Organizational Leadership Degree Online BS in Business Administration Concentration
Program Overview Why get an organizational leadership degree?
Organizational leaders help businesses big and small navigate through change with data-driven decision-making. In the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Leadership degree program, you can learn how to set strategic goals and motivate individuals to achieve those goals, preparing an organization for an uncertain future that looks very different from the present.
Skills you'll learn:
- Change management
- Management principles
- Leadership approaches
- Data-based decision-making
- Communication techniques
- Development of business solutions
Courses & Curriculum Online business degree classes that prepare you for your career
In the online leadership degree concentration, you'll develop an understanding of management, planning and decision-making in organizations. As you study how change management is used to boost productivity, you'll learn to manage conflicts and grow an organization in today’s evolving business world.
All undergraduate business degrees at SNHU are made up of business core courses, general education classes and free electives.
Online business degree courses
Designed by subject-matter experts, our organization leadership degree concentration was designed to teach you how to apply management theory to real-world situations. You'll explore organizational structure, group dynamics and other management theories that impact leadership roles while gaining a global perspective.
Leadership courses online also examine the role of leaders within an organization. You'll dig deeper into the leadership development process and explore leadership styles and theories and add new leadership skills to your management toolbox.
Courses may include:
Business Law II
Course ID:
BUS 307
The study begun in Business Law I continues as the topics of commercial paper, real and personal property, creditors' rights and bankruptcy, agency, business organizations, estate planning and government regulation of business are explored.
Principles of Management
Course ID:
OL 215
This course is designed to examine the fundamentals and principles of management in order to develop an understanding of management in any formal organization. Special attention is paid to planning and decision-making. International management is also covered. Writing Intensive Course.
Managing Organizational Change
Course ID:
OL 322
This course focuses on the effective management of human resources during the process of change. It emphasizes change management as a tool for survival, growth, increased productivity and conflict management in the complex and volatile business environment of today and the future. Change in an international environment also is discussed. Team intensive course.
Leadership
Course ID:
OL 328
This course examines leadership as an inter-personal and intra-organizational phenomenon with an emphasis on student leadership development. It includes leadership assessment, leadership development, the leadership process, the contagious nature of leadership, leadership and productivity, motivation, and effective leadership styles and theories. An international perspective is included. Current readings, research, simulations and exercises are used. Team intensive course.
Visit the course catalog to view the full BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Leadership curriculum.
The Commons: SNHU's gen ed program
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Courses may include:
Cultural Awareness and Online Learning
Course ID:
IDS 105
This course introduces students to the skills relevant to university learning, and the foundational knowledge and values of intercultural fluency needed to understand and effectively navigate the complexities of contemporary society. Students will examine the various factors that influence an individual's perception of justice and the impacts that cultural and social diversity have on collaboration and communication processes. Through the application of interpersonal communication strategies, students will also learn to navigate various interpersonal conflict situations.
Self, Society, and the Humanities
Course ID:
HUM 102
In this course, students explore the interaction between individuals and society as a framework for understanding cultural inquiry. Through the examination of the scientific, creative, cultural, and historical humanities, students develop a practice of reflexivity to describe conceptions of self, others, and systems and their interconnectedness.
Foundations of Written Communication
Course ID:
ENG 130
This course focuses on written communication and writing practice. Students will gain the critical reading and information literacy related skills vital to academic and workplace success. Students will explore methods to analyze, summarize, and evaluate written works to isolate key ideas and information. Students will examine how to adapt the writing process to a variety of writing situations and present their own perspectives in written form.
Mathematical Reasoning for Modern Problem-Solving
Course ID:
MAT 126
In this course, students learn about the use of mathematical reasoning and the practical application of quantitative techniques to inform their decision-making process. Students will develop the skills to critically examine elements of a problem they might face in their day-to-day personal and professional lives, solve for various outcomes using quantitative techniques, and make informed decisions.
Ethics in Global Society
Course ID:
PHL 218
In this course, students explore various ethical frameworks from a cultural and global perspective. Students examine the ways that ethics influence actions, decisions, and perceptions. Furthermore, students develop associated skills related to critical thinking, such as awareness of bias, to analyze issues from an ethical standpoint.
STEM Principles and Problem-Solving
Course ID:
SCI 260
In this course, students learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) methodologies to a wide variety of contemporary issues and complex challenges within society to obtain knowledge and use that knowledge to develop recommendations and propose solutions. Students will leverage a scientific mindset to gather information, analyze data, and communicate information in varying ways based on their intended audience.
Social Issues and Decision-Making
Course ID:
SCS 260
In this course, students use social science methodologies to analyze various sociocultural issues and their impacts on society. In their exploration of the concept of society and how it manifests in different cultures, students learn to contextualize themselves within society, examine the relationship between the individual and society, and analyze the ethical implications of decision-making related to contemporary social issues.
