Online Master's in Organizational Leadership

Build practical leadership skills to guide teams, manage change and improve organizations through flexible online coursework for working professionals.

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Develop leadership skills for today's organizations

UMass Global’s online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership prepares working professionals to lead people, teams, and change. Through practical coursework, you will build skills in leadership, critical analysis, collaboration, communication, and ethical decision-making. Explore how diversity, global perspectives, and organizational change shape today’s workplace while applying what you learn to real challenges across industries. 

  • Customize your degree: Choose from electives such as accounting, computer science, entrepreneurship, healthcare administration, human resources, and more.
  • Finish faster: Complete your MAOL in as few as 6 months full-time or 12 months part-time with the maximum eligible transfer credits.
  • Choose your learning format: Select instructor-led coursework with structured weekly deadlines or self-paced MyPath MAOL to progress as you demonstrate mastery. Learn more about the differences between the two.

At a Glance

Online: Instructor-Led
30 Credits
$770/Credit
Help me estimate my cost
Next Start Date
Fall II (Oct 26, 2026)
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Course-based, structured pace

This is the option for those who thrive on routine and seek a clear, structured path to degree completion. With fully online courses, clear milestones, and active faculty support, you can progress quickly while maintaining a predictable rhythm that fits around work and life.

  • Built-in momentum: Weekly deadlines and instructor guidance make it easier to stay motivated.
  • Peer engagement: Collaborate, network and build relationships with your fellow students.
  • Smaller classes, big support: Build practical skills through real-world scenarios as you learn from industry pros in smaller, more interactive classes.

Explore Instructor-Led

Career Outlook for MAOL Graduates

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Results for:
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA

Data source: Lightcast™ 2026 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

Online MAOL Courses You Might Take

OLCU 501

Organizational Research

3 Credits
OLCU 601

Democracy, Ethics and Leadership

3 Credits
OLCU 600

Foundations of Organizational Leadership

3 Credits
OLCU 613

Organizational Theory and Behavior

3 Credits
OLCU 614

Leadership & Team Development

3 Credits
OLCU 615

Leading Organizational Change

3 Credits

What Our Students Say

Laquita Roscoe

My fellow military folks, I don't see a better option. They 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 R.
Organizational Leadership, MA
victoria v

I gained more than just knowledge at UMass Global; I learned a new way to navigate life with even more resilience and purpose. The flexibility of this program and the support of faculty turned what could have been overwhelming obstacles into challenges I could overcome.

Victoria V.
MA in Organizational Leadership

The educational structure is very friendly to not just working professionals but to anyone who is in public service including the military. Attending UMass Global gave me a more structured foundation where I could not only learn more about leadership theories, communication, problem solving and human resource strategies but as the program specifically promotes, the wealth of knowledge learned helped me move my company forward in marketing and client growth.

Delwin L.
MA in Organizational Leadership
Deputy Sheriff Advanced Training Officer, Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department
La Habra City Councilmember

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Get details about your UMass Global program and how it can fit into your busy life.

When you request information, an enrollment coach will:

  • Review your chosen program and answer questions.
  • Discuss start dates and next steps based on your goals and schedule.
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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 the accredited institution where you earned your highest degree

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.

We support our
Military Veterans!

  •  Yellow Ribbon School
  •  Recognized Military Friendly School
  •  Founded to Serve Military Personnel

Check out our Military and Veterans pages and discover how we can support you in your educational journey.

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Take control of your career with a leadership master's degree at UMass Global

Our Faculty

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Evelina Atanassova, PhD
Associate Professor of Business Administration, Human Resources and Leadership
Evelina Atanassova PhD

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.

Thanks to UMass Global’s flexible transfer policy and six annual start dates, the MAOL program can be completed in as little as 6 months (taking two classes per session) or in 12 months (taking one class per session) if you transfer in the maximum credits.

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.

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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