| Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Theoretical Foundation: The Vision, Mission & Values of Organizational Leadership | 12 | |
| OLCU 501 | Organizational Research |
3 |
| OLCU 600 | Foundations of Organizational Leadership |
3 |
| OLCU 601 | Democracy, Ethics and Leadership |
3 |
| OLCU 650 | Introduction to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Leaders |
3 |
| Enacting the Vision: Putting Leadership into Practice |
9 |
|
| OLCU 613 | Seminar in Organizational Dynamics |
3 |
| OLCU 614 | Leadership & Team Development |
3 |
| OLCU 615 | Leading Organizational Change |
3 |
| Elective Courses |
12 |
|
| Twelve graduate-level credits selected from programs in Criminal Justice, Education, Human Resources, Business Administration, Computer Science and Information Systems, Health Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership and Psychology. |
12 |
|
| Integrative Capstone |
3 |
|
| OLCU 681 | Leadership Capstone Seminar |
3 |
| Total Credits |
36 |
|
MA in Organizational Leadership
With our theory-to-practice-oriented curriculum, this online master’s degree in organizational leadership will prepare you to move into leadership roles in any organization.
Position Yourself for Leadership
Through 100% online coursework designed for adult learners, the UMass Global Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership focuses on the development of the people and conceptual skills essential to success at all levels of administration.
UMass Global’s organizational leadership master’s program employs a hands-on approach and focuses on practical learning. Subject matter explores leadership, critical analysis, collaboration, managing change, globalization and diversity, and ethics to provide a broad-based foundation for career development.
- Fewer Core Requirements = Faster Completion
The streamlined MAOL core program of study allows you to finish your program more quickly, earning your organizational leadership master’s in about one year. - Liberal Entry Requirements
No GRE is required. Students can qualify for the MA in Organizational Leadership with a 2.75 entry GPA or a Leadership Portfolio.
Next Session
Summer I (Apr 28, 2025)
Estimated Tuition
$730/Credit
Help me estimate my costWays to Learn
Online
Discover Affordable Education
At UMass Global, our goal is to change your life through affordable education. We work with you to find grants, scholarships, tuition discounts, and low interest loans to keep your costs down.
Program Benefits that Benefit You.
Customizable Degrees
Choose from electives such as business administration, computer science and information systems, education, health administration, human resources and more.
Finish Faster
Full-time students can complete a leadership master's degree in just over a year.* We also offer a self-paced option for those who want to use their previous learning and work experience to accelerate.
Leverage Your Prior Experience
Most students can transfer up to nine credits toward their master’s. Service members can apply their training toward their degree, transferring up to 15 units of military coursework.
University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
What can you do with Organizational Leadership
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| Growth1 | Median Salary2 |
|---|
Data source: Lightcast™ 2022 www.lightcast.io
The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.
1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program
My fellow military folks, I don't see a better option. The support you financially. They support you as far as your life goes, all the chaotic deployments, everything that came with it. UMass Global supported me in those endeavors.
Laquita Roscoe
MA, Organizational Leadership
MA, Organizational Leadership
Admission Requirements
Applicants for this master's degree program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:
- Completed application
- 2.75 grade point average (GPA)
- Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions where baccalaureate and/or post-baccalaureate coursework was completed or attempted
Transcripts
Only credits from regionally accredited institutions may be accepted in transfer. Failure to report any previous academic work at another college or university may be considered a violation of academic integrity.
Graduate Level Exams
This Master’s degree program does not require applicants to take costly exams like the GRE/GMAT. Why? Because we value your professional and life experience. You should get credit for what you already know.
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MASTER'S DEGREE REQUIREMENTS? Request more information >
Curriculum Designed for Practical Business Application
Courses in the master’s degree in organizational leadership program are designed to equip you with skills and knowledge that you can immediately apply to your job. Work toward your MAOL in four distinct stages:
- Start with a strong foundation of organizational leadership theory.
- Put what you learned into practice.
- Choose elective courses that align with your professional and career goals.
- Complete an integrative capstone course that reinforces the application of all the concepts and theories you learned throughout the program.
Ways to Get Started
Meet Our Faculty
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're interested in returning to school to earn your Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership with UMass Global, here are a few frequently asked questions.-
A Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership equips you with a versatile skill set valued across various industries. Potential career paths include:
- Leadership roles: Leading teams, departments, or entire organizations.
- Human Resources: Managing employee relations, talent acquisition, and development.
- Change management: Implementing organizational transformations and improvements.
- Consulting: Providing leadership and organizational development advice to clients.
- Non-profit management: Leading and managing non-profit organizations.
- Entrepreneurship: Starting and growing your own business.
Organizational leadership master’s graduates can work in various sectors including business, healthcare, education, government, and non-profits, focusing on improving organizational effectiveness, leading change, and enhancing employee performance
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Typically, a master’s degree translates to two years of full-time study for most students. At UMass Global, we believe our adult students bring valuable college credits to the table. That’s why we’ve created options for completing your MAOL more quickly.
- Generous credit transfer policy — We have a flexible transfer policy where most students can bring in 9 transfer credits. Those with military schooling of rank E7 and above may receive 15 transfer credits toward their MAOL, meaning they are only 7 courses from their degree. These transfer policies enable some students to complete their organizational leadership master’s in just one year.
- Multiple starts per year — UMass Global offers six start dates annually, so you can begin your studies whenever it works best for you. This flexibility also helps when scheduling required courses.
At UMass Global, your Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership could be closer than you think!
-
A Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership can be worth it for those seeking to advance their careers in leadership and management. The degree equips students with critical skills in leadership, strategic thinking, and organizational development, which are highly valued in various industries. It can lead to career advancement, higher earning potential, and the ability to drive meaningful change within organizations.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, management roles are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. This graduate degree would position students for those expanding job possibilities.
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The main differences between an MBA and a master’s degree in organizational leadership (MAOL) are their focus and coursework:
1. Focus
- MBA (Master of Business Administration): Emphasizes broad business skills across various functions such as finance, marketing, operations, and management. It prepares students for a wide range of managerial and executive roles.
- MAOL (Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership): Concentrates on leadership, organizational behavior, and strategic management, focusing on developing leadership skills to effectively lead and manage teams and organizations.
2. Coursework
- MBA: Includes courses in accounting, finance, marketing, operations, and strategic management. It's a generalist degree covering multiple aspects of business.
- MAOL: Focuses on leadership theory, organizational behavior, ethics, change management, and conflict resolution. It emphasizes the human aspects of leading organizations.
3. Career Paths
- MBA: Graduates often pursue roles in various business functions such as finance, marketing, operations, and general management.
- MAOL: Graduates typically seek roles specifically related to leadership and management, such as human resources, training and development, organizational development, and executive leadership.
Choosing between the two depends on career goals and interests. An MBA is suitable for those seeking a comprehensive business education, while an MAOL is ideal for those focused on leadership and organizational development.
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Take control of your career with a leadership master's degree at UMass Global
* Based on the average full-time civilian and military students who successfully progress through the program. **Requirements vary. Consult your academic advisor for more information.