Best Online Organizational Leadership Degree Programs of 2025

Learn about online bachelor’s in organizational leadership programs and discover potential careers for graduates like management analyst and sales manager.
Bernard Grant, Ph.D.
By
Edited by
Updated May 12, 2025
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At a Glance: BestColleges’ Top Organizational Leadership Degrees

  • #1: Saint Louis University — Flexible online format, scholarships, and small class sizes
  • #2: Samford University — Low tuition rates, online learning, and a unique educational approach
  • #3: John Brown University — Low entry barriers and tailored class schedules

If you have a high school diploma or the equivalent and are eager to become a leader of a business, nonprofit, or government organization, you should consider exploring organizational leadership bachelor’s degree programs. There are many online options if you’re seeking flexibility.

No matter where you study, you’ll learn leadership methods across industries by taking courses like leadership in a diverse environment, writing for business, and organizational behavior. You’ll also gain relevant skills by solving real-world business problems, preparing to manage everyday challenges in the modern workplace.

Still curious about organizational leadership degree programs? Read this page to find the best programs of the year.

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Top Organizational Leadership Bachelor’s Degrees

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
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How We Rank Schools

#1

Saint Louis University

  • Saint Louis, MO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Why SLU Made Our List

The leadership and organizational behavior program at Saint Louis University can teach you how to lead organizations effectively through data analysis, organizational behavior evaluation, and leadership development. Your classes will include foundations of effective leadership, financial concepts, data-driven decision-making, and organizational research methods. You'll also take a capstone course. 

Why Attend SLU

  • Scholarships Available: You can earn a scholarship to this program based on financial need, academic achievement, leadership, or service. 
  • Robust Academic Support: As an SLU student, you can access disability services, the student success center, and the testing center.
  • Focused on Leadership and Organizational Development Skills: You’ll hone your critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making skills.

Know Before You Go

  • Charges by Credit: You'll pay $660 per credit for this program, unless you've served in the military or are a first responder; these individuals pay only $300 per credit.  
  • 9:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio: At SLU, there are nine students per professor, which indicates small class sizes. This can increase your exposure to professors but limit your networking opportunities. 

26%

Online Enrollment

$52,260

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

89%

Retention Rate

$52,260

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
14,079
Institution Type
Private
#2

Samford University

  • Birmingham, AL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Why Samford University Made Our List

Samford University hosts a unique organizational leadership program that focuses on the relational aspects of leadership. You'll take classes like foundations of leadership, human behavior in organizations, and workplace diversity. You'll cover core concepts of business operations, project management, human resources, and social media management. 

Why Attend Samford University

  • Low Tuition Rates: You'll pay only $382 per credit hour to attend this program. 
  • Career-Related Concepts: Your coursework will cover core concepts like human resources and project and social media management, giving you skills you can use in the workplace once you graduate. 
  • Unique Approach: This program centers on the relational aspects of business leadership rather than the technical side. 

Know Before You Go

  • Higher Credit Requirements Than Most Programs: While most bachelor's programs typically require 120 credits, at Samford University, you'll need to earn 128 credits to graduate. 
  • Three Study Plans: You can choose a complete degree path, a full degree path, or a graduate degree path. Which one you choose will depend on your academic goals and experience, such as whether you have earned previous college credit. 
  • Lean Admission Requirements: While many bachelor's programs require letters of recommendation and a resume, at Samford University, these application components are optional. You will, however, have to submit transcripts and an admission essay that details your professional goals. 

9%

Online Enrollment

$37,144

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

88%

Retention Rate

$37,144

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
5,790
Institution Type
Private
#3

John Brown University

  • Siloam Springs, AR
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Why JBU Made Our List

Christian institution John Brown University offers an online organizational leadership program that teaches God's model of leadership. Although this program takes place completely online, you'll have opportunities to network by collaborating with your classmates and professors. You'll also get to tailor your classes to fit your unique schedule. 

Why Attend JBU

  • Low Entry Barrier: You won't need to submit any test scores, and you'll only need a 2.0 GPA to enter the program. 
  • Tailored Class Schedules: This flexible, online program lets you create your own schedule. 
  • Previous Credits Not Required: You can enroll in this program whether or not you've earned previous college credits. 

