Online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership

Empower Teams, Drive Change, Lead with Purpose

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

By submitting this form, I consent to the University of Oklahoma (OU) and its agents contacting me about educational opportunities via automated calls, text messages, and/or email at the number and email provided. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not required to attend the OU or to receive information by other means. For details on how OU collects and protects your information, review the Privacy Policy.

At a Glance

Advance your career with the University of Oklahoma’s online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership–a forward-thinking program designed to prepare you to step into leadership roles. This flexible, fully online degree equips you with the tools to make data-informed decisions, foster collaboration, and drive performance across industries. You’ll build the skills needed to lead ethically, communicate effectively, and shape organizational culture in business, nonprofit, and public-sector environments.

Admission requirements:

Be at least 21 years old by the first day of class or have current active-duty military status
Have at least 24 credit hours of letter-graded college credit
Hold a minimum 2.0 GPA on prior college coursework

100% Online

Time to Complete:

12 to 18+ months

Credit Hours:

120 Credit Hours; 30 Major Hours

Time Commitment:

15 to 20 hours weekly

start dates

Fall, Spring, & Summer

cost

OU’s online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership is an investment in your future—and OU Online is committed to making that investment accessible and transparent.

Tuition and fees for the program are approximately:

Oklahoma Residents: $375 per credit hour
Non-Residents: $979 per credit hour

Books and additional materials are not included.

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

By submitting this form, l consent to the University of Oklahoma (OU) and its agents contacting me about educational opportunities via automated calls, text messages, and/or email at the number and email provided. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not required to attend the OU or to receive information by other means. For details on how OU collects and protects your information, review the Privacy Policy.

About the Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership Online

The University of Oklahoma’s online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership is a 120-credit-hour program built for professionals who want to lead with purpose, strategy, and impact. Whether you’re advancing in your current role or preparing for new leadership opportunities, this degree equips you with the tools to navigate complex challenges, inspire teams, and drive organizational success.

Through a curriculum grounded in ethics, communication, and performance management, students learn to lead across industries with confidence and clarity. Courses emphasize real-world application, helping you build the skills to evaluate organizational effectiveness, manage change, and make data-informed decisions that move teams forward. Designed for working adults, the program offers the flexibility to balance your education with your career and life—without compromising on quality or outcomes.

This degree is similar to our Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a major in Organizational Leadership. Connect with an enrollment coach to discuss which option is best for you.

BA in Organizational Leadership: Transform Your Career with Leadership Expertise

OU’s 100% online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership prepares professionals to lead with clarity, strategy, and purpose across a wide range of industries. Whether you're stepping into your first leadership role or advancing in your current career, this degree equips you with the skills to manage teams, drive performance, and lead organizational change. Graduates are prepared for leadership positions in business, nonprofit, government, and education settings. With a focus on ethical decision-making, communication, and performance management, you’ll be ready to take on roles that require strategic thinking and people-centered leadership. Whether you're seeking promotion, launching a new career path, or building leadership capacity in your organization, OU’s Organizational Leadership degree gives you the tools to lead with confidence and impact. Career opportunities include:

Program Manager
Executive Coach
Training and Development Director
Associate Director
Organizational Effectiveness Specialist
Operations Manager

Leadership Consultant
Director of Development
Management Analyst
Director of Nonprofit Operations
Human Resources Manager
Team Leader or Supervisor

Industry Insights: Demand for Strategic Leaders

Professionals with strategic thinking, communication, and performance management skills are in high demand across industries. OU’s online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership prepares graduates to lead with confidence in roles that require ethical decision-making, team development, and organizational agility.

Median Pay: $122,090 for leadership professionals
Job Outlook: Leadership positions are projected to grow faster than average through 2033
Job Opportunities: Approximately 1.2 million openings annually in leadership occupations

As organizations navigate rapid change and increasing complexity, the need for adaptable, people-centered leaders continues to rise. From corporate offices to nonprofit boards, professionals with a strong foundation in organizational leadership are essential to building resilient teams, driving innovation, and achieving strategic goals. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Program Outcomes: Real-World Leadership for Today’s Workplaces

OU’s online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership equips professionals with the strategic, interpersonal, and analytical skills needed to lead effectively in today’s dynamic work environments. You’ll graduate prepared to guide teams, manage change, and make decisions that drive performance and growth.

