25 Best Affordable Online Organizational Leadership Degree Programs (Master’s) 2020

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

Marian University (MU, est. 1936) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. It serves students at this campus, eight learning centers in the state, and online. Founded by Sisters of St. Agnes, this growing university integrates hands-on experiences with classroom learning, inspiring success “through an engaging, values-based education.”

MU offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL), which was originally offered in the early 1990s as a concentration option for MU’s on-campus MS in leadership. The 30-credit program has a focus on communication, ethical behavior and business practices, leadership methods, management, principles of motivation, teamwork and team management. Example courses include: Leadership in Organizations; Systems Strategy and& Adapt in Leadership; Strategy, Risk and Leadership Ethics. The curriculum includes a Capstone project. The program expects that students are typically balancing studies with work, to which they can apply the skills they learn.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Western Governors University (WGU, est. 1997) is a private, nonprofit institution serving students online in nine states, through the Salt Lake City headquarters and offices in eight other states. All academic programs are online, and WGU’s concept and existence is the result of collaboration between over a dozen U.S. governors. The U.S. Dept of Education later provided a $10M award for the creation and development of additional academic programs. WGU has received honors in multiple consecutive years from both Victory Media and Military Advanced Education for being a top school for veterans. VM also designated WGU a Military Friendly School several years running. It has also been recognized for its overall online/ distance learning offering, with accolades that include “innovative.” WGU’s teacher prep education programs have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report (USNWR), including top ranking for undergrad program for secondary school teachers.

WGU offers competency-based bachelor’s and master’s degrees, plus undergraduate certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Science in Management and Leadership degree, offered through the College of Business, and which is ABSCP-accredited (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs). The majority of students take 9-24 months to complete this program, with a 6-month term costing $3,750. The program builds skills in business acumen, business plans, budgets, decision-making, leadership, management, and strategy, amongst others. Example courses include: Managing Organizations and Leading People; Managing Human Capital; Management Communication. Careers that alumni of this program have include branch chief, director of operations, executive director, president and vice president, in business, government, nonprofit and startup sectors.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston Southern University (CSU, est. 1964) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Baptist Church (South Carolina Convention). Accolades include: Best Online Programs – Bachelor’s (U.S. News & World Report); Military Friendly School (Victory Media); President’s Higher Education Community Service Roll and others. CSU is a Yellow Ribbon School, a designation awarded in recognition of the university’s dedication to supporting students that are military personnel.

CSU offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and graduate certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL), available through the College of Business. This 33-credit (11-course) program is intended for those professionals who will lead others whether in business, government or nonprofit organizations. Skills developed include communication, executive decision making, interpersonal skills, managing organizational change, and more. Students can choose to take this degree online, or through a combination that includes on-campus evening classes, as well as select 1-3 courses per semester — resulting in a minimum of four semesters (17 months). The program combines Christian principles with the curriculum. Example courses include: Fundamentals of Leadership; Managing with Excellence and Integrity; Business Ethics from a Christian Worldview.

Platteville, Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin-Platteville (UWP, est. 1866) is a member of the public University of Wisconsin System – its fastest growing. While the current name has been used since 1971, its roots go back to 1866 as the first teacher prep institution in the state. It serves currently students at this campus, two branch campuses, plus online. WGU has the honor of being the first public university in the state to offer a full degree online (master’s in project management), in 1999. Accolades for UWP include recognition from U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) and other publishers for its online programs (multiple consecutive years).

UWP offers over 40 associate’s through master’s level degrees. It has one relevant program: a 100% online Master of Science in Organizational Change Leadership (MSOCL) degree. The program — which earned WGU a spot in USNWR’s “Best Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership” college ranking list — needs no GRE or GMAT, and the minimum timeline is two years. Students have a choice of four optional areas of emphasis (Healthcare, Human Resources, Project Management, Safety Risk Control), as well a selection of elective courses to further customize their degree. Skills developed include communication, conflict resolution, critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, and others. Example courses include: Conflict Resolution and Negotiation, Intercultural Change Leadership, Strategic Thinking and Change.

Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

University of Valley Forge (UVF, est. 1939) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Assemblies of God USA. It was originally founded as a bible college and today offers faith-based academic programs. A chapel on-campus has livestreamed service three days per week, with online video archives available. Students are served at this main campus, an additional campus in the state of Virginia, and online.

UVF offers over 50 associate’s through master’s level degrees, including one relevant program: an online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL). This 33-credit cohort-model program is offered as an alternative to an MBA program. It combines “the art and science of modern leadership models” with a Christian worldview and a focus “on emotional intelligence.” The curriculum includes 13 courses, including several 1-credit individual projects and a 3-credit Capstone Paper, with a typical minimum timeline of 18 months. Courses are seven weeks each and designed for working adults. Examples include: The Effective Organization; Human Resource Leadership; Leadership/Ethics Branding Project. Students develop skills and knowledge such as budgeting, communication, ethics, financial planning and management, information technology, leadership styles, organizational behavior, organizational dynamics, risk management, strategy, team-building, etc.

Lincoln, Illinois

Lincoln Christian University (LCU, est. 1944) is a private, nonprofit institution that is affiliated with various Christian churches. Founded as a bible college, it integrates a Christ-centered worldview into its academic programs, and currently serves students on two Illinois campuses, plus online.

LCU offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, including one relevant program: an online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL), which it has had for nearly a decade. It is designed for those who want to serve as “role models and motivators, guides and equippers, coaches and champions.” Students come from multiple backgrounds including business, criminal justice, education, ministry and more. Skills and knowledge gained from this program include: communication, conflict resolution, leadership, strategy, and others. Courses are taken online one at a time, with a total timeline of around 21 months. Examples courses include: Visions, Values, and Voices in Organizational Leadership; Authentic Leadership in Organizational Contexts; Dynamics of Change and Conflict in Organizational Leadership. A Capstone project is also part of the curriculum, which consists of 10 courses in total. Graduates of the program have found careers such as: church administrator, community leader, director, executive, manager, supervisor, small business owner, etc.

Concord, New Hampshire

Granite State College (GSC, est. 1972) is a member of the public University System of New Hampshire. The college has long since had an agenda to help students of any age or income pursue a college education — a fact reflected by their fairly high average student ages for undergrad (34) and graduate (39) studies. Part of their current vision in fact focuses on catering to the needs of adult students. Their online degree programs have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) in various bachelor’s topical rankings (including for 2018). Washington Monthly awarded GSC #1 in the state in their Best College for Adult Learners 2018 list (for the 3rd straight year).

GSC offers over 50 associate’s through master’s level degrees and certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Science in Leadership (MSL), preparing students for leadership and organizational management roles in multiple industries. This is a program that achieved a top rank in a USNWR college review list (along with GSC’s master’s programs in Management and in Project Management). Example courses include: Foundations of Organizational Communication; Cultivating Your Leadership Capabilities; Ethical. Decision-Making. Note: For FY 2019, the in-state per credit cost of this MSL is $538/unit.

Winona, Minnesota

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (SMU, est. 1912) is a private, nonprofit university associated with the Roman Catholic Church (De La Lasalle Christian Brothers). Originally founded as a men’s college, it now serves coed students on this campus, a second campus in the Twin Cities, several learning centers, and online. SMU counts amongst its achievements various academic accolades/ rankings from the following publishers: Forbes (America’s Best Colleges 2018); Princeton Review (Best Midwestern Colleges); U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges – Best National Universities; Best Colleges for Veterans).

SMU offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL) degree. The MAOL requires 36 credits and typically takes 24 months for completion. Skills and knowledge gained in this program include analysis, conflict management, leadership techniques, motivational techniques, organizational improvement, strategic planning and others. SMU’s MAOL curriculum specifically aims at helping students achieve the skills for any of the six following roles: Adaptive Leader; Change Leader; Connected Leader; Global Leader; Learning Leader; Organizational Leader. Each of these roles has its own set of skill requirements, with some overlap. Courses are delivered in six Clusters, each of which represents one of the six aforementioned leader roles. Example courses include: Leadership and Ethics; Critical Thinking and Research; Collaboration and Teambuilding.

