The Takeaway for Students
- The BLS sees management occupations growing much faster than average in the next 10 years
- An online bachelor-completion degree in organizational leadership can help working adults get ahead in their career
- Organizational leadership skills can apply in all fields, from business to education to healthcare
What’s a recession-proof degree? Have you considered organizational leadership? If you have leadership and managerial skills, you can transfer that expertise to all kinds of areas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics sees management occupations growing much faster than average over the next 10 years. That means 1.2 million openings, with an average salary of $116,880 for management positions!
Online learning could be a great way to earn your organizational leadership degree. Maybe you’re a working adult in management, but a bachelor’s degree would help you move up the ranks. Or maybe you’re a traditional-aged college student who needs the convenience of online learning.
College Consensus has researched the best online organizational leadership degree programs for people like you!
Why You Can Trust College Consensus
College Consensus has been committed to producing unbiased and comprehensive college rankings that combine expert opinions and student reviews since 2017. Our transparent methodology aggregates data from trusted rankings experts, verified student reviews, and the National Center for Education Statistics. This combination ensures that our rankings are uniquely balanced, reflecting professional assessments, real experiences of students, and the objec. Our editorial team and subject matter experts rigorously review all content to ensure that users receive accurate, up-to-date information. Advertisers have no influence over our rankings or editorial decisions.
- Over 3,000 accredited colleges and universities evaluated for our rankings.
- Data from multiple well-regarded ranking sources and student review platforms.
- All rankings are updated regularly and undergo strict verification.
- A transparent methodology that balances expert opinions and student feedback.
- Only a select few top-rated institutions based on a combination of criteria make the cut.
Methodology: How We Rank the Best Online Organizational Leadership Bachelor’s Programs
For our rankings of online programs, we consider core questions:
- Is the program accredited?
- Is the program available online?
- Is the program fully online?
- Is the program flexible?
From those basic requirements, we consider two other factors:
- Affordability (according to NCES data)
- Reputation (according to Consensus Score)
- Unigo
- My Plan
- Niche
- Grad Reports
- U.S. News Reviews
- Unigo
- U.S. News
- My Plan
- Washington Monthly
- Niche
- Forbes
- Grad Reports
- Wall Street Journal
- U.S. News Reviews
- Wallet Hub
Summary: Top 10 Online Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership
| Rank | School | Cost | Student Consensus Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Arizona State University Online | $13,512 | 80.2 |
| 2. | CSU Global | $8,400 | 76.9 |
| 3. | Penn State World Campus | $13,988 | 84.8 |
| 4. | University of Central Florida | $22,467 | 81.2 |
| 5. | Oregon State University | $31,467 | 78.5 |
| 6. | Southern New Hampshire University | $9,650 | 77.0 |
| 7. | Appalachian State University | $20,841 | 82.0 |
| 8. | Ashland University | $23,060 | 71.5 |
| 9. | Idaho State University | $24,494 | 72.3 |
| 10. | University of Cincinnati | $27,472 | 76.7 |
The BA in Organizational Leadership at Arizona State University Online builds on ASU’s reputation for innovation. It’s not a business degree – it’s a leadership degree, focused on skills that can be brought into use in all kinds of organizations, not just businesses. From conflict management to problem-solving, the Organizational Leadership program teaches you to lead. The BA can also be connected to an accelerated master’s program in Liberal Studies, Project Management, or Organizational Leadership with just one more year of courses.
What the Experts Say
ASU Online does not have a Consensus score, but ASU as a whole scores 74.8.
What the Students Say
Arizona State has an 80.2 Student Consensus score, showing high student satisfaction.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BA in Organizational Leadership
- Credits: 120
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $13,512
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
CSU Global’s BS in Organizational Leadership has been ranked as one of the best online organizational leadership programs in the nation. With its emphasis on human behavior and communication, the OL program gives graduates a lot of potential career directions. That includes human resources, executive leadership, and project management. The program is also aligned with Project Management Institute (PMI) standards for students who want to go on to a master’s and/or certification program.
What the Experts Say
CSU Global does not have a Consensus Score, but Colorado State main campus scores a 54.5.
What the Students Say
Students have given CSU Global a Student Consensus of 76.9.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BS in Organizational Leadership
- Credits: 120
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $8,400
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
Coming from one of the pioneers of online learning, the Organizational Leadership BS from Penn State World Campus changes lives and careers. This 100% online program is built for students who want to see their careers shift into a higher gear. With the flexibility of online, self-paced learning, Penn State’s OL degree meets the needs of working adults and career-changers alike. Penn State Career Services is actively involved in helping students make the most of their degree.
