Master’s in Organizational Leadership (MSOL)
Get started on your Journey
The hy-flex Master of Science in Organizational Leadership at Our Lady of the Lake
University (OLLU) prepares students to move into leadership roles across a variety
of industries. Students in the program are prepared to:
- Transform their professional community through enhanced leadership skills
- Promote better decision making and create engaged teams
- Apply theory and research to empower employees and colleagues
The hy-flex program design allows for a choice of face-to-face, online and hybrid classes. The 30-credit-hour program can be completed in five semesters.
Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
Program Overview
Organizational Leadership is a area of study that allows you to make a significant impact within in any field or industry. An old adage holds that “Managers do things right, leaders do the right thing.” OLLU's Master of Science in Organizational Leadership gives you the skills and knowledge to "do the right thing" and move your organization to higher levels of efficiency and output.
OLLU’s Master of Science in Organizational Leadership program is designed for busy professionals who are ready the next level of leadership through:
- Hy-flex program that offers maximum flexibility
- Small classes allowing faculty to provide direct guidance to help students reach their leadership goals
- Networking with peers from a variety of industries
- Community focus the utilizes brown-bag events, semester luncheons and convocation ceremonies to develop a learning community with members who support each other
Accreditation
This business program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). ACBSP is a leading specialized accreditation association for business education, supporting, celebrating and rewarding excellence on a diverse global scale.
Program Benefits
Advanced leadership preparation
Hy-Flex program for maximum flexibility
Community focus and supportive environment
Why Study Organizational Leadership?
Our Lady of the Lake University's (OLLU) Master of Science in Organizational Leadership is designed to empower dedicated professionals across diverse fields, such as education, public service, business, and healthcare administration. This interdisciplinary degree program combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, producing "practitioner-scholars" capable of providing enlightened leadership in their communities and workplaces.
Here are some compelling reasons why one should consider studying organizational leadership at OLLU:
Enhanced Leadership Skills: OLLU's program offers a comprehensive curriculum that equips students with advanced leadership skills, including effective communication, decision-making, conflict resolution, and strategic planning. These skills are vital for leading teams and organizations successfully.
Practical Application: OLLU's emphasis on producing "practitioner-scholars" means that students not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also engage in practical experiences. This hands-on approach ensures our graduates are well-prepared to address real-world leadership challenges and drive meaningful improvements in their organizations and communities.
Interdisciplinary Learning: The program's interdisciplinary approach integrates knowledge from various fields, enabling students to develop a holistic understanding of leadership dynamics. This interdisciplinary perspective fosters creative problem-solving and innovative leadership strategies.
Versatility Across Industries: Organizational leadership principles are applicable across various industries, from education to public service, business, and healthcare administration. Graduates of our program gain the versatility to lead and effect positive change in diverse professional settings.
What Will I Learn in This Organizational Leadership Master’s Degree?
In this Organizational Leadership Master's Degree program, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of leadership theories, research methods, and practical skills to become an effective leader in various organizational settings. The program provides a well-rounded education and the ability to apply leadership concepts in real-world scenarios.
Here's what you can expect to learn in each semester of the program:
Semester 1:
- LEAD 6310 - Introduction to Leadership Theories
- LEAD 6322 - Critical Thinking and Problem Analysis for Leaders
Semester 2:
- LEAD 6341 - Introduction to Leadership Research Methods
- LEAD 6321 - Leadership Strategies and Processes
Semester 3:
- LEAD 6316 - Conflict Management for Leaders
- LEAD 6370 - Synthesis of Leadership Research Theories
Is a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership Worth It?
A Master of Science in Organizational Leadership can be a valuable and worthwhile investment in your education and career. This is particularly true when considering the current and projected job market for management occupations. According to the latest data, employment in management occupations will grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. Additionally, there will be about 1.1 million job openings in these occupations each year, on average, due to both employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave permanently.
At our university, we are committed to equipping our students with the tools and knowledge they need to attain the financial stability they aspire to achieve. Our graduates have the opportunity to secure positions in the field of management and leadership, where the median annual wage stands at $107,360 or higher. This figure surpasses the median yearly wage for all occupations, highlighting the potential for financially rewarding careers in the management sector.