Springfield, Missouri

Evangel University (EU, est. 1955) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliate with the Assemblies of God. Their academic programs incorporate a Christian view to equip “students to become Spirit-empowered servants of God who impact the Church and society globally.” Notable EU alumni include Phil Stanton (Blue Man Group co-founder) and TV series Cheaters’ host Joey Greco.

EU offers over 70 associate’s through doctor’s level degree programs, including one relevant program: a hybrid Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL). Students focus on one course at a time, taking two per semester, with a timeline of less than two years. Example courses include: Foundations of Leadership; Strategic Management; Organizational Design and Development. Campus visits include an initial session to meet faculty and other students, learn more about the program, get familiar with procedures, etc. Skills and knowledge developed include biblical values (as relevant to the MOL), budgeting, change management, decision-making, ethics, financial management, leadership, organizational assessment, organizational dynamics, risk management, strategic planning, etc. Graduates of this program have found career leadership roles, including within religious and non-religious organizations.

East Hartford, Connecticut

Goodwin College (GC, est. 1999) is a private, nonprofit institution originally founded as a for-profit business school in 1962, changing names and eventually becoming nonprofit in 2004. It serves students on two campuses, plus online, with the newer campus earning accolades for smart growth and environmental design. Goodwin career-focused academic programs emphasize catering to underserved students — over 40% of their students are first-generation college students. GC has, in recent years, been recognized as a top school for military personnel, earned an Environmental Merit Award from the U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) plus other sustainability awards, and made the U.S. President’s Honor Roll (for Community Service and Education).

GC offers associate’s through master’s level degrees plus undergraduate certificates. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL). Skills and knowledge developed in this MSOL include: communication, decision-making, innovation, leadership, management, organizational culture, performance management, strategy. The minimum timeline indicated for this 30-credit MSOL is 20 months part-time, and with 7.5-week accelerated classes or hybrid classes, it’s designed for flexibility for working students. Example classes include: Leadership Practices in Organizational Communications; Data-Driven Decision-Making for Executives; Sustainability of Innovation and Strategic Advantage. Tuition is $750/credit (plus fees), and $660/credit if a student earned either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree at Goodwin.

Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota

Crown College (CC, est. 1916) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Students are served at this campus and online, and academic programs incorporate Christian principles. Accolades for CC include appearance on college review lists from U.S. News & World Report (Best Midwest Regional Colleges), Victory Media (Military Friendly School) and MONEY magazine (top 15% of colleges).

CC offers over 40 associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: a 36-credit, online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL) available through the School of Online Studies and Graduate School. The curriculum incorporates Christian principles into the development of various leadership skills. It prepares its graduates for not just business environments, but also public, private and nonprofit organizations in general. Skills and knowledge gained include: communication, organizational communication, research, strategic planning, etc.

Courses are typically seven weeks in length and 100% online, with an expected two-year timeline overall. Example courses include: Organizational Communication; Theoretical and Spiritual Foundations of Leadership; Organizational Development. Students have the choice of 12 Emphasis options: Biblical Studies; Christian Studies; Church Development; Community Development; Disaster and Emergency Management; Executive Leadership; Hmong Ministry; Intercultural Ministries; International Christian Education; Non-Profit Leadership; Pastoral Counseling; Pastoral Leadership; Social Science Research; Spiritual Formation; Urban Ministry. Graduates of this MAOL have found careers in several sectors, including: Accounting and Financial; Insurance; Products and Services; Public, Private and Nonprofit; Retail and Hospitality; Sales and Marketing. Note: Non-MBA graduate tuition for 2018-2019 is $530/credit, with a 12-16 credit block capped at $5,725/ semester (plus fees).

Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OLWU) is a private, nonprofit institution founded by and affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. OWU’s existence is the result of the merger of five institutions and two churches over time, with the oldest institution founded in 1910. It serves students at this campus and online. Accolades for OWU include that from publishers/ organizations such as Forbes and U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges Regional West – top 10 in 2014 and multiple previous years), and others.

OKWU offers associate’s through master’s level degrees, including one relevant program: an online Master of Science in Strategic Leadership (MSSL), available from the Chesapeake Energy School of Business. The program requires 33 credits for graduation, and students can also choose on-campus classes. Students of this program have come from multiple walks of life and might hold roles such as: athletic coaches; business leaders; business managers; hospital administrators; it leadership; non-profit leaders; pastors; school administrators. Those who aspire to be leaders or managers are also typical students. The curriculum focuses on developing the skills necessary for business leadership and management, and is positioned as an alternative to an MBA. Example courses include: Advanced Leadership Theory; Business Ethics and Leadership; Strategic Planning and Execution.

Wheeling, West Virginia

Wheeling Jesuit University (WJU, est. 1954) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Catholic Church. It serves students at this campus and online. WJU has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report, both on the Best Colleges — Regional Universities South ranking list, and for WJU’s online education programs.

WJU offers nearly 50 academic programs, including bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: a fully online Master’s of Science in Org Leadership (MSOL), designed with working adults in mind, with no on-campus requirements. The program has a timeline of 22 months and requires 33 credits. It is grouped into five different course sequences totalling 19 courses (including thesis/thesis defense). In covering leadership principles, the curriculum looks at the foundations and the different “dimensions” of an organization, including: environmental, structural, personal.

Topics explored include communication, leadership, partnerships, personal and interpersonal skills, strategy, TQM (Total Quality Management) practices. The Foundation sequence constitutes six credits, and the courses are: Concepts of Leadership; Leader as Change Agent; Leading with Integrity and Creativity. Each of the three dimensions explored have their own course sequence, and contribute 20 credits total. A 7-credit Thesis sequence is spread out over 14 months, and includes two courses plus the thesis and defense. Courses range from one to four credits in value, and class duration may vary as well. Note: contact WJU for current per-credit and per-semester tuition rates.

Nashville, Tennessee

Trevecca Nazarene University (TNU, est. 1901) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene (Protestant). It serves students at this campus, two location in Georgia, and online. Academic programs at TNU, a Yellow Ribbon school, are cohort-based and integrate learning with the Christian faith. Online students have the benefit of having physical reading materials sent to them. U.S. News & World Report recognized Trevecca in their 2019 America’s Guide to Colleges as a national university, and the only ranked Nazarene institution.

TNU offers nearly 140 academic programs, including associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificates. It has one relevant program: a fully online Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL) with no residency requirements. This is an interdisciplinary program requiring 33 credits, which takes into consideration the various time demands of adult students. It incorporates the principles of business, communication, and religion, and develops a student’s knowledge and skills in innovation, organizational change, strategy, etc. There are three leadership focus levels in the curriculum: Personal Leadership Development; Interpersonal/Group Leadership; Organizational Impact. Eleven asynchronous online courses make up the curriculum, worth three credits each, typically taking 18 months to complete. Example courses are: Personal Leadership; Concepts of Organizational Leadership; Organizational Culture and Change. Note: current graduate tuition is $420/credit hour.

West Palm Beach, Florida

Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBAU, est. 1968) is a private, nonprofit institution with a multi-denominational Christian affiliation. It serves students at two Florida campuses and online. The university incorporates a Christian worldview into its academic programs. It has been earning ranking positions on U.S. News & World Report’s Best in the South college review list for several years and is #52 in the 2019 edition. Other USWR 2019 lists: #34 Best Colleges for Veterans; #16 Most Innovative Schools. PBAU also ranked in the Southeast on a Princeton Review college review list (2013). Notable PBAU alumni include actress/ comedian Victoria Jackson (Saturday Night Live).