What the Experts Say
Penn State has a 61.7 Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
A Student score of 84.8 shows strong student satisfaction.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BS in Organizational Leadership
- Credits: 120
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $13,988
- Acceptance Rate: 54%
Online students at the University of Central Florida can choose a BA or BS in Leadership with 5 possible tracks:
- Multidisciplinary Leadership
- Communication Leadership
- Commerce Leadership
- Educational Leadership
- Environmental Leadership
With so many options, you can tailor your degree to your current career path, or take your life in a whole new direction. Courses like Contemporary Issues in Leadership, Leadership Theories and Concepts, and Leadership Skills for the 21st Century keep UCF’s Leadership degree current and useful.
What the Experts Say
College Consensus gives UCF a Consensus Score of 67.5.
What the Students Say
Based on student reviews, UCF earns an excellent 81.2 Student Consensus score.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BA/BS in Leadership
- Credits: 120
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $22,467
- Acceptance Rate: 41%
At Oregon State University’s Ecampus, you can earn a BA or BS in Organizational Leadership. Coming from the College of Business, the OL degree focuses on management skills like:
- Negotiations
- Cross-cultural management
- Compensation management
- Employee recruitment
All OL students take a 4-credit PRIME Experience, which may be an internship, research project, or other kind of experiential learning.
Note: OSU’s online program is on a quarter system rather than a semester system, so 180 credits is roughly similar to the usual 120 credits in a semester system.
What the Experts Say
Based on major publishers, Oregon State gets a Consensus score of 61.
What the Students Say
Students are happy with Oregon State, giving them a 78.5 Student Consensus.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BA/BS in Organizational Leadership
- Credits: 180
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $11,010 In-state; $31,467 Out-of-state
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
Southern New Hampshire University’s BSBA in Organizational Leadership offers flexibility and affordability to students from anywhere. It’s a Business Administration degree, with a focus on contemporary business issues like:
- Change management
- Data-based decision-making
- Communication
- Conflict management
With no standardized test or essay requirements, applying to SNHU is easy. 8-week terms and 24/7 tech support make learning from SNHU convenient for all.
What the Experts Say
Southern New Hampshire University does not have a Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
SNHU earns a respectable 77 Student Consensus score, suggesting students are largely satisfied.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BSBA in Organizational Leadership
- Credits: 120
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $9,650
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
The BS in Organizational Leadership and Learning from Appalachian State University give students a grounding in everything they need to be effective leaders at any level of business. That includes:
- Financial literacy
- Effective communication and teamwork
- Professional development
- Entrepreneurial thinking
- Innovative problem-solving
- Data analysis and digital literacy
App State has been named the innovative college in the South, and one of the top for online learning in the US.
Note: App State’s Organizational Leadership program is a degree-completion program, so students need at least 24 transferable credit hours to enroll.
What the Experts Say
CC has not given Appalachian State a Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
Student award ASU an 82 Student Consensus score.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BS in Organizational Leadership and Learning
- Credits: 120
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $20,841
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
Ashland University offers a BS in Organizational Leadership and Development meant for working adults and career-changers. With a Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio, you can earn credit for life and work experience. Ashland also accepts transfer credits from other colleges generously. The OL program at Ashland emphasizes real-world experience to understand real-world problem-solving across all kinds of professional and career contexts.
What the Experts Say
Ashland University does not earn a Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
Students are primarily satisfied with Ashland, giving it a Student Consensus of 71.5.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BS in Organizational Leadership and Development
- Credits: 120
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $23,060
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
Idaho State University offers an online BS in Workplace Training and Leadership designed for working adults. The program is 100% online and asynchronous, so you don’t need to visit campus or show up for classes at a specific time. You work completely on your own schedule. Students with at least 10,000 hours of work experience can complete a Competency-Based Equivalency Portfolio to earn as 24 elective credits toward the degree. With its flexibility and affordability, ISU’s leadership degree is perfect for career-changers.
What the Experts Say
Idaho State does not have a Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
ISU earns a respectable 72.3 Student Consensus Score.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BS Workplace Training and Leadership
- Credits: 120
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $24,494
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
The fully-online BA in Organizational Leadership from the University of Cincinnati can jump-start a career, or take your current career in a new direction. As a bachelor of arts, rather than a business degree, Cincinnati’s program teaches skills that can apply in business, non-profit, education, and many other career settings. Students learn:
- conflict resolution
- team building
- organizational behavior
- coaching and mentoring
And much more. With no campus visits and asynchronous work, you make your own schedule. Every online student gets a dedicated Student Success Coordinator to lead them through their online learning experience.
What the Experts Say
College Consensus has not given UC a Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
A Student Consensus of 76.7 shows that students are mostly satisfied with UC.
What the Data Says
- Degree: BA in Organizational Leadership
- Credits: 120
- Time to Complete: 4 years
- Average Tuition: $27,472
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
What is Organizational Leadership?
