Job Options for Organizational Leadership
Those who earn an online degree in organizational leadership learn the overarching needs of a business as a structure and as part of a team. Many plans focus on meeting the growing need for managers with technological expertise, in addition to emphasizing planning, finance, team building, conflict resolution, and communication skills. As globalization continues, it is likely that many companies will require professionals who have organizational management skills to oversee and plan their technology implementation and updates, resolve issues between team members, and facilitate communication between disparate teams or far-reaching locations.
Per the National Center for Education Statistics, an online organizational leadership degree can be defined as a plan of study that focuses on skills that have applications in business, government, nonprofit, and education settings.
Organizational Leadership Salaries
The Houston Chronicle states that commonly held positions for those with an online degree in organizational leadership degrees include top executives, human resources managers, medical and health services managers, and management analysts. Additionally, job growth is healthy for the organizational management degree field, and salaries are fairly generous, with the average organizational leadership early-career salary totalling $42,000.
| Job Title | Education Level Needed | Experience Needed | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Executive | Bachelor’s degree | 5+ years | $103,950 |
| Human Resources Manager | Bachelor’s degree | 5+ years | $106,910 |
| Medical & Health Services Manager | Bachelor’s degree | <5 years | $96,540 |
| Management Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | <5 years | $81,330 |
Organizational Leadership Concentrations and Careers
Because online organizational leadership degrees prepare you to plan for a business’ long-term needs, build teams, and facilitate communication between teams and team members , it’s no wonder that those who earn an online degree in organizational leadership are often tapped for management positions. As mentioned in the above section, there are many well-paying options available for this major. Duties and concentrations, however, will make a big difference once you leave the classroom and enter the job force.
- Top executives with an online bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership focus on long-term business strategies and policies to help organizations meet their goals. Because there is often a focus on operational activities, to become a top executive, communication and project management courses are recommended. Accounting courses are also beneficial.
- Human resources managers are the people in charge of administrative and hiring functions of most organizations. They also serve as the bridge between management and floor-level employees, helping both groups navigate new policies and mediate disagreements. Speech and communications classes are recommended for prospective human resources managers.
- Medical & health services managers are sometimes also called healthcare executives or healthcare administrators. These are the people in charge of an entire medical facility, whether a one-doctor clinic or an entire hospital. They are at the forefront of implementing changes according to to health care laws or new technology. Because they must understand technology and its nuances, tech classes (such as management information system classes) are highly recommended.
- Management analysts or consultants are the people businesses hire to improve efficiency. Because this job requires a well-rounded understanding of business and management, if you are interested in this job, it is recommended that you earn a management consultant certification from the Institute of Management Consultants USA after completing your degree.
What It’s Like to Work in Organizational Leadership
While you can earn an online bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from your choice of universities, it is rare to come across an ad for an "organizational leadership" position. Instead, this field of study is designed to give you a well-rounded view of how to manage people and processes, facilitate communication, and mediate conflicts. It is common of someone who has a bachelor’s in organizational leadership to become the guidance counselor of a company, helping to plan its long-term goals, even when the company seems determined to resist advice or move in the wrong direction. This is challenging work, but it can be very rewarding.
Organizational leadership graduates are often placed in charge of teams in which achieving a long-term goal is the measurement of success. Whether working in the medical field, implementing changes to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and digital records systems, or simply rolling out a new vacation policy for a large company, the skills learned in online bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership programs are valuable and in-demand at most organizations—public, private, and non-profit alike.
It is often said that a bachelor’s in organizational leadership is the key to a career in affecting change in large organizations. Communication, planning, and an understanding of business acumen are crucial to success in this growing field.
Types of Organizational Leadership Degrees
For the majority of organizational leadership careers, a bachelor’s degree is simply a starting point. Most directorial and higher positions prefer candidates with a master's degree as well as relevant experience. Online organizational leadership degrees are available in different concentrations at every level of study.
- Bachelor’s degrees may focus on the management of people or the management of technology. Additionally, both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership are available. Generally speaking, the BA degree option is more social science-based, while the BS includes more immersive business courses.
- A master’s in organizational leadership is available from many institutions, however, many students go on to earn an MBA instead. Where an MBA will focus on more business-related topics, master’s degree programs for organizational leadership often focus on both business and the integration of related skills in topics such as technology and globalization.
Ultimately, what you choose to study and what specialization you select will depend on what career you would like to enter. Talk to your academic advisor to create a degree plan tailored to your needs.
Organizational Leadership Certifications and Licensing
For some who complete their online degree in organizational leadership, certifications are recommended. Prospective management consultants, for example, are encouraged to earn a management consultant certification from the Institute of Management Consultants USA. According to U.S. News & World Report, many graduates will join the Institute of Management Consultants, the Society for Human Resource Management, the National Association of Sales Professionals, and the American Management Association. Each of these professional associations offers additional training and most offer certifications.