PC (Windows OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | PC (Windows OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Apple (Mac OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Apple |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Licensure & Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: October 28, 2024 | January 06, 2025
Next term starts:
Sept. 02, 2024
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
8-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Learn from faculty with real-world experience
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll learn from knowledgeable instructors with industry experience, ready to pass what they've learned on the job to you.
Featured Faculty
Dr. Linda Ellington
Dr. Ellington has published a strategic leadership book, as well as more than 20 referenced book chapters and journal articles. These publications address leadership and teaching in higher education, as well as strategic leadership and critical thinking within various fields, such as higher education, business and health organizations.
Position
Faculty Lead for Organizational Leadership
Joined SNHU
2014
Education
- Advanced Studies in Higher Education Leadership at the University of Oxford, UK and the University of Warwick
- EdD in Educational Leadership at Florida Atlantic University
- Graduate Certification in Online Curriculum Design and Development at Florida State University
Dr. Michelle Caron
Associate Dean
Dr. Michelle Caron has 20 years of experience in developing, training and teaching multiple successful business, education and STEM programs for academic institutions , government agencies and the private sector. Dr. Caron began her work with SNHU as an adjunct faculty member in 2005 prior to joining the SNHU administration in a dean capacity in 2014. As an experienced international visiting professor and speaker, higher education consultant, author and reviewer, she has presented for the DOE, ACBSP, NHBEA, NEA and various universities.
Dr. Caron earned her PhD in International Business with a minor in Strategy and an M.S. in Business Education from SNHU. Michelle is also a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) from the International Coach Federation and is a member of the Academy of International Business and New Hampshire Women in Higher Education Leadership. Her current research interests are university-industry collaboration, technology and innovation in business education and service-learning projects for nonprofits to build community resilience.
What SNHU faculty are saying
Hear from more SNHU instructors about the organizational leadership degree concentration.
“The organizational leadership concentration in business administration provides opportunity to enhance leadership skills and recommend solutions related to achieving organizational goals, developing individuals and teams, change management and supporting quality initiatives.”
Dr. Linda Ellington, faculty lead for organizational leadership
“There is always going to be a need for skilled organizational leaders – today, tomorrow and afterward. Organizations will always embrace someone who can bring a vision, especially one of growth and sustainability. That’s a trend I don’t ever see going away."
Deborah Gogliettino, associate dean of business programs
“You have to be people-oriented. Organizational leadership is about leading and managing individuals toward achieving a strategic organizational goal. So, an OL is a change agent, someone who sees the big picture but also understands the processes or steps to make change happen.”
Dr. Lowell (Chris) Matthews, associate professor of organizational leadership
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
You’ll fill out one form to verify your high school completion or GED. Then, if you’ve attended college before, you’ll submit a form for each school so we can request your transcripts for you. (Also for free!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which means we meet certain standards of academic quality, and have the tools and resources necessary for students to be successful. The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online undergraduate programs
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$330
$990
$39,600
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$231
$693
$27,720
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$9,900 $14,850 $19,800 $24,750 $29,700If 30 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $29,700
If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $24,750
If 60 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $19,800
If 75 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $14,850
If 90 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $9,900
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Career Outlook What can I do with an online business degree?
Leadership skills are essential to the success of any business and are in high demand across many industries. If you want to start a new career in leadership, an organizational leadership degree online can help. Already a leader? You can apply your coursework to grow in your current position.
The business world is shifting rapidly. The growth of remote work, an increasingly diverse workforce and evolving technology are changing the way people and organizations get things done. As organizations navigate these changes, they’ll need future-thinking leaders with the business acumen and interpersonal skills to move groups forward.
Occupations
Opportunities for skilled leaders are significant. With an organizational leadership degree, you could lead a group – or an entire organization – toward a common goal. Some potential occupations for graduates with a business degree are:
Sales Manager
Direct an organization’s sales teams. Set sales goals, analyze data and develop training programs for sales representatives.
Public Relations Manager
Oversee communications for a company to enhance their public image. Prepare press releases, media reports and marketing materials.
Human Resources Manager
Plan and coordinate an organization's administrative functions. Oversee the hiring of new staff and consult with executives on strategic planning.
Administrative Services and Facilities Managers
Drive initiatives that help an organization run efficiently, like supervising staff, coordinating activities and monitoring facilities.
Industrial Production Managers
Oversee daily operations of manufacturing and related plants. Decide how to best use resources to meet production timelines and goals.
Training and Development Specialist
Assess the training needs of employees, then plan and administer lessons that help improve the skills and knowledge of those who participate.
6%
Expected growth for training and development managers through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 1
$125,040
Median annual wage of training and development managers in 2023, according to the BLS. 1
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
It is very important for online professors to encourage their students. My professors did not disappoint! My favorite professors were encouraging, respectful and knowledgeable.
Christie Newell '21
Frequently Asked Questions
What is organizational leadership?
Organizational leadership is a management approach. In this approach, leaders set strategic goals for an organization and work with individuals to carry out assignments that work toward those goals.
