Want to take on leadership roles? An online leadership degree can get you there. You'll learn how to manage projects and teams while building leadership skills. Understanding how organizations work and the best leadership practices will position you for in-demand roles.
During an online leadership degree, you'll strengthen your strategic thinking, management, and analytical abilities. After graduation, an online degree in leadership and development can open doors to high-paying management career paths.
Our ranking of the best online leadership degrees can help you find the right fit to reach your career goals.
Recommended Leadership Programs
Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Organizational Leadership
What Can You Do With an Online Organizational Leadership Degree?
An organizational leadership degree builds in-demand skills. With your leadership, strategic thinking, and analytical abilities, you can work in human resources, sales, marketing, and healthcare. You can also launch a new business venture as an entrepreneur.
Organizational leadership majors can work as analysts, consultants, and managers. Common job titles include general manager, training and development manager, management analyst, or human resources manager. These in-demand careers report above-average salaries with job growth potential.
What Are the Requirements for an Online Organizational Leadership Degree?
You'll study project management, leadership theory, and organizational behavior during your online organizational leadership degree. These courses strengthen critical thinking, analytical, and leadership abilities. Many programs incorporate an internship to gain hands-on experience. You may also complete a capstone course as a culminating experience.
Common Organizational Leadership Classes
Leading Organizational Change
Diversity in Organizations
Resource Allocation
Quality Management
Leadership for Innovation
An online bachelor's degree in organizational leadership requires at least 120 credits. Full-time students typically graduate within four years. Many programs also accept transfer credits or offer accelerated schedules to finish faster.
Requirements for an Online Organizational Leadership Degree
Minimum of 120 credits
Organizational leadership courses
Core business courses
General education courses
Capstone project or presentation
In order to apply to organizational leadership programs, you'll typically need a high school diploma or the equivalent. Some programs waive the standardized test requirement — contact programs for specific admissions requirements.
How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Organizational Leadership Degree?
Graduates with leadership degrees work in many high-paying fields. You can become an HR manager, management analyst, or training and development manager with an online leadership degree. These fields report median salaries of over $93,000.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2021) | Job Growth Rate (2021-2031) |
|---|---|---|
| Training & Development Managers | $120,130 | 7% |
| Human Resource Managers | $126,230 | 7% |
| Management Analysts | $93,000 | 11% |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $96,910 | 7% |
| Medical & Health Services Managers | $101,340 | 28% |
Source: BLS
Frequently Asked Questions About Leadership Degrees
What is a leadership degree?
A leadership degree builds analytical and decision-making skills. You'll study leadership theory and organizational change. Organizational leadership programs incorporate real-world case studies and examples to help you train as a leader. Then, you'll put your leadership knowledge into practice as an HR manager, general manager, or management analyst.
What can you do with an organizational leadership degree?
With an organizational leadership degree, you can pursue management opportunities in fields like human resources, sales, and marketing. You can also become a general manager, CEO, or consultant with an organizational leadership degree. Some roles may require work experience in addition to a leadership degree.
Why pursue a leadership degree?
A leadership degree strengthens in-demand skills. In diverse industries, organizations look for employees who can lead projects and teams. During a leadership degree, you'll learn how to evaluate organizations, implement changes, and take on managerial responsibilities. Many of the best leadership degrees also incorporate hands-on experience.
Are leadership degrees worth it?
Earning a leadership degree can pay off. Organizational leadership majors study project management, organizational change, and resource allocation. These subjects prepare graduates for leadership roles in human resources, sales, and general business. For example, you can become a general manager or a human resources manager with a leadership degree.
Which degree is best for leadership?
Many degrees incorporate leadership training. For example, you can earn an online organizational leadership degree to learn about leadership theory and gain managerial skills.
An online degree in leadership and development also strengthens leadership abilities. Many business majors take courses in leadership or entrepreneurship as part of their degree. If you're interested in leadership careers, researching leadership degrees can help you find the best fit.
