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While only a few schools offer graduate programs in organizational management, students often pursue the more common organizational leadership program. Undoubtedly, “management” and “strategic organizational leadership” are often used interchangeably. These program offerings may translate to MA, MPS, MS, or MBA degrees.
Regardless, both online graduate business programs offer the same high-quality curriculum for educating and training students to become highly proficient and strategic leaders of their organizations or industries. MA and MS programs emphasize theoretical studies, while MBA programs are more generalized.
Although each school has a uniquely designed curriculum, some of the most common courses in the program include strategic human resource management, workforce development, organizational leadership, ethics in organizations, and conflict resolution in business.
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The Lowdown
The best online master’s in organizational management programs allow students to learn areas and proficiencies essential for managerial positions, including how to deal with performance issues and conflicts, effectively communicate important feedback and ideas, collaborate with colleagues and clients, efficiently manage and organize team members, and prioritize and evaluate company goals.
One of the many advantages of pursuing a graduate program in organizational management is the diversity to learn and apply knowledge across different fields and industries.
From marketing to academia, almost all organizations require practical and strategic managerial and leadership skills. Many online programs offer online courses featuring comprehensive business and organizational principles and practices for achieving their overall objectives.
While earning a master’s program in organizational management is an excellent start for career advancements, graduates must also consider professional certifications, additional training, and other credentialing options.
Nowadays, businesses are becoming more innovative and highly modernized, and professionals should keep up with the latest trends and strategies to stay relevant.
Methodology
When choosing the best organizational management master’s program, one should find a program aligned with their academic and professional aspirations, financial capacity, and program learning outcomes.
Every online graduate program in organizational management we’ve curated is based on the following set of criteria:
- Receives regional and programmatic accreditation from reputable and well-known institutions,
- Delivered in a full-time, part-time, online, or blended learning format to accommodate students regardless of their personal and professional commitments,
- Includes a diverse range of financial aid programs, comprehensive student support services for online students, and generous transfer policies,
- Has a team of faculty members with industry-based knowledge and credentials, as well as relevant professional experiences,
- Integrated with unique management or leadership courses and specializations, students can focus on their preferred areas of interest.
Kindly visit our Methodology page and see our comprehensive ranking and school selection process.
10 Best Online Master’s in Organizational Management Programs
University of Colorado Boulder
Online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
The University of Colorado Boulder offers an online MS in Organizational Leadership through a cross-campus partnership between its Graduate School and the Division of Continuing Education. The academic program emphasizes leadership and management capabilities relevant to every manager, regardless of their field or industry.
- The online MSOL is a 100% online, asynchronous graduate program ideal for working professionals aspiring to become dynamic leaders.
- Although online, the organizational leadership online program isn’t a self-paced program. With engaging faculty, distance learners have specific deadlines per week. However, they can choose when to complete their work to meet deadlines.
- The 30-credit graduate program features ten courses, providing a comprehensive background in organizational leadership core courses and a specialized track area.
- Students can choose one of five tracks offered: General, Organizational Communication, Leading Innovation, Human Resources, and Strategic Leadership.
- The customizable program highlights accelerated 7-week terms designed for working adults and busy students.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Graduates pursuing the MSOL academic program can benefit from the Professional Skills Mastery Lab (ProLab) to complement their studies with professional development experiences. Its comprehensive curriculum is focused so students can save time and tuition, allowing them to complete their degree on a part-time learning option in five semesters only.
The university provides a week off between terms to enable students to take a break and re-energize themselves with personal and professional obligations.
Did You Know?
The University of Colorado Boulder offers more streamlined admissions, simplifying the enrollment process for students applying for the MSOL program. Aspiring students will submit less supporting documentation with no GRE or GMAT required.
The university receives accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership
Southern New Hampshire University has one of the lowest online tuition rates for graduates pursuing a graduate program in organizational leadership. SNHU’s Master’s in Organizational Leadership is a 100% online academic program ideal for professionals who want to become leaders and are already in leadership positions.
- The academic program is one of the few programs of its kind to receive programmatic accreditation from the ACBSP-Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs.
- A total of 36 credit hours is required for degree completion.
- Although completion time varies per student, the graduate program can be completed in 15 months.
- Students will complete six core leadership courses, three leadership electives, and three business electives throughout the curriculum.
