Top Online MBA Programs in Organizational Leadership

An online MBA with organizational leadership concentration prepares students for professional roles with management skills. Explore careers, scholarships, organizations, and more.

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Earning an MBA in organizational leadership enables students to boost their career potential with strong leadership skills and an expanded network of business-minded peers. With a projected job growth rate of 8%, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the field of organizational leadership to expand steadily over the next several years.

Self-motivated students often enjoy the flexibility of distance learning. Online MBA students can take classes in an asynchronous self-paced format or in real time with synchronous web conferences and discussion boards. Read on to learn more about online MBA degrees in organizational leadership and why you might want to pursue this degree.

What Is an MBA in Organizational Leadership?

Online MBA in organizational leadership programs explore the ever-changing global business landscape. Students examine topics such as organizational effectiveness, cross-functional collaboration, corporate social responsibility, organizational behavior, and project management. The top online MBA programs offer opportunities for learners to fine-tune their leadership and decision-making skills.

MBA in organizational leadership programs prepare students for high-level positions in operations management, training and development, and project management. Graduates often pursue professional roles in sales, marketing, consulting, human resources, and training. These jobs often have promising employment prospects. For instance, over the next few years, the BLS projects an increase of more than 4,500 jobs in training and development management.

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Why Should You Get an Online MBA in Organizational Leadership?

With competencies in varied areas such as corporate training and human resources, professionals with an MBA in organizational leadership hold transferable skills applicable to management roles in almost any industry. These positions enjoy high earning potential. PayScale reports the average yearly salary for organizational development managers is $88,000, and the BLS reports median annual earnings for training and development managers is $115,640. An online MBA in organizational leadership can help graduates gain a competitive edge when searching for a job.

Working professionals often choose to pursue an advanced degree such as an MBA in organizational leadership through online coursework. With the flexibility to take classes at their own convenience, distance learners can balance their school workload with their personal and professional lives. Pursuing an online MBA also offers opportunities for online students to take courses through out-of-state schools.

What Can You Do With an MBA in Organizational Leadership?

Organizational Development Manager

Organizational development managers strive to improve the internal functions of a business. They work closely with top executives and upper management to examine current and potential policies with the goal of improving company performance. Some organizational development managers work full time for businesses, while others work on a contract for extended periods of time as consultants.

These managers typically hold many years of work experience and an advanced degree in organizational leadership or training and development. PayScale reports the average annual income for organizational development managers is $88,000.

Training and Development Manager

Training and development managers oversee employee training programs. They work with training and development specialists, instructional designers, and instructors to assess employee needs and develop and implement training programs. Managers' responsibilities include creating budgets, selecting training materials, and evaluating program efficacy.

These high-level professionals typically have many years of experience and strong communication and decision-making skills. According to the BLS, training and development managers earn a median annual salary of $115,640.

Performance Manager

Performance managers analyze workforce needs and expectations to ensure high levels of productivity. They work closely with human resources managers and operations managers to develop workers' skills and provide coaching. They analyze employee relationships, develop employee wellness programs, and make necessary procedural changes to improve business outcomes.

Performance managers need strong interpersonal and communication skills. PayScale reports the average yearly income for performance managers is $70,000.

Organizational Development Consultant

Organizational development consultants assess problems and develop solutions to improve organizational performance, efficiency, and general business outcomes. As consultants, they typically work independently. Some organizational development consultants work for one business at a time, while others work with multiple clients simultaneously.

Professionals in this role typically boast many years of experience working in the business landscape, as well as strong problem-solving skills. Operational development consultants earn an average annual salary of $88,000, according to PayScale.

Management Analyst

Management analysts work with top business executives to reduce company costs and increase revenues. They collect data, conduct research, identify problems, recommend modifications for existing systems, and develop new systems. Management analysts often hold specialized expertise in industries such as healthcare or technology. They also typically possess many years of experience in the business sector.

Management analysts need extremely strong critical thinking, organization, presentation, and problem-solving skills. Management analysts often work as independent consultants. The BLS reports the median yearly salary for management analysts is $87,760.

