Best Online Leadership Degrees

Want to build leadership skills? Learn more about online leadership degrees and your career options with a bachelor's in organizational leadership.
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Updated October 17, 2023

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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

#1 Best Online Leadership Degrees

Southeastern University

  • Lakeland, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,268
Out-of-State | $1,268

Credits to Graduate: 120

Degree Completion: No

Founded in 1935, SEU's online leadership degree integrates Christian faith through practicums, internships, and study abroad opportunities. In the bachelor's in organizational leadership degree, you complete Divine Design requirements, which include 50 credits that develop your ministry experience and explore spirituality.  

The major core credits cover organizational leadership principles, theory, cross-cultural leadership, and servant leadership philosophy. You can concurrently earn a minor in subjects such as journalism or business. Admissions is based on Christian character, GPA, and personal references.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$26,520
Out-of-state
$26,520
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,365
Out-of-state
$13,365
Retention Rate
66%
Acceptance Rate
43%
Students Enrolled
9,546
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
53% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Best Online Leadership Degrees

The Master's University and Seminary

  • Santa Clarita, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $450
Out-of-State | $450

Credits to Graduate: 39

Degree Completion: No

The Master's University and Seminary, based in Santa Clarita, California, offers online organizational leadership degrees with a Christian worldview focus. You can complete the 39 major course credits in 14 months. You'll study business law, Christian worldview and ethics, organizational communication, and Biblical ethics. To measure your academic achievement, you'll complete a management project as a capstone.

You need to demonstrate Christian faith and have graduated with a high school diploma or GED.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$27,950
Out-of-state
$27,950
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,440
Out-of-state
$10,440
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
60%
Students Enrolled
2,449
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
21% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#3 Best Online Leadership Degrees

Anderson University

  • Anderson, SC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

Avg. Cost per Semester:
In-State | $16,355
Out-of-State | $16,355

Credits to Graduate: 120

Degree Completion: No

Founded in 1848, AU's online organizational leadership degree offers a human resource administration concentration and coursework that focuses on Christian principles. 

The core courses take seven weeks to complete and cover business communication, organizational leadership, quality management, and psychology. The human resource administration concentration trains you in accounting and budgeting, computer information systems, and development.

You can apply as a first-time student with a high school diploma or GED, or as a transfer student.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$26,820
Out-of-state
$26,820
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,140
Out-of-state
$10,140
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
3,848
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
60% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Best Online Leadership Degrees

Toccoa Falls College

  • Toccoa Falls, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $370
Out-of-State | $370

Credits to Graduate: 126

Degree Completion: No

TFC's online organizational leadership degree emphasizes biblical and theology studies. You can also earn a minor in Bible and theology, business administration, criminal justice, nonprofit business administration, and sport management. 

This bachelor's degree requires 30 credits of Bible and theology coursework and 42 core credits in subjects such as servant leadership, principles of management, marketing, and management theory. 

You can apply as a transfer student by submitting transcripts or as a first-year student with high school transcripts and optional submission of SAT or ACT scores.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$21,120
Out-of-state
$21,120
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,220
Out-of-state
$11,220
Retention Rate
58%
Acceptance Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
1,698
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Best Online Leadership Degrees

University of Arizona

  • Tucson, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $500
Out-of-State | $500

Credits to Graduate: 120

Degree Completion: Yes

UofA's online organizational leadership and regional commerce degree, a program for transfer students, prepares you for a career in project management or supply chain management. You study mostly at your own pace, with some required synchronous class times. 

Through the program, you learn leadership skills, judgment and decision-making, and ethics in the public and private sectors. 

In partnership with Arizona's community colleges, you can transfer into this program and graduate in two years. You can apply if you've completed 60 college credits and hold a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,990
Out-of-state
$33,273
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,938
Out-of-state
$32,065
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
45,601
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
56% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 Best Online Leadership Degrees

John Brown University

  • Siloam Springs, AR
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $315
Out-of-State | $315

Credits to Graduate: 120

Degree Completion: No

JBU's online leadership degree helps prepare you for Christian-grounded leadership roles. You get an education from Christian leaders in subjects such as accounting for managers, business communication, business law and ethics, marketing, and coalition building. 

If you want an advanced degree, you can enroll in JBU's dual bachelor's/master's degree to earn your undergraduate and graduate studies in five years. JBU also offers study abroad programs in Ireland, Jordan, and South Korea. First-year and transfer applicants need transcripts with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$27,048
Out-of-state
$27,048
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,920
Out-of-state
$13,920
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
2,343
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
45% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 Best Online Leadership Degrees

Arizona State University

  • Scottsdale, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Online

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $561-$661
Out-of-State | $561-$661

Credits to Graduate: 120

Degree Completion: No

ASU's bachelor's in organizational leadership degree consists of 40 courses that you can complete in three years on the fast track plan. Subjects blend organizational ethics, theory and practice, project management, and social processes in organizations. 

Additionally, you can earn your master's in liberal studies or master's in organizational leadership through ASU's accelerated program that lets you complete graduate studies in one year. 

Transfer students can apply with 12 college credits and a minimum 2.5 GPA. First-year students need a high school diploma.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,710
Out-of-state
$10,820
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,516
Out-of-state
$6,516
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
53,993
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#8 Best Online Leadership Degrees

San Diego Christian College

  • Santee, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $399
Out-of-State | $399

Credits to Graduate: 123

Degree Completion: No

SDCC's organizational leadership degree prepares you for management or supervisory positions through a Christian-focused curriculum. You can take courses online or in the evenings at the Spring Valley, California, campus. Major core requirements include organizational communication, conflict resolution, and leadership and organizational change. 

You get to choose from an online emphasis or major in business management, Christian ministries, criminal justice, or psychology. 

SDCC doesn't charge an application fee. If you hold less than 24 credits, you must submit high school transcripts.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$23,022
Out-of-state
$23,022
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,566
Out-of-state
$10,566
Retention Rate
59%
Acceptance Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
512
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
91% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#9 Best Online Leadership Degrees

Ottawa University

  • Surprise, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Avg. Cost per Semester:
In-State | $15,950
Out-of-State | $15,950

Credits to Graduate: 120

Degree Completion: No

In OU's online bachelor's in leadership degree, you can choose from three concentrations in economics, finance, or human resources. 

You learn practical organizational leadership skills with courses that explore conflict resolution, planning and budgeting, and entrepreneurial vision and strategies. If you enroll in the Bridge Option, you can start earning graduate-level credits in your senior year. 

You can apply as a first-year student by submitting high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. You can also apply as a transfer student.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$28,000
Out-of-state
$28,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,428
Out-of-state
$10,428
Retention Rate
47%
Acceptance Rate
28%
Students Enrolled
831
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#10 Best Online Leadership Degrees

Missouri Baptist University

  • Saint Louis, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $482
Out-of-State | $482

Credits to Graduate: 120

Degree Completion: No

MBU's online organizational leadership degree delivers a Christian-focused curriculum. Through the bachelor's program, you gain knowledge and practical skills in business ethics and professional integrity, industrial psychology, and protection and operations management.

You complete 13 courses over four years. The 12 required electives allow you to tailor your studies in accounting, business administration, computer science, and marketing.

You can apply as a current MBU student or as a transfer student. MBU accepts up to 96 prior college credits.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$27,946
Out-of-state
$27,946
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,256
Out-of-state
$10,256
Retention Rate
69%
Acceptance Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
4,860
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
37% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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

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

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.

Popular Organizational Leadership Degree Jobs
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.

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