- The Organizational Leadership Capstone serves as a culminating experience of the program, evaluating students’ capabilities to integrate and utilize the skills and expertise developed through a series of coursework.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Graduates who prefer to have specialized studies as human resource professionals can benefit from the MS in Organizational Leadership program. Apart from the graduate degree, students can earn a graduate certificate in Human Resource Management.
After graduation, they can also pursue certifications from the HR Certification Institute, as well as the Society for Human Resource Management.
Did You Know?
SNHU is considered one of the most innovative, accessible, and affordable universities in the US, garnering several accolades from well-known institutions, including the US News & World Report, Online Learning Consortium, and the NH Business Review.
Eastern University
Online MBA in Organizational Management
Eastern University’s MBA in Organizational Management program is a dynamic program that equips students with the essential skills, business tools, and strategic knowledge to lead diverse teams in high-performing and modern organizations or industries.
Plus, the academic program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
- Distance learners can graduate in as little as ten months, taking six credits per 7-week term and completing in five terms or depending on their pace.
- The self-paced program features start dates every seven weeks, allowing students to apply anytime, whenever they are ready.
- Graduate students can apply for federal financial aid, military benefits, and partner grants accordingly to help finance their graduate studies.
- Students have the option to pursue a general track or one of the 4-course concentrations, namely Healthcare Administration or Business Analytics.
- The 30-credit hour program culminates in a student-directed Applied Knowledge Capstone to demonstrate their proficiencies in management.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The MBA in Organizational Management provides students with the opportunity to pair their degree with an MS in Data Science or the Master of Divinity program as a dual degree option. Both programs are designed to allow students to earn dual degrees in as little as four years.
While the university has affordable tuition rates, students can enjoy Alumni Discounts if they already have a degree completed at Eastern.
Did You Know?
Eastern University offers an MBA in Organizational Management: Advanced Standing program for students with undergraduate degrees earned from schools and programs accredited by the IACBE, AACSB, and ACBSP.
Advanced Standing students are no longer required to take four out of ten core courses from the standard MBA curriculum. Instead, they will complete four elective courses to fulfill the 30 credits for degree completion.
Creighton University
Online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
The MS in Organizational Leadership at Creighton University is a part-time, online academic program designed on an experiential leadership model, enhancing innovative and creative professional skills for students.
Through the program, students develop their leadership and organizational skills by immersing themselves in a diverse network of faculty with industry-based training and knowledge, colleagues, and collaborative work.
- To complete the MSOL degree, students must have 36 credits of core courses and electives.
- Distance learners take courses in Innovation and Adaptive Change, Strategic Orienteering and Execution Tactics, Approaches to Human Capital, Leadership Capstone, and Communicating and Leading Across Cultures.
- Enrollment requirements include an accomplished application form, personal statement, CV/resume, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts, baccalaureate degree, personal interview, and two years of full-time professional or leadership experience.
- The program has a rolling admission basis, with options to start classes in August, October, January, March, or May.
- Financial aid is available to graduate students to help finance their graduate studies.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The MSOL program provides students with the option to choose from eight certificates that can be earned at the same time as their graduate degree. All certificate programs only require 15 credit hours for completion. The certificate options include the following:
- Bioethics
- Healthcare Management
- K-12 Educational Leadership through Sports
- Lifestyle Medicine
- Leadership and Well-Being
- Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
- Organizational Leadership
- Sports Leadership
Did You Know?
Apart from certificate options, the university allows students in the MSOL program to pursue a dual degree option, helping them save time and financial resources. The MS in Organizational Leadership can be paired with the Master of Business Administration program.
Additionally, Creighton University’s Heider College of Business is approved by the AACSB-Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
The school is one of only 2% of academic institutions to receive AACSB accreditation for accounting and business.
Purdue University
Online Master of Science – Management and Leadership
Purdue University offers an MS in Management and Leadership with programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
It is an academic program that focuses on the most effective organizational and management strategies and theories to help students thrive in a competitive, dynamic, and global business environment.
- The MS in Management and Leadership program features multiple start dates to provide convenience and flexibility, with start dates in April, June, and August.
- Purdue offers several options for graduate students to save on tuition and other expenses, including military tuition reduction, grants, transfer credits, prior military experience, international tuition reduction (for students living outside the US), and corporate partner benefits.
- A total of 56 credits is required for degree completion, consisting of 40-credit core courses and 16-credit electives.