Online MBA in Organizational Leadership Curriculum

All online MBA in organizational leadership programs set their own unique coursework requirements. However, degrees of this nature typically include classes in project management, operational leadership, and corporate finance. Since curricula and class descriptions vary by school, prospective students should check with each program of interest for more information.

  • Effective Leadership

    Leadership courses examine the skills and qualities of highly effective leaders across industries. Topics cover contemporary leadership, diversity and inclusion, law and ethics, and organizational strategy. Students discuss theories and real-world examples.
  • Project Management

    Project management courses explore the stages of a project from beginning to end. Topics include scope, scheduling, budgets, procurement, risk analysis, and workforce development. Students hone their project management skills by developing their own budgets and schedules. Those who are most interested in this field can also consider an online MBA in project management.
  • Financial Management

    Financial management courses teach students how to analyze financial data to make decisions that improve business outcomes. Topics include financial planning, asset evaluation, capital budgeting methods, breakeven analysis, and working capital management.

See More Top MBA Programs

How to Choose the Right Online MBA in Organizational Leadership Program

Business-savvy individuals who aim to move up the career ladder often pursue higher education. Aspiring leaders enjoy many graduate-level business education options, including master's in management studies programs, master's in organizational management programs, and Master of Business Administration in organizational leadership programs. With a master's degree in organizational leadership, graduates prepare to take on management and leadership positions in a variety of industries.

When researching business schools and programs, prospective students should consider several factors. For example, tuition rates and available financial aid options often rank high on the list of important considerations. Distance learners can pursue student loans, scholarships, and work-study programs. Students should also consider specific coursework offerings and extracurricular graduation requirements such as internships, externships, master's projects, and thesis papers.

Another key consideration is flexibility. For instance, students should investigate programs of interest to determine scheduling options such as full-time, part-time, self-paced, and accelerated MBA programs. Are distance learners required to visit campus? If so, prospective students might want to think about a school's location and accessibility.

Finally, prospective students should always look into a school's accreditation status and never enroll in a school that's not accredited by a reputable accrediting agency.

Scholarships for Organizational Leadership MBA Programs

The cost of higher education presents a major consideration for prospective graduate students. Fortunately, students can apply for many scholarships, including those tailored toward distance learners seeking to earn an MBA in organizational leadership. Students typically apply for as many scholarships as possible. The list below outlines a few scholarship possibilities suitable for students pursuing an online MBA in organizational leadership.

Mary Elizabeth Lockwood Beneventi MBA Scholarship

Who Can Apply: The Daughters of the American Revolution awards the Mary Elizabeth Lockwood Beneventi MBA Scholarship to full-time graduate students. Applicants must attend an accredited college or university and major in business administration.

Amount: $2,000

Apply for Scholarship

AfterCollege Scholarships

Who Can Apply: AfterCollege awards scholarships to graduate students pursuing a business degree. Applicants must hold a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a membership in AfterCollege.

Amount: Varies

Apply for Scholarship

National Society of Hispanic MBAs Scholarship

Who Can Apply: The National Society of Hispanic MBAs scholarship program serves Hispanic students pursuing a master's degree in management or business. Applicants must hold membership in NSHMBA.

Amount: $2,500-$10,000

Apply for Scholarship

Jane M. Klausman (JMK) Women in Business Scholarship

Who Can Apply: The Zonta International Foundation offers the JMK Women in Business Scholarship to promote gender equality. Women pursuing a graduate degree in business may apply.

Amount: $2,000

Apply for Scholarship

Professional Organizations for Organizational Leadership

Graduate students should consider joining professional organizations. With networking and learning opportunities available through events, conferences, and workshops, professional associations offer great resources for graduate students. Student members typically receive access to job boards, relevant research, and professional literature. The list below features a few organizations serving business and organizational leadership professionals.

National Society of Hispanic MBAs

This society supports and advocates for Hispanic business professionals. NSHMBA offers member benefits such as professional development opportunities, a job board, a career center, networking events, conferences, and special member discounts.

American Management Association

A nonprofit educational membership organization, AMA offers training courses, seminars, conferences, and publications. The organization addresses all aspects of business, including management, finance, accounting, and leadership.