Through this program, you’ll learn how to:

Lead with confidence at the individual, team, and organizational level
Communicate with clarity across diverse stakeholder groups
Apply research-based strategies to improve performance and productivity
Make ethical decisions that align with organizational goals
Build high-performing teams and foster collaborative cultures
Use digital and data literacy to inform strategic planning
Navigate organizational governance and oversight
Align mission, vision, and strategy to drive results

Whether you’re advancing in your current role or preparing for a leadership transition, the Organizational Leadership degree gives you the tools to lead with insight, integrity, and impact.

Ready to take the next step?
Schedule a one-on-one call with an OU Online enrollment coach to get personalized guidance, ask questions, and explore how our programs can help you reach your goals.

Course Details

OU’s Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership empowers professionals to lead with clarity, strategy, and purpose across industries. Students begin the program with foundational courses in leadership theory, ethics, and conflict resolution, then build advanced skills in performance management, organizational culture, and strategic decision-making. The curriculum is designed for working adults, with asynchronous, 8-week courses that offer flexibility without sacrificing connection. Each course blends practical insight with collaborative learning, helping students sharpen their critical thinking, apply data-informed strategies, and engage meaningfully with faculty and peers. Students complete 120 credit hours, including 30 major hours, and finish the program with a portfolio that showcases their ability to lead teams, solve problems, and drive organizational growth in diverse professional settings.

Leadership in Organizations

Credit Hours: 3
Explores contemporary leadership theories and their application in organizational settings. Students examine how leadership styles influence team dynamics, decision-making, and organizational outcomes, while developing strategies to grow as effective leaders.

Ethics in Leadership

Credit Hours: 3
Examines ethical principles and standards of conduct used by leaders to build trust and integrity. Students learn how to apply ethical frameworks to decision-making and cultivate values-driven leadership in diverse organizational contexts.

Measuring Human Performance

Credit Hours: 3
Focuses on how leaders assess and improve performance in organizations. Topics include employee selection, performance appraisals, and organizational performance management, with an emphasis on data-informed strategies and research-based practices.

Digital and Data Literacy

Credit Hours: 3
Enhances students’ ability to find, evaluate, and ethically use digital and data sources. Through applied activities, students build competencies in digital research, data interpretation, and communication for academic and workplace settings.

Portfolio in Interdisciplinary Studies

Credit Hours: 3
Serves as the capstone course where students create a comprehensive ePortfolio. The portfolio showcases mastery in communication, leadership, digital literacy, and problem-solving, aligned with their primary area of concentration.

Conflict Resolution

Credit Hours: 3
Introduces theories and practices for managing conflict in professional environments. Students analyze communication processes and apply techniques to resolve disputes, foster collaboration, and maintain productive relationships within teams and organizations.

Finance for Non-Finance Majors

Credit Hours: 3
Provides foundational financial knowledge for leaders who are not directly responsible for accounting or finance functions. Students learn to interpret financial data, understand budgeting processes, and make informed decisions that support organizational goals.

Critical Inquiry in Interdisciplinary Studies

Credit Hours: 3
Develops skills in research, analysis, and synthesis across disciplines. Students critique literature and concepts to deepen their understanding of interdisciplinary leadership and prepare materials for a comprehensive ePortfolio.

Social Processes in Organizations

Credit Hours: 3
Explores how individual and group behaviors influence organizational performance. Students examine personality, emotion, motivation, and communication strategies to lead teams, shape culture, and improve outcomes.

Interdisciplinary Inquiry

Credit Hours: 3
Will focus on adult learning theory and development, assessment of prior learning, development of self-directed learning skills, educational and career planning and writing of portfolios and learning contracts. Designed for the returning, adult learner. Will also focus on preparation for academic writing and argumentation.

Why OU Online: Built for Leaders Who Want More

OU Online delivers high-quality, career-focused programs designed for professionals who want to lead with purpose and impact. The Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership combines the flexibility of a 100% online format with the academic excellence of a top-tier public university—making it possible to earn a respected degree without putting your life on hold.