- The academic program offers seven concentration areas to choose from, including Global Business, Healthcare Management, Information Technology, Leadership, Human Resources, Project Management, and Organizational Design and Development.
- Course effort may include 20 hours per week, with full-time students earning their graduate degree in two years.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Students pursuing the graduate program in management and leadership will have the unique opportunity to participate in a study abroad program.
They can either participate in a global in-person or virtual experience, allowing them to grow international, marketable business proficiencies. Through the program, they earn the globally recognized Global Competence Certificate.
Apart from that, the management and leadership program receives approval from the Society for Human Resource Management since the Human Resources concentration has fully aligned with the SHRM’s HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates.
Did You Know?
Purdue University’s education abroad program allows learners to study overseas virtually or in person. Purdue Global is a proud member of The Forum on Education Abroad and the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA).
Through the program, students can study in Germany, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Switzerland.
Husson University
Online Master of Business Administration – Organizational Management
The MBA in Organizational Management offered at Husson University equips students with the proficiencies and knowledge to understand the structural details of successful businesses, communicate with others effectively and professionally, and manage staff effectively.
Plus, the academic program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
- The fully online program features flexible online classes with 24/7 accessibility.
- The university offers flexibility in starting and completing students’ academic degrees with six 7-week term options, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Although completion time depends on students’ commitment, the graduate program can be completed within 24 months of full-time learning.
- The 36 to 37-credit program includes courses in Training and Development, Human Resource Management, Leadership and Ethics, Strategic Management and Leadership in Athletics, and Labor and Employment Law.
- Aside from the 36 credit hour minimum requirement, aspiring students will take both introductory and upper-level business courses on interactive subjects, including finance, marketing, and organizational management.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The organizational management graduate program includes an internship that credits professional projects. Instead of the standard internship, the professional project is designed for distance learners who already have full-time or part-time jobs.
Through the project, students can apply coursework to a project at their current workplace. They also explore departments and roles outside their regular routine or daily activities.
Did You Know?
Husson University provides holistic online student support services, a one-stop-shop service designed to help distance learners in their academic journey. Some benefits include the Student Academic Advisor, Career Services, Online Tutoring, and Student Orientation in Canvas.
Apart from that, Husson University has 20 participating institutions as part of the transfer agreements, ensuring a smooth transition of academic credits.
Pennsylvania State University
Online Master of Professional Studies in Organizational Development and Change
Pennsylvania State University has an MPS in Organizational Development and Change program that helps develop students’ proficiencies in organization management and development. Through the program, they gain practical and relevant skills to effectively lead change and manage non-profits, government agencies, and corporations.
- The 30-credit graduate program provides students with the opportunity to interact with a network of experienced professionals.
- The curriculum comprises five core required courses, four electives, and one field-based capstone course.
- Sample courses include Appreciative Inquiry, Foundations of Organization Development and Change, Assessing Data: Organizational Diagnosis, Facilitating Groups and Teams, and Process Consultation in Organization Development.
- Distance learners can focus on one area of specialization by completing a set of elective courses in major concentrations, namely Analytics, Consulting, Operational Excellence, and Technology-Leveraged Organization Development.
- Admission to the online OD&C graduate program requires at least two years of related full-time professional experience.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The MPS in Organization Development and Change is an approved program by the Society for Human Resource Management and the HR Certification Institute®.
Apart from that, the university is a Project Management Institute® Registered Education Provider; therefore, each course earned from the Organization Development and Change program can be credited toward the application or recertification of PMI.
Did You Know?
PennState World Campus offers alternatives for students who aren’t ready yet to pursue a graduate program in the organizational management field.
Aspiring students can follow the graduate certificate in Organization Development and Change Consulting Skills, Organization Development and Change Essentials, and Organization Development and Change Operational Excellence.
All programs only require 12 credits and can be transferrable toward earning the MPS in Organization Development and Change.
University of Massachusetts
Online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MyPath)
The University of Massachusetts provides students with the opportunity to become competent in the field of organizational management through the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. It is an online, self-paced, and competency-based academic program designed for self-starting professionals wanting to complete their academic degrees faster.
- The self-paced MyPath program consists of three major Domains, with four competencies integrated per Domain. Domain 1 emphasizes leadership foundations, Domain 2 focuses on capstone competency and leadership practices, and Domain 3 focuses on students’ preferred specialization.
