Best Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership

Published: Jul 6, 2021
Updated: Feb 1, 2024

Find top-ranked online master’s in organizational leadership degree programs for students wanting to qualify to work as managers, administrators, and trainers in a variety of business, government, and non-profit settings.

Key Takeaways

An online master’s degree in organizational leadership will train graduates to work as managers, administrators, or trainers in a variety of industries.
Students in the best online master’s degree in an organizational leadership program learn communication, strategic planning, decision-making, and relationship-building skills.
Graduates of online programs resulting in a master’s degree in organizational leadership may qualify for top executive positions which can command a high salary.

Top 10 Online Master's in Organizational Leadership Degrees

Johns Hopkins University
University of Georgia
University of Alabama
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
University of Louisville
Saint Louis University
Creighton University
Manhattan College
Roosevelt University
University of Idaho

Johns Hopkins University
University of Georgia
University of Alabama
University of Louisville
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Saint Louis University
Thomas Jefferson University
University of Idaho
Creighton University
Roosevelt University

Western Kentucky University 97%
Southern New Hampshire University 96%
Baker University 92%
Andrews University 91%
Thomas Jefferson University 89%
Roosevelt University 88%
Mercy College 86%
Saint Louis University 85%
Quinnipiac University 84%
Boise State University 84%

Southern New Hampshire University 22 to 1
Boise State University 20 to 1
Northern Arizona University 20 to 1
University of Alabama 19 to 1
Western Kentucky University 18 to 1
Central Michigan University 17 to 1
University of Georgia 17 to 1
Nova Southeastern University 17 to 1
University of Idaho 16 to 1
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 16 to 1

Johns Hopkins University $60,480
Quinnipiac University $51,790
Saint Louis University $50,644
Manhattan College $48,658
Creighton University $45,590
Thomas Jefferson University $44,350
Abilene Christian University $40,500
Rider University $37,200
Nova Southeastern University $36,300
Roosevelt University $33,068

Johns Hopkins University $60,480
Northwood University $37,080
Andrews University $26,580
Abilene Christian University $24,174
Roosevelt University $22,764
Thomas Jefferson University $22,509
Saint Louis University $22,500
Nova Southeastern University $22,062
Manhattan College $21,420
Quinnipiac University $19,710

Northwood University
Abilene Christian University
National University
Boise State University
Northern Arizona University
Baker University
Rider University
Nova Southeastern University
Quinnipiac University
Thomas Jefferson University

Northwood University
Mercy College
National University
Rider University
Baker University
Abilene Christian University
Southern New Hampshire University
Boise State University
Quinnipiac University
Western Kentucky University

Johns Hopkins University 7%
University of Georgia 43%
Abilene Christian University 66%
University of Idaho 74%
Creighton University 76%
Nova Southeastern University 76%
University of Nebraska–Lincoln 79%
Central Michigan University 79%
Northwood University 80%
University of Alabama 80%

Johns Hopkins University 6 to 1
Northwood University 8 to 1
Saint Louis University 9 to 1
Andrews University 10 to 1
Rider University 10 to 1
Creighton University 11 to 1
Quinnipiac University 11 to 1
Manhattan College 11 to 1
Roosevelt University 11 to 1
Abilene Christian University 13 to 1

Boise State University $5,532
University of Idaho $6,182
University of Nebraska–Lincoln $7,770
University of Georgia $9,790
Northern Arizona University $10,644
University of Alabama $11,100
Western Kentucky University $11,112
University of Louisville $12,324
National University $13,320
Central Michigan University $13,650

University of Nebraska–Lincoln $6,138
Boise State University $7,236
University of Idaho $7,754
University of Georgia $8,878
University of Alabama $11,100
Northern Arizona University $11,103
Baker University $11,466
Western Kentucky University $12,140
University of Louisville $13,944
National University $15,912

Table of Contents

Featured Programs

You probably have already heard about the Great Man Theory that connotes how leaders are born and not made. However, various research studies would claim otherwise. Scientific studies suggest that leadership is 30% genetic and 70% learned.

If you’re currently managing a team or aspire to be a manager, it would be valuable to get enrolled in one of the best online master’s degree in organizational leadership programs.

