Students graduating with an online master’s in organizational management can seek high-level administrative jobs to help organizations improve their people, processes, and productivity. Organizational managers seek work in various settings, including education, corporations, and self-employment.
Careers within the organizational management umbrella include human resource managers, who earn a median annual salary of $126,230; training and development managers, who make $120,130; and administrative services managers, who make $99,290 annually.
The cost of tuition for an online master’s in organizational management will vary for each student. However, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2020-21, the average tuition for master’s degree programs was $12,394 at public universities and $26,621 at private institutions.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Organizational Management Program
Choose your area of study
Clarifying personal and professional goals will help students choose the right path. Each path may require a different type of master’s degree, like one of the following:
- Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
- Master of Science in Human Resource Management
- Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Management
Research schools and programs
To start your research, focus on schools that are accredited and in good standing. You can check the Department of Education’s database to confirm a school’s accreditation status. Attending an accredited school will help students qualify for financial aid, post-graduation job opportunities, and further study.
Researching may also include reviewing the social media pages of schools and programs, taking virtual tours, reading online reviews, and studying web pages. Make a list of questions and seek the answers. Helpful questions include:
- Who are the faculty, and what are their credentials and experience?
- Do courses match your learning style?
- Are graduation timelines flexible?
- Are there networking opportunities?
- What are the graduation requirements?
Prepare for tests and applications
Generally, graduate programs require proof of a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Undergraduate transcripts will show evidence that a student graduated and their overall GPA. Typically, programs require a 3.0 or higher.
For this degree, schools may also require that students submit Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores. Find out which programs need it early in your search to avoid missing testing dates and application deadlines. Additional application materials to prepare include:
- Resume
- Personal essay
- Letters of recommendation
- Application and fees
Select your program
Once you’ve compiled all your research on various schools, narrow down your options to the programs you’ll apply to. If you’re struggling to finalize a list of schools and programs, answer questions like the ones below to help narrow the list further:
- What is your budget for submitting applications? Fees can add up quickly.
- What professional associations is the school or program associated with?
- What awards or recognition has the school or program received?
- What resources are available to students?
Determine how you’ll pay for the program
There are numerous financial aid opportunities available to students. Every student can submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for institutional aid, such as scholarships and grants, federal student loans, and work-study funding.
Students should also explore the following in their search for funding:
- Work-study programs through the school and community
- Local, state, and federal scholarships and grants
- Fellowships and assistantships
This type of funding is considered gift aid, which doesn’t have to be repaid and can help students complete an online master’s in organizational management program debt-free.
Individuals who are employed while enrolled in school should check with their employers about tuition assistance options.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Organizational Management Programs
Discover More Options
How We Rank Schools
Our research focused on finding the best master’s-level programs in organizational management. This list includes Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees.
To ensure accessibility for the greatest number of students, we specifically sought programs that can be completed fully or primarily online. In cases where courses are offered both online and on-campus, students may be able to complete the degree through a combination of distance learning and in-person classes.
As a measure of quality, we only included programs offered by regionally accredited institutions. A number of programs are also accredited by specialized accrediting bodies like the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Projects (ACBSP).
We evaluated each program based on its reputation, outcomes, cost, flexibility, and faculty. We calculated an Intelligent Score for each program on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Organizational Management Program?
Students can expect to complete at least 30 credit hours of core curriculum, electives, and practicums, although some programs may require credits. Most programs take full-time students two years to complete and part-time students three years or more. However, students in an accelerated program can complete the program in less than 18 months.
Students in online master’s in organizational management degree programs will learn leadership styles, business strategies, analysis, management skills, technology, legal aspects, communication, and team building.
Some students may need licensure or certifications depending on their career goals. An online master’s in organizational management curriculum prepares students to take the exams for certification or licensure. For example, some corporate managers seek the following certificates:
- AMA Certified Professional in Management
- Project Management Professional
- Certified Project Manager
- Human Resources Management Certification
Programs may also require students to complete a practicum in a specialty area, thesis or final project, and oral presentation to a committee of master-level faculty.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in organizational management degree program
- Foundations of Organizational Management. A foundations course sets the framework for the rest of the program. Students learn the basics of project management, technology, ethics, and business strategies as they apply to organizations. Also, students study various leadership styles and characteristics for successful team management and the different leadership levels, including top-level, middle-level, project managers, and team leaders.
- Organizational Change. Students study various theories on how leaders can initiate change within an organization. They discuss why change is significant and learn factors that motivate employees to change and how to deal with employees resistant to change. The focus is on management, leadership, planning, and maintenance of changes within an organization.
- Effective Communication. Students learn the importance of effective organizational communication, including creating and exchanging information to benefit everyone. They learn critical communication concepts, such as written communication, listening skills, and verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Human Resources Management. Leaders within an organization must understand the components of hiring, firing, training, and recruiting of employees. Students learn the laws and regulations regarding human resources within various organizations. They also learn to create a healthy work environment promoting positive working relationships.
Online Master’s in Organizational Management Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in organizational management degree program?
Because admission requirements vary considerably, speaking with an admissions counselor before gathering all necessary materials is crucial.
One thing to keep in mind is that schools typically require official transcripts showing that you completed an undergraduate degree. Transcripts should be sent directly from your undergraduate institution either electronically or by mail in a sealed envelope.
Additional requirements may include:
How much does an online master’s in organizational management degree program cost?
There are many factors to consider when estimating the cost of an online master’s in organizational leadership degree. Tuition is based on whether the school is a private or public institution and whether the student is in-state or out-of-state (for public universities). Online programs may also charge additional fees for technical support, online library resources, remote tutoring, etc.
However, remote students can save money because they don’t have to pay for transportation costs like gas and on-campus parking. They also have more flexibility to live in an affordable area and work full- or part-time to help offset the cost of their program.
Some institutions charge more for online courses to cover the costs they lose when a student is not on campus. Other universities see online students as saving them money on the expenses for on-campus activities.
How long does it take to Earn an online master’s in organizational management degree?
Multiple factors determine the length of an online master’s in organizational management degree program. The number of credit hours the program requires for graduation will influence the time it takes to complete the program. An online master’s in organization management typically requires 30-36 credit hours, which full-time students can usually complete in 1-2 years. Part-time students may need 2-3 years to finish.
Generally, online master’s programs offer more flexibility for completing course requirements, which can enable students to complete their degree on their own timeline. Some schools offer accelerated programs, allowing students to finish in less than 18 months.