Offered through the University of Oklahoma’s College of Professional and Continuing Studies, the program is built for working adults with prior college credit. Courses are delivered in accelerated, 8-week terms and taught by expert faculty with real-world leadership experience. You’ll gain practical skills in ethics, communication, performance management, and strategic decision-making—all while balancing school, work, and life.

OU Online’s student-centered approach ensures you receive personalized support, meaningful faculty interaction, and a learning experience that prepares you to lead in today’s fast-changing workplaces.

Faculty Expertise: Insight from Experts Who’ve Led the Way

The University of Oklahoma’s College of Professional and Continuing Studies brings together faculty with deep experience in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and performance management. These educators have led teams, shaped culture, and driven results in business, nonprofit, government, and education sectors—ensuring that every course is grounded in real-world relevance.

OU faculty are known for their ability to translate leadership theory into actionable strategies. Many have held senior roles in organizational development, human resources, and executive coaching, and they bring that insight into every class. Their mentorship helps students build confidence, sharpen decision-making skills, and prepare for leadership roles that demand clarity, collaboration, and impact.

Whether you’re learning how to manage change, evaluate performance, or lead with ethics, OU’s faculty provides the guidance and expertise to help you succeed in today’s fast-paced professional environments.

Robust Student Support

OU Online offers comprehensive student support services tailored to the needs of working professionals. From academic support and online tutoring to mental health counseling and career development resources, students in the BA in Organizational Leadership program receive the guidance they need to succeed. The program’s flexible format allows you to build leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills while maintaining full-time employment and personal commitments.

Global Alumni Network

As a student in the BA in Organizational Leadership program, you’ll join a global network of more than 250,000 University of Oklahoma alumni. OU graduates lead across industries—from business and nonprofit to government and education—creating a powerful community of professionals who share your drive to lead and make an impact. Becoming a Sooner means gaining access to mentorship, career connections, and leadership opportunities that can accelerate your professional growth.

Flexible Format

The Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership is delivered 100% online in a flexible format designed for working professionals. Earn your degree in as few as 12 months while balancing full-time work, family responsibilities, and personal goals. Study from anywhere and build the leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills needed to advance in today’s fast-paced organizations.

With asynchronous, 8-week courses and a student-centered approach, OU Online makes it possible to grow your career without putting it on hold. Whether you’re seeking promotion, transitioning to a new industry, or stepping into a leadership role, this program is built to fit your schedule and support your success.

Tailored Experience

Elective options and interdisciplinary coursework allow students to customize their learning experience based on career interests in business, nonprofit, government, or education. The program’s dynamic format keeps professionals engaged, fosters collaboration with faculty and peers, and builds the skills needed to lead with confidence, clarity, and impact in today’s evolving workplaces.

Cost & Financial Aid

Earning your Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership is an investment in your future—and OU Online is committed to making that investment accessible and transparent.

Tuition and fees for the program are approximately:

Oklahoma Residents: $375 per credit hour
Non-Residents: $979 per credit hour

Books and additional materials are not included.

Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may be available to help offset the cost. For questions about financial aid for your online program, contact the Online Aid office at onlineaid@ou.edu or call 405-325-2929.

A nonrefundable deposit of $350 is required upon admission to secure your place in the program. This deposit guarantees your spot in your first semester of courses and will be applied toward your first semester’s tuition.

* Please be aware that tuition and fees may change, as determined by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Take the Next Step

Admission to the online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership program is designed for professionals ready to grow as strategic, people-centered leaders. Whether you're advancing in your current role or preparing for a career transition, applicants should demonstrate a strong academic foundation and a commitment to developing leadership capacity across industries. To be considered, applicants must:

Have at least 24 hours of letter-graded college credit
Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
Be at least 21 years old by the first day of class, or have current active-duty military status
Submit unofficial transcripts for initial review; official transcripts are required within 45 days of admission

This program welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds who are ready to lead with confidence, drive organizational change, and make a meaningful impact in business, nonprofit, and public sector environments.

Application Timeline

The admissions committee uses a rolling admissions process, reviewing applications as they are received. Admissions may remain open until two weeks before classes begin, though some programs may have earlier deadlines. The committee typically responds to applicants within two weeks of receiving a completed application.

Step 1

Contact an Enrollment Coach to discuss your qualifications and interest in the program.

Step 2

Complete the online application.

Step 3

Provide undergraduate transcripts from all prior institutions.