Leadership Studies Department
The Leadership Studies Department at OLLU is an active and dynamic community. The department publishes an online magazine, features student and alumni profiles, and holds regular workshops and information events. The department also sends out weekly short emails to leaders interested in brief, researched-based leadership topics. Learn more about the activities of the department, read the “Lamp Lighters” online magazine and sign up for the “Take 1 Minute to Think About Leadership” weekly email. Learn more.
Courses in the MSOL Degree
Students in the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership program can choose from a full leadership concentration or an interdisciplinary concentration. The program requires only 10 courses. The following are core courses in the program:
LEAD 6310 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Introduction to the history and theory of leadership to critical thinking and methods
of inquiry as they bear on the subject of leadership, to the ethics of leadership,
to basic leadership competencies, to relevant leadership contexts, and to leading
groups and individuals. Analysis of historical concepts and contemporary theories
of leadership. Emphasis on application of theoretical concepts to actual leadership
situations.
LEAD 6322 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Study of the principles of logic, critical thinking, problem definition and decision
theory that are used in identifying problems, assumptions and alternatives for problems
that leaders encounter. Methods of decision-making and scenario planning are explored
in detail.
LEAD 6341 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Explores the process of asking research questions and finding answers. Includes broad
overview of experimental and non- experimental methods. Emphasizes the functional
use and understanding of basic statistics in evaluating research findings.
LEAD 6321 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Focus on strategic planning methodologies and issues related to the design of effective
organizational structures, processes and control systems in contemporary and future
complex organizations. Emphasis will be placed on a variety of seminal strategic planning
methodologies available to leaders.
LEAD 6316 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
This course will offer students the opportunity to develop and refine conflict management
skills needed to facilitate organizational processes aimed at successfully attaining
desired performance results. Topics will include communication, interpersonal skills,
bargaining and negotiation, and other strategies for recognizing and resolving conflict
in complex organizations.
LEAD 6370 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
This course is designed to serve as a capstone to the first 18 hours (core courses) of the MSOL degree. This course integrates material across the core practical and theoretical courses, and is intended to aid retention and student success by enabling integration, synthesis and application of specialized knowledge.
Admission Requirements
- Application (no application fee)
- Official graduate and undergraduate transcripts
- Two letters of professional recommendation regarding the applicant's leadership qualities and potential for graduate work
- Résumé of professional work experience
- 3-5 page personal statement
Upcoming Events
Faculty
Full-time faculty members in the Organizational Leadership Department have extensive professional and academic experience. Most have doctoral degrees and/or professional certifications. Seasoned practitioners who teach selected courses complement full-time professors as adjunct faculty. View MSOL Faculty
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Organizational Leadership?
The Master's in Organizational Leadership program offered by our university equips our graduates with a versatile skill set and knowledge base that can lead to various exciting career opportunities. Here are some of the career choices that students can pursue upon completing their degree:
- Organizational Development Consultant
- Human Resources Manager/Director
- Executive Leadership (CEO, COO, etc.)
- Change Management Specialist
- Training and Development Manager
- Project Manager
- Higher Education Administration
- Leadership Coach
- Government and Public Sector Leadership
Tuition & Financial Aid
The hy-flex Master of Science in Organizational Leadership will enhance your leadership skills and help you prepare for the next level in your career. It is an investment in your future. The hy-flex program design allows you to balance work, family and school.
| Tuition | Costs |
|---|---|
| Our Tuition (2024–2025 rate) | $2,973 per course |
| Average Tuition of Peer Online Institutions | $4,330 per course |
| Average Total Tuition Cost | $29,730 |
You should begin the Financial Aid application process at the same time that you apply to the graduate program. To be considered for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov . Please list Our Lady of the Lake University, federal school code #003598, as one of the schools to receive your application information. OLLU will receive your results electronically and use them to award your financial aid.
Please note: You must be officially accepted for admission to the university before a financial aid award can be processed.
FAQs
Yes, the Master's in Organizational Leadership program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Graduates with a Master's in Organizational Leadership can pursue various leadership and management roles in organizations across different sectors. Common career opportunities include executive leadership positions, human resources management, change management, organizational development, and consulting roles.
Yes, the Master's in Organizational Leadership program is worth it, as it can lead to financially rewarding careers in management and leadership with a median annual wage of $107,360 or higher.