PBAU offers over 60 academic programs, including bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Science in Leadership (MSL), offered through the Catherine T. MacArthur School of Leadership. This 36-credit program, has an estimated timeline of 24 months, and is capped at 20 students per class (online or on-campus). It combines “biblical, historical, theoretical and practical studies,” and is designed with working professionals in mind. Online students take an Organizational Leadership Concentration. (On-campus students have an additional two concentration choices: Corporate Leadership; Non-Profit Leadership. Example courses for the MSL include: Foundations of Leadership Development; Organizational Behavior and Group Formation; Strategic Thinking and Planning. Note: current graduate online tuition is $600/credit hour (fees extra).

Oskaloosa, Iowa

William Penn University (WPU, est. 1873) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Quakers (Christian). It serves students on two Iowa campuses and online. While the university has a strong history and grounding in Quaker principles, it welcomes all students, with a tenet that claims “every individual has value and deserves access to a quality education.” As a Yellow Ribbon School, there may be scholarships for qualified military personnel or spouses/ dependents. Notable WPU alumni include Detroit Lions (NFL) defensive tackle Damon Harrison and UFC mixed martial artists Abel Trujillo and Joseph “Joe B-Wan Kenobi” Benavidez.

WPU offers associate’s through master’s level degrees — over 60 majors in total — plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Business Leadership (MBL), which is part of the university’s overall distance/ online learning offering, and which takes into account the needs of non-traditional students. Skills and knowledge developed include business ethics, teamwork and servant leadership, amongst others that WPU indicates as covering what’s not often covered in graduate business programs. The curriculum consists of 12 courses, each of which run eight weeks. Examples include: Effective Business Teams; Business Leadership Research Methods and Project Management; Ethical and Moral Business Leadership. Note: current tuition for the MBL is $390/credit.

Baldwin City, Kansas

Baker University (BU, est. 1858) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Amongst the university’s achievements and milestones is the fact that Abraham Lincoln donated to the construction of a hall, and a chapel was delivered brick by brick from England and also dedicated by British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. U.S. President Howard Taft delivered a speech on peace on campus — a campus winning the designation of a Tree Campus USA award. Other accolades are from U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges – Midwest Regional University 2016 (#36), and previous years) and The Economist (top 50 colleges for economic value 2015). Notable Baker alumni include Andrew Cherng, who founded the Panda Express restaurant chain, and New York Times best-selling author Candice Millard.

Baker offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, including one relevant program: an online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL). It requires 36 credits and has a timeline of 18-22 months, although Baker points out that it can be completed in 12 months if eligible students take two courses at a time (some conditions apply). Skills development areas include: conflict resolution, critical thinking, ethical business practices, group problem solving, innovation, negotation, organizational diversity, social responsibility. Students can select one of four Concentrations, each consisting of four courses (12 credits): Leadership and Organizational Change, Finance, Human Resources, Health Care Administration. Example core courses include: Leadership Fundamentals; Leadership and Organizational Behavior; Corporate Social Responsibility and Accountability. Concentration courses are multidisciplinary, including from Baker’s MBA program, finance, human resources management, and health care administration — with each Concentration offering a choice of courses to select four from. Note: current tuition is $555/credit hour for core courses, and $480/credit hour for concentration courses.

Hickory, North Carolina

Lenoir-Rhyne University (LRU, est. 1891) is a private, nonprofit institution serving students at three locations (main campus, seminary, South Caroline graduate studies center), plus online. It is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and integrates religious principles into academic programs. Notable LRU alumni include author Stefanie Gaither, actor Burgess Jenkins (Remember the Titans) and comedian/ TV personality Tom Segura.