Organizational leadership is the art and science of guiding and motivating individuals and teams to achieve a common goal. It involves setting a clear vision, developing effective strategies, and inspiring others to work together towards that vision.
Key responsibilities of organizational leaders include:
- Setting Direction: Defining the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
- Making Decisions: Making strategic choices that impact the organization’s future.
- Motivating Teams: Inspiring and empowering employees to reach their full potential.
- Building Relationships: Fostering positive relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and customers.
- Adapting to Change: Navigating challenges and embracing opportunities.
Effective organizational leaders possess a blend of skills, including:
- Communication: Clearly articulating ideas and inspiring others.
- Problem-solving: Identifying and resolving issues creatively.
- Critical Thinking: Analyzing information and making informed decisions.
- Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing emotions, both their own and others’.
By developing these skills, leaders can inspire trust, build strong teams, and drive positive change within their organizations.
While organizational leadership is often linked to business, its principles apply to many different types of organizations:
- Nonprofits: Leaders must inspire donors, motivate volunteers, and navigate regulations.
- Government Agencies: Leaders must balance priorities, navigate bureaucracy, and build consensus.
- Education: Leaders must hire good teachers, manage budgets, and meet the needs of students and parents.
- Healthcare: Leaders must balance patient care, staff satisfaction, and financial sustainability.
- Community Organizations: Leaders must mobilize volunteers, raise funds, and address community needs.
No matter the organization, effective leadership is essential for success.Organizational leadership is a valuable skill set that can be applied in any context where individuals work together to achieve a common goal. Whether you’re leading a team of employees, a group of volunteers, or a student organization, the principles of effective leadership can help you succeed.
Is Organizational Leadership a Business Degree?
An organizational leadership degree isn’t quite a traditional business degree. While they share some similarities, like management and strategy, leadership programs focus more on the people side of business.
Think of it this way: a business degree teaches you how to run a business, while a leadership degree teaches you how to lead people within a business.
Now, some programs offer leadership as a specialization within a business degree, combining both aspects. Others are standalone degrees focused solely on leadership skills. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your career goals and whether you need a broad business education or specialized leadership training.
Can I Get a Job with a Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership?
A bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership can open doors to a variety of rewarding careers. Here are some potential job roles and their average salaries:
- Human Resources Manager: Oversees employee relations, recruitment, and benefits.
- Average Salary: $122,220 per year
- Training and Development Manager: Develops and implements training programs for employees.
- Average Salary: $110,140 per year
- Management Consultant: Provides strategic advice to organizations.
- Average Salary: $93,000 per year
- Project Manager: Plans, organizes, and manages projects.
- Average Salary: $91,000 per year
- Operations Manager: Oversees day-to-day operations of a business or department.
- Average Salary: $90,000 per year
| Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Human Resources Manager | $122,220 |
| Training and Development Manager | $110,140 |
| Management Consultant | $93,000 |
| Project Manager | $91,000 |
| Operations Manager | $90,000 |
Of course, salaries can vary depending on experience, location, industry, and specific job responsibilities. It’s always a good idea to research specific job markets and consult salary databases for the most accurate information.
Should I Get My Organizational Leadership Bachelor’s Online?
Deciding whether to pursue an online organizational leadership bachelor’s degree depends on your individual circumstances. Online programs offer flexibility, allowing you to balance work, family, and education. You can often learn at your own pace and from anywhere with an internet connection.
However, consider the following factors:
- Self-Discipline: Online learning requires strong self-motivation and time management skills.
- Networking Opportunities: In-person programs often offer more opportunities to build relationships with peers and professionals.
- Hands-On Experience: Some programs may include internships or practicums, which can be harder to arrange online.
Organizational leadership is particularly well-suited for an online bachelor’s completion program because:
- Practical Focus: The field emphasizes practical skills like communication, problem-solving, and team building. These skills can be easily learned and applied through online coursework, discussions, and projects.
- Self-Paced Learning: Many leadership roles require strong self-discipline and time management skills. Online programs often offer flexibility, allowing you to learn at your own pace and balance your studies with work and personal commitments.
- Real-World Relevance: Online programs can incorporate real-world case studies and simulations, providing students with hands-on experience in leadership situations.
- Networking Opportunities: While online learning may seem solitary, many programs offer virtual networking opportunities, online discussion forums, and professional development groups.
- Global Perspective: Online learning can connect you with a diverse group of students from around the world, exposing you to different cultures, perspectives, and leadership styles.
By choosing an online organizational leadership program, you can gain the knowledge and skills you need to become an effective leader without sacrificing your work or personal life.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your learning style, career goals, and lifestyle. If you’re disciplined, tech-savvy, and value flexibility, an online program could be a great option.
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