The global pandemic has challenged even the most seasoned executives over the past year. Despite the dropping rates of COVID-19, this trend has continued, even as the world operates in a "new normal." The changes we've seen in the business world mean that organizational leadership skills may be more crucial than ever, and a master's degree in organizational leadership can be a valuable asset to both businesses and those who have an interest in employment in this field.
Perhaps that's why there has been an uptick in interest in this field since the start of the pandemic. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), as of 2020, business schools saw a 67% increase in application volume. Part of that large increase could be attributed to the "pandemic-induced uncertainty" surrounding careers and jobs — but could also be attributed to the widespread adoption of more flexible online or distance-learning programs at colleges around the nation.
If you're interested in pursuing a master's degree in this field, the good news is that you have plenty of flexible online options to choose from, starting with the most affordable online master's in organizational leadership programs listed below.
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Most Affordable Master's in Organizational Leadership in 2021
What are the Various Disciplines of Organizational Leadership?
Organizational leadership is the study of leadership for a single individual or a group of people. It is a field that is present in every other field and therefore, pinning down the exact disciplines can be difficult.
However, the general consensus is that organizational leadership includes the disciplines of management, organization, leadership, human resources, psychology, and sociology. In most cases, it also includes business, career development, and education.
Professionals who choose to work in different industries may also find that other disciplines will be part of their work. For example, a professional who works in social work will find that an understanding of social work, justice, and family science may be required of them. This is just one example, but it rings true for every field that an organizational leadership professional may find themselves in.
Career Outlook and Salary for Master's in Organizational Leadership Graduates
How much a professional can earn in this field depends on what type of degree they earn. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists business and financial operations occupations as the 8th most popular field, with an average annual wage of about $80,680 as of 2020. Because it is possible to earn a business degree with a specialization in organizational leadership, a Master of Science, or a Master of Art, the salaries can be quite different. However, most salaries will range between $40,310 on the low end to $130,380 on the high end.
Many professionals with a degree in the field will work as training and development managers. These professionals made, on average, about $115,640 per year as of 2020.
Human resource managers who earn a degree in organizational leadership can expect to make an annual salary in a similar range to the ones above. These salaries may fluctuate depending on the industry and the region in America where the jobs can be found.
Education administrators also play a role in this field, as this is one of the most common career options for professionals. Education administrators typically earned about $93,830 on average as of 2020.
Top-paying Industries
Some of the highest paid industries for professionals with a master's in organizational leadership include:
Securities, commodity contracts, and investmentsThe BLS reports that the securities, commodity contracts, and investments, which employs 38% of the operations-management industry, pays employees at the top of the salary range about $128,880 per year.
Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturingManagers in computer (and peripheral equipment) manufacturing typically earn, on average, about $126,480 per year, according to the BLS.
Human resources managersIf you have a knack for human resources, you may be able to find a lucrative job in the field with this degree. The median wage for human resources managers was about $121,220 per year as of 2020.
What Are the Career Options for an Online Master's in Organizational Leadership Degree?
Organizational leadership is an incredible field in that it offers professionals the opportunity to work in just about every industry in America. From working as managers to becoming education administrators, the range of career options enables professionals to work in a field they are passionate in.
A common position that a professional will take in an Organizational leadership career is that of a manager. This can be a human resources manager position, or it can have to do with organization management or training and development. Students will note the clear relationship between human resources and organizational leadership, which lends itself to providing these opportunities to graduates.
Another great career choice can be found in higher education. Whether working with professional organizations or finding a job as an education administrator in a university setting, students will find that their unique talents are needed in the education field. Many of these professionals work alongside students and professionals to train them in higher education, prepare them for graduation or certification, and help them create a plan for professional development.
Master's in Organizational Leadership Concentrations
There are several specific degree paths you can take while earning a master's in organizational leadership. Some concentration or specialization options include:
Human resource development Human resources management and development is one of the more popular concentrations for candidates pursuing a master's in organizational leadership. Courses in this concentration could include crisis management, strategy, and ethics.
Emergency management leadership
The pandemic has brought to light how important emergency intervention from state and federal agencies truly is. A concentration in emergency management leadership puts the focus on man-made and natural disasters, risk assessment, and the interagency management during these disasters.
Teaching leadership Professionals with experience in teaching and education may choose to follow a teaching leadership track. Teaching leadership concentrations can focus on either adult or child education.
Healthcare management
Organizational leadership skills also apply to the healthcare field. A healthcare management concentration typically includes topics like disaster management as well as healthcare-related human resources and finance specializations.
Certification and Licenses
The accreditations, certifications, and licenses you need or can access in this field will vary based on your area of concentration.
For example, a student who earns the MBA with a specialization in organizational leadership will benefit from earning that degree from an AACSB or AACSB International-accredited program. This is because the degree itself is business in nature, and employers will expect anyone with an MBA to have earned it through an accredited institution.
It's also possible to find SHRM accreditation or adherence to the SHRM guidelines as a pathway forward. Many degrees in management with a specialization in leadership carry this accreditation because human resources is closely related to the field.
The last type of accreditation offered is from the Project Management Institute, which is also known as PMI. This recognition is not typically important for accreditation purposes but for the certification possibilities it provides. Project management is an emerging field and attending a program that aligns with PMI guidelines paves the way forward to sit for certification as a Project Manager.
While accreditation does matter for a master's in organizational leadership, what matters more is whether or not the professional earning the degree is going to work in a particular industry. Because different specialized fields require different licensing and accreditation, students should focus on their ultimate career goals when choosing a graduate school for their needs.
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Scholarships for Master's in Organizational Leadership Students
VOMI Circle of Excellence Scholarship
The Virtual Organization Management Institute (VOMI) offers a Circle of Excellence Scholarship awards qualifying students with either the full or partial amount of VOMI tuition, plus up to $5,000 in cash. Applicants must be seeking an MBA, Ed.D., or a Ph.D. in either organizational leadership or a related field and seeking to make a transition to a VOM consulting or faculty management position at VOMI.
Amount: Varies; full or partial tuition plus stipend
Kappa Delta Pi Scholarship
THe Kappa Delta Pi Scholarship awards between $500 and $3,000 to qualifying members at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels of study. It is designed for students earning education-related degrees, which could include organizational leadership, provided you have an education concentration.
Amount: $500 to $3,000
The Institute for Organization Management Scholarships
The Institute for Organization Management offers dozens of partial scholarships to participants each year. Each scholarship is awarded based on an evaluation of an applicant's financial need, involvement in industry professional organizations, community service, and professional background.
Amount: Varies
Interested in a Master's in Organizational Leadership Online?
Organizational leadership is a continuously changing field, one that requires professionals who understand leadership on a fundamental level. As a field of business management, it is becoming critical that every business professional has at least some understanding of how the field works, especially if they want to continue to be at the top of their industry.
With this in mind, the ranking above showcases the ten best online programs in this area, making it easier than ever for organizational leadership professionals to find a graduate program in Organizational leadership, whether a Ph.D. or an online Master's in Organizational leadership degree, that best fits their needs.
