Best Master’s in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs of 2023
Effective leaders help individuals and groups navigate organizational change and motivate teams toward achieving collective goals. Prepare for management roles in many different industries with a Master's in Organizational Leadership.
Why This Matters
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DEMAND FOR TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY 9%
Companies will rely on skilled workers to lead training activities and help employees implement technology into their day-to-day workflow.
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TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS MAKE $113,350 PER YEAR
The median annual wage for training and development managers is significantly higher than the $39,810 median annual salary for all other U.S. occupations. The median annual wage for those who provide professional, scientific, and technical services is $132,590.
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HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGERS MAKE $116,720 PER YEAR
The median annual salary for human resource managers is significantly higher than the national average. In 2019, the top 10 percent of human resource managers made more than $205,720 per year.
Our Research
The list covers graduate programs in organizational leadership that prepare students for careers as training and development specialists, management analysts, and human resources managers. Degrees offered include Master of Arts In Leadership, Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, Master of Science in Organizational Change Leadership, and Master of Business Administration in Global Leadership. Students can choose from on-campus, online, and hybrid learning formats.
Accreditation is given to higher education institutions that uphold a high academic standard. The programs on this list are recognized nationally by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Regional accreditation is given by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
- 73 hours to write this article
- 186 universities and colleges we assessed
- 355 education programs we compared
The Top 49 Master’s in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
What You Should Know About This Degree
When choosing a senior-level management career, you should also consider pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. While organizational leadership programs focus on successfully managing and leading people, MBA programs apply this framework to leading businesses. MBA programs include coursework in finance and business strategy, while organizational leadership programs teach curricula in human behavior and organizational change. An MBA can provide you with a comprehensive overview of leadership in business; however, if you’re interested in specializing in leadership across multiple sectors, including nonprofit organizations and educational institutions, a graduate degree in organizational leadership may be right for you.
Certifications can help graduates increase their future job opportunities while staying on top of the latest trends and developments in their field. Graduates should consider obtaining certifications such as Strategic Organizational Leadership Certified (SOLC) distributed by the Management and Strategy Institute, and the Organizational Development Consultant Certification given by the Institute of Organizational Development.
The job outlook for graduates with a degree in organizational leadership remains high over the next decade. Businesses and organizations will continue to seek assistance as they look for new ways to inspire and motivate their teams.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask yourself when researching Master’s in Organizational Leadership degree programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Students must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field to pursue a Master’s in Organizational Leadership. Some programs require a minimum GPA and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score and professional work experience.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most Master’s in Organizational Leadership programs take two to three years of full-time study to complete. The programs on this list require a minimum of 30 credits and a maximum of 54 credits to graduate.
Application deadlines and academic prerequisites vary for each program. Research requirements and application due dates by visiting the school’s website.
Graduate programs require initial financial investment, and you should consider how you will cover these costs. Some employers may cover part or all of your academic-related fees. You may also be eligible for scholarships, grants, and federal student aid.