Those who are seasoned professionals or working towards becoming leaders can benefit from an online organizational leadership master’s degree. Organizations become stronger and more effective as a result.

You become an asset to the company as you brush up and hone your leadership skills, which are handy in all facets of life. The key is finding the best college for the right online programs for a master’s degree in organizational leadership. The challenge for human resources has become finding the right people to fill open positions and keeping them on board so they can grow with the company.

Diverse job positions await you in the private sector, government, or non-profit organizations after finishing the online courses in a master’s degree in organizational leadership program.

The employment opportunities for top executives will increase by 6% by 2031, and can expect a median pay of nearly $100,000 per year. Master’s in organizational leadership degrees are suitable for professionals from various fields who want to improve their skills in relationship-building, decision-making, and task prioritization.

Frequently Asked Questions About Organizational Leadership

Professionals can sharpen their leadership skills with a master’s in organizational leadership. This online or on-campus graduate program covers a variety of topics, making it a versatile degree that can be applied to many fields.

Concentrations in a master’s in organizational leadership program include healthcare administration, global management, criminal justice leadership, and human resources. Though classes will likely be specific to your area of concentration, example courses include Conflict Resolution and Negotiations, Leading Organizational Change, and Strategic Planning.

A master’s in organizational leadership requires a minimum of 30 required credits, and this degree can be earned in as little as 1.5 years.

After graduation, students with a master’s in organizational leadership will qualify to work as managers, administrators, and trainers in a variety of business, government, and non-profit settings.

We have outlined all of the benefits of pursuing a master’s in organizational leadership, but you may not have considered why an online master is a great option for working professionals.

Busy adults trying to manage a full-time career and family may find it especially difficult to earn a master’s in organizational leadership through a traditional on-campus program. But an online master can accommodate busy schedules, allowing online leadership students to pursue their coursework on their own time.

Even better, accredited master’s in organizational leadership still qualify for financial aid whether the program is on-campus or an online master.

For more information on how to apply for financial aid for your master’s in organizational leadership, visit the Federal Student Aid website.

Learn more about what you can do with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA).

How do we determine the best online organizational leadership master's degree programs?

Methodology

Pursuing your degree online doesn’t mean you need to settle for an inferior school. Today, most universities and colleges offer online degrees, and many respected schools are seeing significant growth in their numbers of online students.

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great. This is why influence — i.e., the academic impact of faculty and alumni associated with a school — gets at the heart of what is truly best in education. The combined influence score of a college or university’s top academic influencers is the best indicator of academic excellence. For our online degree rankings, we focus on the academic influence of faculty and alumni in the specific disciplines we’re ranking.

If you are serious about finding the best online colleges, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching, and whether their graduates themselves are advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Influence, as measured by our InfluenceRanking engine, provides a ranking that is free from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

Best Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs

Career Outlook for Students with Organizational Leadership Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Organizational Leadership

Degree Level: Master's

Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
Avg. Cost of Degree*: $13,096
Avg. Expenses*: $15,508
Avg. Starting Salary*: $77,404
Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $95,349
Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 4 years
Job Growth: 6.13%
Number of Jobs: 2,582,400
* denotes ‘annually’
** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

Career	Job Growth	Avg. Salary
Architectural and Engineering Managers	4.07%	$142,020
Financial Managers	15.97%	$125,312
Natural Sciences Managers	4.87%	$122,066
Human Resources Managers	5.22%	$115,604
Actuaries	23.00%	$114,920
Training and Development Managers	6.54%	$111,455
Industrial Production Managers	1.62%	$106,425
Managers, All Other	3.35%	$106,040
Fundraising Managers	5.04%	$103,968
Medical and Health Services Managers	28.40%	$103,928

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%	Median	Top 10%
$61,256	$101,258	$167,569

