Organizational Leadership

Overview

Organizational leadership programs prepare people to apply leadership skills to a business, government, non-profit, or school.

Organizational leadership programs include topics such as:

Organizational planning
Dynamics of leadership
Finance
Team building
Conflict resolution and mediation
Communication

Schools

A few two-year schools offer associate degrees in organizational leadership. An associate degree usually takes about two years of full-time study.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degree programs in organizational leadership. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Many universities offer graduate degrees in organizational leadership. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Economics
English Composition
Introduction to Business
Psychology
Public Speaking
Trigonometry

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores. It is possible to study a business specialization even though your undergraduate major is not business-related.

But you should complete courses in accounting, economics, statistics, business law, and management information systems.

Prior work experience in the business world is very helpful.

Additional requirements at some schools include:
Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
Letters of recommendation
Interview

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Business Law
Business Writing
Finance
Human Resources Management
Accounting
Management Information Systems
Marketing
Organizational Behavior
Economics
Management and Organization
Statistics for Business

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate course work tends to vary from program to program. However, the outline of a typical graduate curriculum looks like the following:

Required core courses
Elective courses
Thesis and thesis defense

Master’s degree programs typically cover many of the subjects listed above in the first year. In the second year, you choose subjects in the area where you want to specialize. Often you do an internship between the first and second years. A thesis also may be required.

Things to Know

Project management courses often focus on cases drawn from businesses. Students sharpen their analytical and problem-solving skills by examining real-life situations.

Business courses in high school can be useful preparation for a career in project management. However, your high school transcript needs to show that you are preparing for a demanding college-level program.

Good skills in writing, speaking, and critical thinking are needed for advancement in the business world.