Sales and Marketing Executives International

A global nonprofit membership organization, SMEI offers sales and marketing certification programs and professional development courses. Members benefit from a career center and networking events.

National Black MBA Association

NBMBAA dedicates its work to enriching the lives of black youths and professionals. The association provides members with educational, professional development, and networking opportunities.

Business Professionals of America

A member group of student leaders across the country, BPA supports learners pursuing careers in business management and related fields. Member benefits include certification programs, leadership opportunities, and scholarship programs.

The Top 5 Online MBA Programs in Organizational Leadership

Our ranking highlights five of the top online MBA in organizational leadership programs for 2022. These programs combine strong academics with a flexible online format. You can also read on to find out more about how we rank schools.

#1 Top Online MBA Programs in Organizational Leadership

The University of Texas at Dallas

  • Richardson, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A member of the prestigious University of Texas system, UT Dallas enrolls more than 29,000 students annually. UT Dallas's Naveen Jindal School of Management ranks among the top business schools in the country. 

MBA with a Concentration in Leadership in Organizations

UT Dallas's online MBA offers a highly flexible format that serves working professionals. The program caters to candidates with significant business experience. MBA students at UT Dallas hold an average 7.9 years of professional employment.

The leadership concentration combines studies in psychology, sociology, and organizational behavior. Candidates can choose from courses, such as strategic human resource management and power and politics in organizations. Candidates also complete a capstone project in organizational behavior and coaching. 

Students can complete UTD's MBA entirely online, with no campus visits required. Distance learners can complete in-person testing requirements at testing centers around the country.

UT Dallas's Affordability

UTD offers a guaranteed tuition rate plan that ensures students pay the same amount each semester for up to four years. The MBA program also offers a strong return on investment, enabling students to earn higher salaries after graduation.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Tuition: $57,105 total (in-state)/$95,052 total (out-of-state)
  • Required Credits: 53 credits
  • Program Length: 2-3 years
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous and asynchronous)
  • Admissions
    • Process: Apply online: submit transcripts, test scores, resume, letters of recommendation, essays
    • GPA: No set GPA - average 3.6 for admitted students
    • Standardized Tests: GRE or GMAT 
    • Cost: $50
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,442
Out-of-state
$38,168
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,874
Out-of-state
$27,796
Retention Rate
89%
Acceptance Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
29,543
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
19% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Top Online MBA Programs in Organizational Leadership

University of Arizona

  • Tucson, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A major public college in Tucson, UofA serves more than 49,000 students annually. Established in 1885, the college now offers more than 300 majors across campus and online learning programs.

MBA with a Concentration in Management and Organizations

UofA's Eller College of Management offers a flexible online MBA that serves students of all backgrounds. MBA candidates can pursue an accelerated format that lets them graduate in as little as 14 months. The program offers six annual start dates.

Candidates complete 28 credits of core MBA courses and 17 elective credits. The MBA core covers key topics, such as economics, accounting, and business statistics. The management and organizations concentration features courses in business law, groups and teams, and advanced negotiations. Students can also complete an optional global MBA experience in a foreign country.

UofA's Affordability

UofA offers merit-based scholarship opportunities to MBA candidates. Active military students and veterans can also receive a 10% tuition discount. The program's tuition expenses include all textbooks and other course materials.

Program at a Glance 

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Tuition: $1,250 per credit
  • Required Credits: 45 credits
  • Program Length: 14-48 months
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous and asynchronous)
  • Admissions
    • Process: Apply online: submit transcripts, test scores, resume, letters of recommendation, essay
    • Standardized Tests: GRE or GMAT 
    • Cost: $90
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,990
Out-of-state
$33,273
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,938
Out-of-state
$32,065
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
44,577
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
42% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Top Online MBA Programs in Organizational Leadership

Johnson & Wales University-Online

  • Providence, RI
  • 4 years
  • Online

A private college based in Providence, Rhode Island, JWU also operates a second campus in Charlotte, North Carolina. The school's online program serves students across the country. JWU offers internship opportunities in 46 U.S. states and 33 foreign countries.