- Admission requirements include a completed application, official transcripts, and a minimum GPA requirement.
- Distance learners choose one of three tracks offered, namely the Project Management Track, the Military Track, or the Standard Track.
- Since the program features continuous sessions, aspiring organizational management professionals can start any week whenever they’re ready.
- Active-duty personnel can apply military experience toward their degree.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The graduate program features an employer-aligned curriculum, with faculty members who are scholar-practitioners and doctorate holders. Students can benefit from gaining applicable competencies that they can use immediately through the faculty’s commitment to the latest industry trends.
Developed with adult learners in mind, the university integrates current and relevant employment needs and trends into the academic curriculum.
Did You Know?
U-Mass Global offers two distance learning platforms for students so they can work around their busy schedules, namely the self-paced, competency-based learning and the instructor-led, course-based learning.
Aligned with its mission to offer affordable, accessible education for all students, the University of Massachusetts Global offers MyPath programs with a set fee per Competency-based Education academic year.
Students will have no limit to the number of courses they take within the 24-week billing period, allowing them to complete their academic degree at their preferred pace. All materials and books are already provided and included in the fees.
Gonzaga University
Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership
Gonzaga University has a Master’s in Organizational Leadership program that educates and trains students with the necessary tools and resources to enhance advanced leadership practices through creative, strategic, and critical thinking. It is a holistic program that develops proficiencies in global strategy, effective communication, foresight & planning, leading change, and conflict resolution.
- The academic program offers four optional concentrations, namely Strategic & Organizational Communication, Servant Leadership, Global Leadership, and Change Leadership.
- Thirty credit hours are required for degree completion.
- The admission checklist includes an accomplished application form, transcripts, letters of recommendation, resume, and statement of purpose,
- Aspiring students can enroll in one of five start dates per year, either in January, March, May, August, and October.
- Students can earn their degrees within 24 months of full-time learning; however, they can complete the program at their own pace.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The organizational leadership graduate program features domestic and global immersions to help students connect with faculty and colleagues, network, and build communities. The study abroad programs are designed for working professionals, providing students with the opportunity to visit Italy, Colombia, and Belgium.
The domestic immersion includes a trip to a Benedictine Abbey in Southern California and spending five days with colleagues and monks and learning the process of empowerment, community, and collaboration.
Another domestic immersion is a climb to Mt. Adams, the 2nd highest peak in Washington State, where students will work within a small team and as a class to learn more about leadership and hardiness.
Did You Know?
Gonzaga University offers many options for financing students’ master’s degrees. Eligible students can apply for federal financial aid, scholarships, and employer reimbursements. They can receive up to $20,500 as part of the financial aid package.
Graduate students can apply for graduate assistantships, allowing them to gain further expertise in their current field and finance their studies simultaneously.
National University
Online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
National University’s Master of Science in Organizational Leadership is approved by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. It is a comprehensive academic program that provides students with the training and education to become change-oriented and effective leaders in their organizations.
- NU’s MSOL program follows a unique and challenging curriculum integrating theory with practical learning, as well as Information Technology concepts.
- Each course has a 4-week duration, allowing students to start and complete faster with an innovative course design.
- Full-time and part-time learning formats are available, with an average completion time of 12 to 14 months.
- A total of 54 quarter units is required for program completion, with ten courses allotted for core requirements and two courses for electives.
- The program includes a specialization in Community Development, where they must complete four courses integrated into the curriculum.
- Sample courses include Consulting and Assessments, Leadership in the 21st Century, Conflict and Power Dynamics, Leadership Research, and Leading Change and Adaptation.
What Makes This Program Unique:
NU’s admissions team has a year-round enrollment, accepting students and reviewing their applications all year round. However, students can already start classes as soon as next month from acceptance and review of their applications.
Did You Know?
National University is a veteran-founded, San Diego-based non-profit university that provides achievable and accessible higher education to adult learners. Aligned with its commitment, NU offers a Year of You, a needs-based scholarship for students in underserved populations.
The scholarship grants up to $7,500 annually to eligible students.
Job Outlook for Organizational Management Master’s Degree Graduates
Completing a graduate program in organizational management offers a plethora of career opportunities and a promising career outlook. Given managers and executive leaders can pursue a profession in diverse fields, the job outlook will depend on which management occupations graduates will aspire to.