LRU offers bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: a fully online Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL), full- or part-time, and designed for the needs of working adults. Skills and knowledge developed include: change management; collaborative-network-building; communication; ethics; motivation of others; resource management; etc. Students have a choice of two study options: General Leadership or University Leadership — both of which require 33 credits. While the General Leadership track consists of Core Courses and the track component, the University Leadership track divides the curriculum into three parts: Higher Education Leadership Foundations; Administration, Organization, and Leadership; Professional Component. A field Practicum (Leadership and Applied Research) is a requirement of the General Leadership track. Example core courses in the General Track include: Financial Management and Budgeting; Research Methodology; Leading Change in Organizations.

Hannibal, Missouri

Hannibal-LaGrange University (HLGU, est. 1858) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention. Students of various denominations are represented, and are served with a Christian education at three locations in the state, plus online. The university has been recognized as a Military Friendly School for 2018-19, and in other years, by Victory Media.

HLG offers over 40 academic programs in the form of associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus undergrad certificates. It has one relevant program: a fully online Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL) degree requiring 30 credits. The curriculum consists of 10 five-week online courses, taken one at a time, with a minimum timeline of one calendar year. Students can choose between a Business Management or Christian Ministry track to further customize their degree. Topical focus includes business ethics, effective communication, financial models, leadership styles, planning.

Four courses (12 credits) make up the core for both tracks: Foundations in Leadership and Practice; Ethical Leadership in a Biblical Worldview; Organizational Leadership; Leadership Capstone Project. Each track accounts for an additional 18 credits (six courses), with no course overlap. This cohort-model program prepares students for roles that include community leader (e.g., Christian organizations), director (company boards), general leadership positions, nonprofit administration, senior management, etc. Students with prior graduate college credits may be eligible to transfer up to six credit hours into this MAL program.

Nyack, New York

Nyack College (NC, est. 1882) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. It serves students at two campuses, three seminary locations, and online. A core belief of Nyack’s founder is to educate students representing the whole world. This fact has previously earned it a top-10 ranking (Regional Universities North) from U.S. News & World Report (2016), in the student diversity category. It also appears in USNWR’s 2019 general Regional Universities North list.

Nyack offers associate’s through doctor’s level degrees — over 120 academic programs, including over 20 online master’s programs (with and without track or certification options), and two online bachelor’s degrees in Organizational Management. It has one relevant program: a fully online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) requiring 33 credits, which follows a cohort model and has a timeline of about 12 months. Online courses are asynchronous, five weeks in length, and taken one course at a time in sequence. Example courses include: Foundations of Organizational Leadership Research; Ethical Leadership; Principles of Research Methods. A thesis is part of the curriculum requirements, and is spread out across three semesters, including three 1-credit Thesis Seminar courses. Skills and knowledge developed in the MSOL include: applied research, organizational transformation, theoretical frameworks, values-based leadership and others. Completing this course can lead to career roles such as: change management consulting; leadership and organizational development; management-level positions; sports management.

Waxahachie, Texas

Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU, est. 1927) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Assemblies of God. Academic programs are Bible-based, and students are served a Christian education at this campus and online. Victory Media designed SAGU as a Military Friendly School in 2016. Notable SAGU alumni include author/ journalist Mike Evans.

SAGU offers over 70 associate’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL), offered through SAGU’s Harrison Graduate School. It is a multi-disciplinary program provides an alternative to what an MBA program typically covers, by focusing on the “human elements” of business and organizations. It develops skills such as communication, decision-making, emotional intelligence, ethics, leadership, management, problem-solving, strategy, team motivation, etc., which are suitable either for the church or marketplace. The curriculum consists of 36 credits, which is 12 courses, including a Leadership Practicum. Example courses include: Energizing People for Performance; Foundations of Leadership: History, Theory, Application and Development; Organizational Communication, Conflict Resolution and Negotiation. The program information indicates that courses “are on a strict rotation… No course substitutions or deviations are permitted.”

Bourbonnais, Illinois

Olivet Nazarene University (ONU, est. 1907) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. It started as a grammar school and now serves students an “Education with a Christian purpose” at this campus and online. Their overall offering landed them on the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2015 college ranking list. Notable ONU alumni include actor Joshua Hoover (Walking Dead, Diary of a Wimpy Kid).