MBA in Organizational Leadership

JWU's fully online MBA in organizational leadership combines academic theory and hands-on business training, preparing students to lead and manage change in organizations. The program highlights the use of research to inform organizational practices. MBA candidates also gain advanced communication and decision-making tools. 

The program features both an MBA core and a specialized organizational leadership section. Typical courses include corporate social responsibility, project management, and women and leadership in society.

The MBA ends with a career capstone course in business policy and strategy. Drawing on overall program learning, this course challenges students to identify, create, and manage competitive advantage within businesses.

JWU's Affordability

More than 90% of JWU degree candidates receive grants or scholarships from the college. The school also pairs each student with a dedicated financial planner who can help with decisions about financial aid options.

Program at a Glance 

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education; Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Tuition: $817 per credit
  • Required Credits: 36-42 credits
  • Program Length: Two years
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous and asynchronous)
  • Admissions
    • Process: Apply online: submit transcripts, resume, letters of recommendation, essay
    • GPA: 2.85 GPA
    • Standardized Tests: Not required 
    • Cost: Free
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,365
Out-of-state
$13,365
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,734
Out-of-state
$13,734
Retention Rate
25%
Acceptance Rate
41%
Students Enrolled
1,752
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#4 Top Online MBA Programs in Organizational Leadership

Cairn University-Langhorne

  • Langhorne, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A private Christian college based in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, Cairn enrolls around 1,500 students each year. The school operates according to biblical principles and only enrolls students who practice the Christian faith.

MBA

Cairn's online MBA focuses on broad business skills and specialized topics in organizational leadership. Candidates complete courses, including operations management, strategic management, and foundations of organizational leadership. The program offers a one-year fully online option and a two-year hybrid option.

All MBA candidates must also complete six credits of Bible and theology courses. This section comprises two courses in overview of Christian theology and theology of business and leadership. Students who hold undergraduate theology credits may be able to place out of these course requirements.

Cairn recognizes the experience of working professionals, and students may be able to receive up to six credits for relevant prior business learning.

Cairn's Affordability

Cairn offers many options to help MBA candidates pay for school, including grants, scholarships, and tuition discounts. About 97% of applicants receive some type of financial aid. Accelerated enrollment can also help students finish their degree faster and more affordably.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; International Accreditation Council for Business Education
  • Tuition: $400 per credit
  • Required Credits: 36 credits
  • Program Length: 1-2 years
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous), hybrid (online and on campus)
  • Admissions
    • Process: Apply online: submit personal essay and transcripts
    • GPA: 2.5 minimum
    • Standardized Tests: Not required 
    • Cost: $25
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$28,328
Out-of-state
$28,328
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,762
Out-of-state
$12,762
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
1,221
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
23% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#5 Top Online MBA Programs in Organizational Leadership

Mercy College

  • Dobbs Ferry, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Based in Dobbs Ferry, New York, Mercy also operates campuses in Manhattan and the Bronx. While historically associated with the Catholic Church, the school is nonsectarian and enrolls students of all backgrounds

MBA with a Concentration in Organizational Leadership

Mercy's MBA with a concentration in organizational leadership primarily serves working students, offering a highly flexible course schedule. Candidates can complete their coursework entirely online or in a hybrid format at any of the school's three campuses. The program offers four start dates throughout the year, with new class sessions beginning about every three months.

Mercy admits both business and non-business majors. Candidates without a business background participate in the school's TURBO Flex Program, which builds foundational business knowledge through a one-month intensive session. The TURBO Flex Program is free and offered before the start of each semester.

Mercy's Affordability

Mercy automatically considers all admitted MBA students for graduate business scholarships. Candidates with an undergraduate GPA above 3.5 can receive an award of up to $6,000. The school also offers several other scholarship opportunities.

Program at a Glance 

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Tuition: $994 per credit
  • Required Credits: 36 credits
  • Program Length: 1-2 years
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous), hybrid (online and on campus)
  • Admissions
    • Process: Apply online: submit transcripts, resume
    • GPA: 3.0 recommended
    • Standardized Tests: GMAT Optional 
    • Cost: $40
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$18,934
Out-of-state
$18,934
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,146
Out-of-state
$16,146
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
10,557
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
36% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

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