According to PayScale, online master’s in organizational management graduates can earn $79K annually on average. However, wage potential will depend on a number of factors, such as work experience, location, industry, and specialization.
Generally, graduates often find work in finance, entrepreneurship, management, information technology, marketing, education, and manufacturing industries. Other management positions are located in retail, government sectors, and healthcare.
Continuing Education Prospects
Graduates with an organizational management degree can stay up to date with their preferred industry’s developments and trends by pursuing further studies. Some graduates pursue a doctorate program in organizational leadership or a related field.
Another option for graduates is to get professional certifications and other credentialing requirements related to their occupation and industry. Human Resources Managers, for instance, can get certified by the Society for Human Resource Management and Human Resources Certification Institute.
Most Common Career Paths for Organizational Management Graduates
Skilled managers and supervisors are crucial in almost every industry. From healthcare to marketing, organizations and businesses thrive better when effective managers are in charge. As a result, many companies prefer quality managers as a primary component of employee and client satisfaction, resulting in profitable strategies, innovation, and production.
Completing a master’s degree in Organizational Management and Organizational Leadership programs help candidates become highly trained and competitive in their respective industries that may involve professional and executive coaching.
The Labor Statistics Bureau lists the popular career paths for Organizational Management graduates:
- Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers – $138,730 per year
- Financial Managers – $139,790 per year
- Compensation and Benefits Managers – $131,280 per year
- Sales Managers – $130,600 per year
- Human Resources Managers – $130,000 per year
- Training and Development Managers – $120,000 per year
- Public Relations and Fundraising Managers – $125,620 per year
- Medical and Health Services Managers – $104,830 per year
- Top Executives – $100,090 per year
- Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals – $101,320 per year
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the standard admission requirements for a Master’s in Organizational Management program?
Enrollment requirements for an online graduate program in organizational management vary by college or university. However, most schools require their applicants to have a baccalaureate degree regardless of their field of study.
Some schools require applicants with non-business-related degrees to complete a set of business prerequisites. Apart from that, online schools may also require applicants to take an initial interview during the enrollment process.
Here are some of the standard admission requirements for schools offering a Master’s in Organizational Management program:
Completed Application
Online graduate programs in organizational management require an accomplished application form. Each school has its own online application system where students can easily submit their applications for enrollment.
Letters of Recommendation
An online master’s in organizational management program requires at least two letters of recommendation. Recommenders often come from undergraduate professors, supervisors, or managers who can speak regarding students’ academic and professional strengths.
Official Transcripts
Aspiring students submit their official transcripts from previous colleges or universities. Most schools accept the transfer of academic credits earned from an accredited college or university. It is highly recommended to contact students’ prospective schools to inquire about transfer policies.
Personal Statement/Essays
Some online schools require personal statements or essays as part of the admission checklist of the online master’s in the organizational leadership program.
Essays allow universities to have a quick overview of students’ abilities and determination, helping them decide whether or not the applicant is a good fit for the academic program.
Professional Experience and Resume/CV
Students must submit a cover letter along with their recent CV or resume, highlighting their professional experience and interest in the school’s graduate program. While some schools don’t require work experience, a few schools require their applicants to have a minimum of two years of professional experience.
Test Scores
Although many schools waive their GRE/GMAT scores nowadays, some universities include test scores as part of their program requirements.
How long can students complete their Master’s in Organizational Management degree?
Many online organizational leadership and management graduate programs can be completed within 12 to 24 months of full-time learning. However, like most graduate programs, the completion time may depend on several factors, such as course scheduling, program format, and students’ preferences.
Students enrolled in a 36-credit graduate program with a non-thesis option can graduate within a year of full-time study.
Organizational management graduate programs with capstone or thesis requirements will have a more prolonged completion time. Part-time students will also take longer to finish their graduate studies.
Summary Points
A Master’s in Organizational Management is a more specialized business-related degree emphasizing management, strategic leadership, and organizational skills.
In the globally competitive and more challenging business dynamics nowadays, having strong leadership and management proficiency is crucial for thriving in the field as training and development managers. It is one of the many reasons why more and more professionals are pursuing a graduate program in organizational management to develop their credentials.
A holistic Organizational Management graduate program, which is closely linked to an Organizational Leadership degree, appeals to students aspiring to become effective leaders in their organization or industry. It explores diversity and inclusion, leadership ethics, conflict resolution, and innovation in modern business settings or workplaces.
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