Why This Matters

  • JOB GROWTH TO JUMP 7% BY 2029

    Innovations in training methods, changes in technology, and an increasing population of remote workers are contributing to a 7% increase in the need for organizational leaders.

  • 52% OF WORKERS SURVEYED HAVE A BACHELOR’S

    A survey conducted by O*NET found that 52% of training and development managers said they have a bachelor’s, while 15% said they have a post-baccalaureate degree.

  • EARN $113,000 PER YEAR

    Training and development managers earn $113,350 per year on average. The lowest 10% earned less than $65,000 while the highest 10% earned more than $196,000 a year with a bachelor’s degree.

Our Research

This list focuses on undergraduate programs in organizational leadership, including online and hybrid courses. As a management-related field, organizational leadership programs primarily award a Bachelor of Arts degree or a Bachelor of Science degree.

A degree in organizational leadership touches on a variety of disciplines, from business analytics and management skills to behavioral sciences and business ethics. The Accrediting Commission for Schools (ACS) accredits organizational leadership bachelor’s programs that meet rigorous standards of quality and service in management education. In addition to ACS-accredited programs, this list also includes programs offered by regionally accredited schools and colleges as another option for quality education.

  • 68 hours to write this article
  • 150 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 262 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Online Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership Programs

Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Programs Badge
01
Intelligent Pick
California Baptist University Online
01
Best in the West
Oral Roberts University
01
Best in the Southwest
Arizona State University
01
Best in the South
Bluefield College
01
Best in the Northeast
Bay Path University
01
Best in the Southeast
Southeastern University
01
Best Christian Option
Toccoa Falls College
01
Best Hybrid Option
Umass Global
01
Best Christian Ministries Track
Bethel University
01
Best in the Midwest
Central Christian College Of Kansas
01
Most Flexible
Point University
01
Fastest to Completion
Carson-Newman University
01
Best Dual Major Program
Graceland University
01
Best Minor Option
Geneva College
01
Best BBA
Southern New Hampshire University
01
Best Electives
Western Kentucky University
01
Best Cohort Option
Bellevue University
01
Best Web Application Specialization
Colorado State University Global
01
Best Start Dates
Eastern University
01
Best for Change Management
Thomas Edison State University
01
Best Accelerated Option
University Of Southern Maine
01
Best Early Start Program
Creighton University
01
Best Interdisciplinary Track
Trident University International
01
Best for Transfer Students
Peirce College
01
Best Regional Commerce Track
University Of Arizona
01
Best for International Students
Madonna University
01
Best for Criminal Justice
Regent University
01
Best Certificate Options
Brenau University
01
Best Tech School
Indiana Tech
01
Best Evening Option
Judson University
01
Best for Adult Learners
Concordia University, St. Paul
01
Best Accelerated MSA Option
Central Michigan University
01
Best Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Ohio Christian University
01
Best for Working Professionals
Mercy College
01
Best for Degree Completion
University Of Arkansas-Fort Smith
01
Best Full-Time Option
Duquesne University
01
Best for Public Service Admin
Valdosta State University
01
Best Two-Year Option
Missouri Baptist University
01
Best for Human Resources
Anderson University
01
Most Affordable
Faith International University
01
Best for Social Science Research
Maryville University
01
Best Faculty
NYU School of Professional Studies
01
Best Cyber Security Minor
Averett University
01
Best Liberal Arts Option
Fort Hays State University
01
Best for Cognitive Studies
The University of Arizona Global Campus
01
Best for Global Business
Capella University
01
Best Guided Pathway
Indian River State College
01
Best for Strategic Leadership
Lipscomb University
01
Best for Healthcare Leadership
University Of Louisville
01
Best Diversity Track
Waldorf University

What You Should Know About This Degree

As you explore this career, note the difference between human resource specialists and organizational leaders. Organizational leaders specialize in creating, planning, and coordinating complex skills and knowledge-based programs for the organization’s workforce. Human resource managers are responsible for maximizing the value and productivity of the organization’s employees.

Employers seek organizational leaders who typically have a combination of education and related work experience. Organizational leaders come from a variety of educational backgrounds — these professionals commonly hold degrees in business administration, education, or a related field.

Certification isn’t required for organizational leaders, but many employers prefer candidates who have earned additional certificates. The Management and Strategy Institute offers Strategic Organizational Leadership Certified (SOLC) courses that are designed to teach students how to apply leadership methods and management skills in large organizations.

The Association for Talent Development and the International Society for Performance Improvement specialize in professional training and also offer certification programs. The Society for Human Resource Management offers general human resources certification.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in organizational leadership programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Most organizational leadership bachelor’s programs accept all students with a high school diploma or GED. Top programs may also require personal statements, letters of recommendation, or a certain GPA. Check the program’s admissions guidelines and follow up with the school if you have specific questions about whether you meet their requirements.
  • How long does it take to complete an online bachelor’s in organizational leadership? Most online organizational leadership bachelor’s programs require between 120 and 180 college credits to graduate. It takes an average of four years of full-time coursework to complete this degree.

As you research online programs, you should note application deadlines and required materials for each school. You can usually find this on the school’s admissions page.

Be sure to apply for financial aid and submit any necessary documentation before the deadline. Research scholarships, internships, and tuition reimbursement programs your employer may offer.