Know Before You Go

  • Tuition Rates: You'll pay $335 per credit hour for this program.
  • Private University: JBU is a private Christian institution that teaches a Christian worldview, including God's model of leadership. 

40%

Online Enrollment

$29,488

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

84%

Retention Rate

$29,488

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
2,341
Institution Type
Private
#4

Duquesne University (DUQ)

  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Why DUQ Made Our List

At Duquesne University, you'll learn how to identify how leadership changes over time and analyze both contemporary and classical perspectives of leadership. Despite learning online, you'll get a student success coach who will help you through the entire learning process. You'll also have access to Duquesne University's writing center. 

Why Attend DUQ

  • Designed for Working Students: This fully online program was created for students with an associate degree and those with jobs and other adult responsibilities.
  • Accepts Transfer Credits: If you've earned an associate degree or at least 60 college credits, you can transfer them to earn your degree in around two years. 
  • Offers Robust Electives: You can choose up to eight electives from 21 options, including best practices in organizations, building effective teams, and organizational socialization. 

Know Before You Go

  • Charges by Academic Year: This program costs $51,068 per academic year. 
  • Bridges Common Learning Experience: As an organizational leadership student, you'll need to complete 34 credits in Bridges courses, which will give you a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences.  

39%

Online Enrollment

$47,146

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

86%

Retention Rate

$47,146

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
8,137
Institution Type
Private
#5

Western Kentucky University

  • Bowling Green, KY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Why WKU Made Our List

Western Kentucky University offers a non-extended (30 credits) and extended (48 credits) option for its organizational leadership bachelor’s program. No matter which option you choose, you'll complete 24 core credits.

Courses include introduction to leadership studies, contemporary leadership issues, business writing, supply chain management, and entrepreneurship. You'll also take a leadership practicum.

Why Attend WKU

  • Diverse Course Offerings: You can choose to study online or in person, and your courses cover a wide range of interdisciplinary topics, including business, marketing, psychology, and sociology. 
  • Interdisciplinary Studies: You'll study organizational leadership principles and also take history, literature, and math courses, receiving a well-rounded education. 
  • Scholarships Available: WKU offers scholarships for first-time, current, and transfer students. 

Know Before You Go

  • Pay by Credit: WKU charges $551 per credit hour for undergraduate online courses. 
  • 18:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio: At WKU, there are 18 students per faculty member, and the average class size is just over 23 students. 

58%

Online Enrollment

$11,436

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

78%

Retention Rate

$27,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
97%
Students Enrolled
16,759
Institution Type
Public
#6

Lewis University

  • Romeoville, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Why Lewis University Made Our List

Lewis University offers an organizational leadership program that will teach you human relations, strategic organizational perspectives, conflict management, and data analysis. Your curriculum will include courses like social theory and leadership for service, which blend business best practices with theory. 

Why Attend Lewis University

  • Accelerated Program: This accelerated program allows you to finish faster than most traditional bachelor's programs. 
  • Small Class Sizes: This online program offers small class sizes to maximize instructor attention. 
  • Various Leadership Styles: You'll get plenty of opportunities to find your leadership traits and style. 

Know Before You Go

  • Higher Credits Than Most: This program requires 128 credits, while most bachelor's programs require 120 credits. 
  • Variable Tuition Costs: You can expect to pay around $625 per credit hour for accelerated programs — but tuition rates vary for online programs, so it’s advised to contact an admission counselor to confirm.
  • Designed for Nontraditional Students: This program is designed for nontraditional students, such as busy adults with jobs and families. 

70%

Online Enrollment

$37,592

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

84%

Retention Rate

$37,592

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
6,636
Institution Type
Private
#7

University of La Verne (ULV)

  • La Verne, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Why ULV Made Our List

The University of La Verne offers an online organizational management program that emphasizes the "human side" of business. The program is designed for those seeking mid- to upper-level roles.

Whether you want to work in corporate, government, or nonprofit environments, you'll learn key management strategies, leadership styles, and employee retention fundamentals. 

