Program Overview

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Introduction to the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership

The online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership is a 33-credit-hour program designed to elevate your leadership potential and drive meaningful change across organizations. This dynamic degree empowers you to lead with confidence, strengthen team performance, and cultivate leadership in others.

Program Overview

• The program is 100% online and asynchronous, with no required live lectures.
• Each semester is broken into two modules, with students taking two courses per module, except for the final semester, when students will take three courses.
• Spring and Fall courses run for 8 weeks, while Summer courses run for 7 weeks.
• The program requires a time commitment of 20-25 hours on average per week for two courses.

Concentrations

The program offers three concentrations:

• Organizational Leadership
• Nonprofit and Volunteer Leadership
• Government and Military Leadership

Course Details

The online Organizational Leadership curriculum equips you to think strategically, build strong relationships, and lead with creativity. You will learn to develop high-performing teams, foster a purpose-driven culture, and align mission, strategy, and vision across every level of an organization.

Course Structure

You’ll take 33 credit hours across 11 courses. Courses are 100% asynchronous, with no required live lectures.

Course List

• Introduction to Graduate Studies (3 credit hours)
• Research Methods in Interdisciplinary Studies (3 credit hours)
• Creating, Leading, and Managing Change (3 credit hours)
• Experiential Leadership I (3 credit hours)
• Concentration: Organizational Leadership
  • Financial Leadership (3 credit hours)
  • Building High Performing Teams (3 credit hours)
• Concentration: Government & Military Leadership
  • Leadership in History (3 credit hours)
  • U.S. Military Leadership: Insights and Applications (3 credit hours)
• Interdisciplinary Foundations for Leadership (3 credit hours)
• Theories of Management and Leadership (3 credit hours)
• Cultures of Organizations (3 credit hours)
• Graduate Capstone in Organizational Leadership (3 credit hours)
• Concentration: Non-Profit & Volunteer Leadership
  • Fundraising & Budgeting (3 credit hours)
  • Non-Profit Governance (3 credit hours)

Program Outcomes

OU’s online Organizational Leadership program develops forward-thinking leaders who understand how their decisions shape every part of an organization—and who are ready to lead with vision and purpose.

Career Opportunities

Earning your online master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Oklahoma prepares you to lead across industries and sectors. This versatile degree opens doors to high-impact roles where strategic thinking and leadership are essential.

Potential Career Paths

• Consulting – Prepare for roles such as management analyst, executive coach, or organizational development consultant
• Nonprofit Management – Lead as a program manager, director of development, or executive director
• Military Leadership – Advance your military career or transition into strategic roles in defense and think tanks
• Corporate Leadership – Step into positions like HR director, talent manager, or training and development director
• Government Administration – Pursue careers as a budget director, agency leader, or project manager in public service
• Public Safety – Lead in law enforcement or emergency services as a police officer, sheriff, or fire department leader

Industry Insights

• Median Pay: $122,190
• Job Outlook: Employment for management occupations is expected to grow faster than average by 2033
• Job Openings: 1.2 million openings for management positions are projected each year, on average, over the next decade

Cost and Financial Aid

Earning your MA in Organizational Leadership is a powerful investment in your career. The program costs $845 per credit hour, bringing the total program cost to $27,885. This does not include books or additional course materials.

Financial Aid

Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may be available to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Transfer Credit

This program accepts a maximum of 6 credit hours of graduate-level transfer credit per Graduate College policy, with approval of the department.

Application Process

To apply to the online MA in Organizational Leadership program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university (or the international equivalent).

Application Timeline

The admissions committee operates under a rolling admissions process, and admissions may continue until two weeks before the start of classes.

Application Requirements

• Complete the online application
• Submit transcripts from all institutions where the student earned graduate credit or are degree-bearing (bachelor's and above)
• If GPA is below 3.0, students must provide a current resume and a personal statement - 1-2 pages detailing your goals/interest in the program
• International students must demonstrate English proficiency

Why Choose OU Online

The online MA in Organizational Leadership offers unmatched career flexibility. You’ll gain practical skills you can apply immediately to lead your organization forward and drive meaningful results.

Faculty Expertise

Once admitted, you’ll be connected with a dedicated MAOL program advisor to support you throughout your journey. As you begin your coursework, you’ll engage in dynamic online discussions with peers from across the country and around the world. You’ll also learn from expert faculty who bring a powerful blend of academic excellence and real-world leadership experience—and who are deeply invested in your success.

Robust Student Support

OU Online provides comprehensive student support services, including academic assistance, online tutoring, mental health counseling, and access to a virtual career development center. The program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals, allowing you to grow your leadership skills while maintaining full-time employment.

Global Alumni Network

With a global network of more than 250,000 alumni, becoming a Sooner connects you to a powerful community of leaders. As part of this network, you’ll gain lifelong access to valuable connections that can accelerate your career and expand your professional reach.

Flexible Format

The online MA in Organizational Leadership is built for working professionals who need flexibility without compromising quality. This affordable, high-impact program delivers a supportive and engaging learning experience through a 100% online, asynchronous format—so you can advance your education on your schedule, from anywhere.

Tailored Experience

The online Organizational Leadership program takes an applied, real-world approach to leadership development. By choosing one of three specialized concentrations—Organizational Leadership, Nonprofit and Volunteer Leadership, or Government and Military Leadership—you can tailor your degree to match your career goals and personal interests, graduating with the expertise that sets you apart.