Promising Job Markets

State	Cost of Living	Avg. Salary
#2 New York	5% higher than average	$130,153
#3 New Jersey	13% higher than average	$136,924
#4 Delaware	2% higher than average	$121,136
#5 Virginia	5% higher than average	$111,651
#6 North Carolina	11% higher than average	$103,634
#7 Michigan	15% higher than average	$99,104
#8 Texas	10% higher than average	$103,706
#9 Ohio	14% higher than average	$97,688
#10 Georgia	13% higher than average	$98,348
#11 Colorado	3% higher than average	$115,266
#12 Missouri	16% higher than average	$93,776
#13 Wisconsin	7% higher than average	$103,442
#14 Washington	7% higher than average	$117,574
#15 Illinois	7% higher than average	$102,175
#16 Minnesota	4% higher than average	$104,492
#17 Kansas	9% higher than average	$97,981
#18 Alabama	13% higher than average	$92,491
#19 Massachusetts	24% higher than average	$131,495
#20 South Dakota	7% higher than average	$97,815
#21 Pennsylvania	5% higher than average	$100,581
#22 New Hampshire	13% higher than average	$118,084
#23 Tennessee	14% higher than average	$89,363
#24 West Virginia	11% higher than average	$91,818
#25 New Mexico	7% higher than average	$95,830
#26 California	26% higher than average	$129,266
#27 Kentucky	14% higher than average	$87,401
#28 Arizona	5% higher than average	$96,938
#29 Louisiana	9% higher than average	$91,749
#30 Oklahoma	13% higher than average	$87,583
#31 Utah	4% higher than average	$95,707
#32 Rhode Island	20% higher than average	$119,117
#33 South Carolina	8% higher than average	$90,374
#34 Florida	6% higher than average	$92,215
#35 Arkansas	16% higher than average	$81,445
#36 Mississippi	18% higher than average	$79,430
#37 Nebraska	6% higher than average	$90,008
#38 Connecticut	18% higher than average	$113,224
#39 Iowa	9% higher than average	$87,130
#40 Maryland	18% higher than average	$112,468
#41 North Dakota	average	$95,032
#42 Indiana	11% higher than average	$82,602
#43 Oregon	11% higher than average	$102,447
#44 Wyoming	2% higher than average	$89,166
#45 Montana	3% higher than average	$87,119
#46 Maine	9% higher than average	$96,109
#47 District of Columbia	49% higher than average	$130,995
#48 Idaho	7% higher than average	$81,282
#49 Vermont	13% higher than average	$98,491
#50 Nevada	5% higher than average	$90,126
#51 Alaska	23% higher than average	$103,536
#52 Hawaii	40% higher than average	$96,792

Top Industries

Industry	Avg. Salary
Architectural and Engineering Managers	$142,020
Financial Managers	$125,312
Natural Sciences Managers	$122,066
Human Resources Managers	$115,604
Actuaries	$114,920
Training and Development Managers	$111,455
Industrial Production Managers	$106,425
Managers, All Other	$106,040
Fundraising Managers	$103,968
Medical and Health Services Managers	$103,928

Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Looking for online master’s degrees similar to organizational leadership? Check out our rankings of online degrees in organizational psychology or educational leadership!

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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Best Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership

Key Takeaways

Top 10 Online Master's in Organizational Leadership Degrees

Featured Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Organizational Leadership

Why get a master’s degree in organizational leadership?

What areas of concentration are there in a master’s in organizational leadership program?

How long does it take to get a master’s in organizational leadership?

What can you do with a master’s in organizational leadership?

Why should you get an online degree when considering a master’s in organizational leadership?

Best Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at Johns Hopkins University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at University of Georgia

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at University of Alabama

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at University of Louisville

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at Saint Louis University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at Creighton University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at Manhattan College

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at Roosevelt University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at University of Idaho

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at Central Michigan University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at Mercy College

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at Southern New Hampshire University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at Andrews University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at Western Kentucky University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at Thomas Jefferson University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at Quinnipiac University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at Nova Southeastern University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at Rider University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at Baker University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at Northern Arizona University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at Boise State University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at National University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at Abilene Christian University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Organizational Leadership degree at Northwood University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Students with Organizational Leadership Degree

Organizational Leadership

Degree Level: Master's

Career Salaries

Average Career Salaries

Promising Job Markets

Top Industries

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect from an online college course?+

Is online college easier?+