Why Attend ULV

  • Asynchronous Online Courses: You'll get to embrace the ultimate flexibility and convenience through fully asynchronous courses, meaning you can study at your own time rather than attending classes at set times. 
  • Collaboration Opportunities: Through the learning management system Blackboard, you'll get opportunities to collaborate with your classmates.
  • Student Resources: As an online student, you can access on-campus student resources like academic advising, tutoring, and financial aid through video conferencing over the phone. 

Know Before You Go

  • Pay by Semester Hour: You’ll pay $665 per semester hour for undergraduate online courses. 
  • Requires Humanities Courses: You'll take non-business courses in the humanities or creative arts, as well as a writing in the disciplines course and other electives. 

62%

Online Enrollment

$48,300

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

76%

Retention Rate

$48,300

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
48%
Students Enrolled
5,596
Institution Type
Private
#8

Millikin University

  • Decatur, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Why Millikin University Made Our List

At Millikin University, you can find an online organizational leadership program designed for nontraditional students, such as adult students returning to college. Your coursework will dig into finance and budgets, group and team dynamics, project management, and productive teambuilding.

Why Attend Millikin

  • 100% Graduate Success Rate: All graduates find employment or enroll in graduate school within six months of graduating from this program.
  • Designed for Nontraditional Students: This program may be for you if you're returning to college and are looking for flexibility as you earn your degree. 
  • Faculty Advisement: When you enroll in this program, you'll be paired with a faculty advisor who will help you choose your courses and graduate on time. 

Know Before You Go

  • Semesterly Tuition Rates: You'll pay $26,000 per semester in tuition and fees. 
  • Small Classes: With an average class size of 20 students, this may increase your exposure to instructors but also potentially limit your networking and collaboration opportunities. 

38%

Online Enrollment

$42,778

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

74%

Retention Rate

$42,778

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
54%
Students Enrolled
1,659
Institution Type
Private
#9

Walsh University

  • North Canton, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Why Walsh University Made Our List

Walsh University hosts an accelerated, multidisciplinary organizational leadership program that allows students to choose from one of four concentrations: organizational promotion, computer science, corporate communications, or resource development. The blended curriculum involves various disciplines, including psychology, sociology, and communications. 

Why Attend Walsh University

  • High Job Placement Rates: According to Walsh University, 93% of organizational leadership graduates find jobs within three months of graduation. 
  • Low Entry Barrier: Admission requirements are relatively lenient, requiring only a 2.0 GPA and a free application. 
  • Interdisciplinary Studies: This program blends various disciplines and offers four concentrations. 

Know Before You Go

  • Pay by Credit: You'll pay $510 per credit hour for Walsh University's organizational leadership program.
  • Accelerated Program: You'll study in accelerated, eight-week sessions. These intensive sessions require self-discipline and time-management skills. 

68%

Online Enrollment

$31,153

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

73%

Retention Rate

$31,153

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
2,160
Institution Type
Private
#10

Bay Path University

  • Longmeadow, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Why Bay Path Made Our List

The organizational leadership program at Bay Path University can teach you to think like an entrepreneur and make evidence-based business decisions. Your courses will include organizational behavior, financial wellness, and ethical leadership.

Why Attend Bay Path

  • Prior Life Experience Credits: This program offers up to 36 prior life experience credits. 
  • Experienced Faculty: Bay Path University's faculty is composed of industry leaders from diverse business backgrounds. 
  • Tailored Study Schedules: This fully online, accelerated program lets you create your own study schedule. 

Know Before You Go

  • Charges by Credit: You'll pay $410 per credit to attend Bay Path University's online organizational leadership program. 
  • Private Institution: Bay Path University is a private university, which means you may pay higher tuition rates than students enrolled in public schools. You may also have fewer campus resources. 

93%

Online Enrollment

$37,227

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

69%

Retention Rate

$37,227

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
2,643
Institution Type
Private

Is an Online Organizational Leadership Degree Right for You?

Pros

  • check-circleCoursework teaches relevant skills in conflict resolution, decision-making, and team management.
  • check-circleAn online organizational leadership program provides the flexibility to build business and leadership skills while managing other responsibilities.
  • check-circleYou will have opportunities to apply leadership skills to actual work situations and solve business problems.