ONU offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees – over 140 areas of study in total. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL), requiring 36 credits, with a 24-month timeline, following a cohort model, and having a focus on the “Emerging Leader.” Students learn change management, coaching, communication, conflict resolution, culture, decision-making, ethical leadership, mentoring, planning, problem-solving. The curriculum consists of 11 core courses and one elective (all accelerated), with a choice between a research project or a Global Business Experience. Example courses include: Coaching Mentoring and Resolving Conflicts, Financial Environments of Organizations; Understanding and Creating Effective Organizations. Note: the current tuition rate for MOL courses is $675/credit hour.

Marion, Indiana

Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU, est. 1920) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. National and Global is IWU’s distance and international learning division, with roughly three times the student population of the regular campus. U.S. News & World Report has recognized IWU in several recent college review lists, including: Best Colleges – U.S. Regional Universities Up-and-Coming; Best Colleges — Best Regional Universities Midwest. Notable IWU alumni include fantasy/ romance novelist Laurell Hamilton.

IWU offers associate’s through doctorate degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Master’s in Organizational Leadership (MOL) degree. The MOL follows a cohort model, requires 36 credits, and has a 23-month timeline. Topics covered in the curriculum include: leadership theory, followership, stewardship, change management, ethics, strategy, etc. Students will conduct projects either at their workplace or a suitable community organization. The curriculum consists of 14 courses (with two thesis courses totaling eight credits). Example courses include: Ethical Challenges of Leadership; Organizational Behavior and Communication; Research and Evaluation Methods for Leaders. Note: current MOL tuition rate for core courses is $509/credit hour. ISU’s PhD in Organizational Leadership is an option for students interested in further studies after this MOL degree.

Canton, Ohio

Malone University (MU, est. 1892) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Evangelical Friends Church. Founded as a bible-based training school, it now serves a Christian education to students on this campus and online. Malone has been recognized for its academic offering by various college rankings publishers, including: Washington Monthly (Best Bang for the Buck 2018-19); U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges – Best Regional Universities in the Midwest 2018 and other years; Best Value Schools 2017); Money magazine (Best College for Your Money). Notable Malone alumni include singer Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees and Olympic Gold-medal-winning pole vaulter Timothy Mack.

Malone offers nearly 120 program majors and minors at bachelor’s and master’s levels. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL). This is a 36-credit program with 7-week courses, a timeline of 16-30 months, and allowing up to nine eligible transfer credits. Topical coverage includes: change management; communication; conflict resoution; corporate strategy; ethics; decision making; followership; human resources; a comparison of leadership versus management; leadership styles; research strategy; and more. Example courses include: Leadership Theory and Practice; Ethics for Leading with Integrity; Business Law and Human Resource Management. Note: current MAOL tuition rate is $595/ credit hour. Graduates of the program have found careers in “corporations, nonprofit organizations, health care,” etc. Alternatives at Malone include an online MS Educational Leadership. For students still seeking a bachelor’s program, Malone has a BA Organizational Management program that is also available online.

Des Moines, Iowa

Grand View University (GVU, est. 1896) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It serves students of all backgrounds at this campus and online. As a small institution (typically around 2,000 students), GVU promotes a “family” atmosphere and small class sizes. Graduate 6-month placement rate (employment) is typically between 98-100%.

GWU offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees — nearly 45 in total — plus undergrad certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online or hybrid Masters in Organizational Leadership. The program requires 30 credits, has courses starting every eight weeks, and has an approximate timeline of 21 months. A leadership development seminar conducted by professional mentors can be attended on campus (three days) or taken online. The program is aimed at people who are or seek leadership roles (business, government, military, nonprofit) or entrepreneurship, and keeps the needs of working students in mind. Example courses include: Theory and Practice of Leadership; Ethics, Employee Engagement, and Organizational Culture; Mentoring, Coaching, and Leadership Development.