Campus

Penn State World Campus has earned high rankings from U.S. News & World Report for its bachelor's degrees. A popular choice for aspiring business leaders is the school's BS in organizational leadership.

This 100% online degree boosts students' problem-solving and leadership skills. Coursework explores collective decision-making, diversity, and organizational psychology. Graduates of this program can pursue careers as business managers, development directors, and account managers.

3. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a top global university with online bachelor's programs ranked among the best in the nation. Its online BA in organizational leadership helps students become leaders who can build productive workplace environments.

Coursework covers project management, theory and practice of leadership, and organizational change. After graduating, students are ready for roles as human resource managers, quality control managers, and employee training managers. They could also pursue a master's degree in a related field.

4. University of Central Oklahoma

The University of Central Oklahoma's BS in organizational leadership is offered through Oklahoma's Reach for Higher - FlexFinish program for working adults. This degree completion program requires students to earn 42 core credit hours and 12 to 15 credit hours in their area of focus. Students must also complete a capstone project. An optional internship is available.

Program areas of focus include supervision and global citizenship. Supervision focuses on human resources and training and development. Global citizenship discusses marketing, diversity, cooperation, law, design, and current affairs.

5. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offers its 100% online leadership in organizations Bachelor of Science program for students who want to grow their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Coursework explores workplace change, race and ethnic relations, and personnel psychology.

The program is designed for working adults who have earned or nearly finished an associate degree and want to earn a bachelor's degree. Students who complete this degree can work in human resources, government, or program development in higher education.

6. Lewis University

Lewis University's adult accelerated BA in organizational leadership provides courses with real-world scenarios that explore organizational change, culture, and leadership. The program also examines effective leadership, creative problem-solving, and human relations.

This degree's online schedule is flexible for working students to meet program requirements. Students who want to continue their studies can use this program to accelerate into Lewis University's online master's in organizational leadership.

7. Butler University

Butler University offers an organizational leadership BS degree completion program for students with an associate degree or 60 college credits. This flexible online program can be completed in as little as two years.

Courses explore marketing, business ethics, and inclusive leadership. In addition to transfer credits, students can earn credits for prior learning and work experience to apply toward this degree.

FAQs About Organizational Leadership Programs in Illinois

Picking the right degree program requires researching your field and degree programs. Before selecting an organizational leadership program in Illinois, explore the following FAQs.

Should I Earn a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership?

A Master of Arts or Master of Science in organizational leadership can open doors to advance roles in the field. Programs help students gain professional competency by teaching modern-day leadership challenges, industry standards, and advanced leadership skills.

Graduate school typically takes less time than a bachelor's program to complete. It can also result in higher-paying jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), graduate degree holders earn more and are less likely to be unemployed than bachelor's degree holders.

Learn more: Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs

What Can I Do with an Organizational Leadership Degree?

Organizational leadership degrees can open doors to careers in numerous fields. You could find roles in for-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations, healthcare settings, and government entities. You could also enroll in a graduate program to advance your career in the field.

Some careers available to degree holders include:

• sales manager
• performance analyst
• human resources specialist or manager
• training and development manager
• healthcare manager
• community service manager

What Financial Aid Is Available for Organizational Leadership Students?

The financial aid available to students in organizational leadership programs might vary based on your school of choice. However, federal student aid options like grants, work-study, and student loans are often provided to students who meet eligibility requirements. When searching for aid, look for scholarships and grants for first-year, current, transfer, and military students.

Find the Right Organizational Leadership Degree Program

Begin your journey toward becoming an organizational leader by exploring the degree programs offered by colleges listed on Learn.org. Contact one of these schools directly to discover how you can achieve your career goals.