What You Should Know About This Degree
Working in management and leadership can be very rewarding, professionally and financially, but it can also be demanding. Managers are typically expected to work longer hours, shoulder more responsibilities, and juggle multiple priorities. While a master’s in organizational leadership will teach and hone many of the skills needed to be a successful leader, individuals seeking this degree should already possess strong communication, decision-making, management, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
A Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) is a degree that is closely related to a master’s in organizational leadership and one that may also be worth exploring. An MBA teaches advanced practical and theoretical business knowledge, usually related to a specific area of business like finance or marketing, preparing graduates for higher-level roles in those fields. A master’s in organizational leadership focuses more on the principles and applications of being an effective leader, regardless of industry. When researching programs, consider what your ultimate career goals are and which type of program will best prepare you for the job you seek.
Because leadership roles exist in every industry, having a concentration may provide an advantage if you want to work in a specific field. Many schools offer concentrations within their degree programs in areas such as healthcare, human resources, or non-profits.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching Master’s in Organizational Leadership programs:
- Do I meet the qualifications for this program? Some master’s in organizational leadership programs seek students who have prerequisite coursework in business or related topics. In the event a candidate does not have these courses at the time of application, some schools allow students to complete them prior to enrolling. Carefully review the program’s requirements to ensure that you are eligible for the program.
- Is this program available part-time? Many programs are designed for working professionals and offer evening courses, weekend courses, or online courses that can be completed on your own schedule. Be sure to review the program’s curriculum and schedule to ensure that it aligns with your schedule and availability.
During the research process, you should also review the program’s admissions procedures and deadlines. This will help your application process go smoothly when the time comes. Now is also a good time to think about financing your master’s education. Talk to financial aid representatives about loans, scholarships, and assistantships. If you are currently employed, find out if your employer offers tuition assistance benefits.