Cons

  • x-circleAs an online student without in-person oversight, you’ll need solid self-discipline and time-management skills to manage your coursework.
  • x-circleEarning a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership is a big commitment and typically takes at least four years of full-time study.
  • x-circleYou may face a learning curve, especially if you are new to leadership and management.

How to Choose the Best Online Organizational Leadership Degree Program for You

Before you enroll in an organizational leadership degree program, consider the following factors: tuition rates, program length, application requirements, school and program accreditation, and relevant careers you can pursue once you graduate.

Cost of a Business, Management, and Marketing Degree

Cost of a Business, Management, and Marketing Degree

Online

$10,473 Avg. Tuition & Fees

$5,918 Avg. Net Price

In-Person

$16,941 Avg. Tuition & Fees

$9,248 Avg. Net Price

Source: NCES PowerStats; data is for bachelor’s programs in business, management, and marketing; the latest available data is from 2019-2020.

  • Business degree scholarships: Offered by colleges, various nonprofit, and corporate organizations, these scholarships are designed for students in business fields like organizational leadership.
  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Filling out the FAFSA is the primary way to apply for federal financial aid, which includes scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and student loans.
  • Student loans: You can get federal or private student loans to pay for tuition; however, you will need to repay these loans, with interest, after you graduate.
  • Online student scholarships: You can find internal scholarships from your college or university or explore external scholarships through platforms like Fastweb and College Board’s BigFuture .
  • Scholarships for adults and nontraditional students: If you’re an undergraduate over the age of 24, you may be eligible for scholarships for adults and nontraditional students.

Organizational Leadership Degree Program Length

Typical # of Credits

120 Credits

Typical Program Length

4 Years

Organizational Leadership Degree Application Requirements

  • checkHigh school diploma or GED: Bachelor’s programs in organizational leadership require you to hold a high school diploma or the equivalent to enter.
  • checkApplication form and fee: An application to each school is a standard requirement, and you’ll usually have to pay an application fee, which averages around $50 per application.
  • checkOfficial transcripts: You’ll be required to share copies of official transcripts from all schools you’ve attended, especially if you’ve started or earned an associate degree.
  • checkMinimum GPA: Organizational leadership bachelor’s degree programs tend to require a minimum GPA of at least 2.0.
  • checkApplication essay: An application essay, often called a personal statement, is a common requirement that gives you an opportunity to showcase your academic and life achievements.
  • checkLetters of recommendation: Usually, you’ll need to provide 1-3 letters of recommendation from a previous educator, coach, or employer who can speak to your skills and work ethic.

As you consider your options, make sure you only apply to organizational leadership degree programs that hold programmatic accreditation from organizations like the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) or the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE).

These accreditation agencies help ensure your organizational leadership degree program has the qualifications and resources needed to provide a quality education and that you’ll earn a degree employers will recognize and respect.

Jobs With a Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership

Popular Organizational Leadership Jobs
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2024)Description
Human resources manager$140,030Oversees their organization’s administrative operations, including recruitment, hiring, and manager-employee relationships.
Project management specialist$100,750Coordinates projects across industries, ensuring on-time delivery.
Logistician$80,880Manages the movement of products through supply chains.
Industrial production manager$121,440Supervises manufacturing plants to make their operations run more efficiently.
Management analyst$101,190Consults organizations on how to improve efficiency and increase profits.

Source: BLS

Education Beyond a Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership

  • Master’s in organizational leadership: You can dig deeper into business and leadership topics by earning a master’s in organizational leadership. You’ll learn to dissolve conflict while leading teams and creating positive work cultures.
  • Master’s in business administration: One of the most popular master’s degrees, the MBA can equip you with knowledge of best practices in business management so you can excel as a business leader.
  • Master’s in human resource management: If you want to lead human resources departments, a master’s degree in human resources (HR) will teach you about recruitment, labor relations, and employee benefits, among other HR topics.

Frequently Asked Questions About an Organizational Leadership Degree

An organizational leadership degree can be worth it if you want to pursue a management or executive role.

These degree programs can teach you how to become an effective leader by providing relevant skills in change management, decision-making, and strategic planning.

Once you graduate, you can pursue well-paying career opportunities, including human resources manager, logistician, project management specialist, and management analyst.

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