With a career in organizational leadership, you’ll do more than lead the day-to-day operations of a team or department. You can act as a change agent to help influence the future of an organization.
Organizational leadership combines an understanding of the business world with an understanding of people. You'll learn how to motivate people to work toward a common goal.
The business landscape is shifting rapidly. Organizations are looking for leaders who can help them respond to industry and workforce changes. With a job in organizational leadership, you could find work across many fields. These fields include corporate environments, nonprofit organizations and government agencies.
What is an organizational leadership degree?
An organizational leadership degree offers a unique combination of business knowledge and management skills. It can help you prepare to lead an organization through a changing business landscape.
“If your goal is to influence people and impact the organization at the highest level possible, then you want to learn about organizational leadership,” said Deborah Gogliettino, faculty lead for human resources at SNHU.
At SNHU, organizational leadership is a concentration of the business administration bachelor’s degree. It offers a foundation of general education and business courses. This learning is supplemented by management and leadership classes online.
Core business courses explore topics, including:
- Accounting
- Business law
- Finance
- Marketing
- Human relations
- Strategic management
- Operations management
General education courses can help you develop key career skills. These include critical thinking, problem-solving, analysis and communication.
Organizational leadership courses online will explore leadership skills, group dynamics, organizational structure, change management and more. You'll learn how to think strategically, identify future innovations and opportunities and develop leadership potential in others.
As you advance your career, you may even want to consider investing in your education again, as well. SNHU offers an MS in Organizational Leadership and an MBA in Leadership – among many other career-focused graduate degrees that can help take you further.
Is a degree in organizational leadership worth it?
If you dream of making a significant impact on the future of an organization, this degree could be a great fit for you. You can apply your management skills to help groups of people work toward a common goal.
Your leadership skills can be applied to a wide variety of jobs. And these skills are in high demand across many industries.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for management occupations are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2032.1 Training and development specialists, who play a key role in the growth and retention of an organization’s workforce, will see 6% job growth over the same time period.1 Administrative services and facilities managers, who oversee the overall function and success of a department or organization, are projected to see 5% job growth by 2032.1
For someone like Christie Newell '21, who had already built up a career, she absolutely felt that it was worth it.
"I have accomplished my goal to have my education match my work experience in my portfolio," she said.
And for Rachel McCulloch '19 '21, studying OL at SNHU gave her the gift of balance in her life.
"I felt that I was able to go to college and still lead a fulfilling personal life," she said. "The program challenges you and fully prepares you to succeed in your career."
How much do organizational leadership majors make?
Organizational leadership jobs are available across many industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, management occupations saw a median salary of $116,880 in May 2023.1 Depending on your specific role, salary potential can vary.
In 2023, for example, marketing managers earned a median salary of $157,620 and public relations/fundraising managers earned a median salary of $130,480.1 That same year, human resources managers earned a median salary of $136,350 and training and development managers earned a median salary of $125,040.1
Salaries can also depend on your education and experience. Many organizational leadership jobs require only a bachelor of science in organizational leadership or a related field. But some top leadership positions may require a master’s degree.
An organizational leadership master’s degree could bring more career opportunities and higher pay. In 2023, the median weekly earnings of workers with master's degrees were over 16% higher than workers with bachelor’s degrees.1
At SNHU, there are two graduate-level leadership degrees among other online business school options that can help advance a management career and boost earning potential
The Master of Science in Organizational Leadership can help you evaluate business values and societal trends to improve organizational performance. Our Master of Business Administration in Leadership program can help you develop the business and management skills needed to lead organizational change in an evolving business landscape.
What can you do with a degree in leadership?
A leadership degree is a versatile credential. It can be applied to just about any field. The business landscape continues to evolve and companies across many industries are looking for leaders with experience in organizational change management.
Organizational leaders are in high demand across many industries, including:
- Public and private sectors
- For-profit and not-for-profit realms
- Centralized and decentralized institutions
- New startups and global conglomerates
An organizational leadership bachelor's degree offers a unique combination of business and leadership skills. With these skills, you can work in many management positions.
Jobs could include:
- Administrative services manager
- Advertising, promotions and marketing manager
- Compensation and benefits manager
- Financial manager
- Human resources manager
- Industrial production manager
- Operations and supply chain manager
- Public relations and fundraising manager
- Training and development manager
- General and operations manager
Christie Newell '21 wants to use her degree to move up in her career.
"It has been my goal to become the leader of the workforce management group that I belong to," she said. "The program focusing on organizational leadership was a perfect fit for my long-term goals. It combined courses that focused on various types of leadership skills, such as operations management, to the financial portion of leadership (accounting and finance) to running a business globally. This experience has been a great way to take another step toward my goal."
No matter what your interests, you can use your leadership skills to help move a team of people or an entire organization forward toward a common goal.
Related Articles
Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/ (viewed April 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/administrative-services-managers.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/training-and-development-managers.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)
Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.