Organizational Leadership Bachelor's Degrees Online

Two flexible pathways. Choose your best fit.

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

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

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At a Glance

OU Online offers two distinct, Organizational Leadership online programs: the BS in Organizational Leadership and the BS in Interdisciplinary Studies with a major in Organizational Leadership. These programs empower you to lead with confidence by applying real-world strategies that drive results in today’s dynamic workplaces. Designed for students with prior college credit, both options develop the leadership, communication, and strategic skills needed to advance across industries. Eligibility and tuition vary based on number of transfer credits and age.

Admissions Requirements
Admission requirements vary by pathway:

BS in Organizational Leadership (24+ transferable credit hours): Minimum 24 letter-graded credit hours and a 2.0 GPA
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies with a major in Organizational Leadership (60+ transferable credit hours): Minimum 60 letter-graded credit hours, 2.0 GPA, and age 25 or older

An enrollment coach will help determine the pathway that best fits your academic history.

100% Online

Time to Complete:

12 to 18+ months

Credit Hours:

120

Time Commitment:

10 to 20 hours weekly

start dates

Fall, Spring, & Summer

cost

Tuition for the BS in Organizational Leadership is $550 per credit hour. Books and additional materials are not included.

Tuition for the BS in Interdisciplinary Studies – Organizational Leadership is $515 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.

About Organizational Leadership Degrees at OU Online

OU Online offers two distinct bachelor’s degrees in organizational leadership designed for students who have already begun their college journey and are ready to complete their degree in a flexible, fully online format. Both programs emphasize leadership development, strategic problem-solving, and real-world organizational skills that translate across industries and career paths.

Students in either program learn to lead teams, manage change, and apply evidence-based decision-making to complex workplace challenges. The curriculum blends theoretical foundations with practical application, preparing graduates for leadership roles in business, nonprofit organizations, government, and beyond.

While the pathways differ in eligibility and tuition structure, they share a common commitment to academic excellence and student support. Each degree is delivered online so working professionals can balance their studies with career and personal responsibilities.

Organizational Leadership: Transform Your Career with Leadership Expertise

The organizational leadership degrees at OU Online prepare graduates for leadership roles across industries where strategic thinking and team management drive success. Leadership expertise is highly transferable, opening doors to positions that require decision-making, communication, and organizational problem-solving. Careers you can pursue with an organizational leadership degree:

Operations manager
Human resources specialist
Nonprofit program manager
Organizational consultant

Project manager
Training and development coordinator
Sales or account management professional
Government or public service manager

These roles span business, healthcare, technology, nonprofit organizations, and government, reflecting the versatility of leadership skills in modern workplaces.

Industry Insights: Leadership Careers Outlook

Professionals with strategic thinking, communication, and performance management skills are in high demand across industries. OU Online at the University of Oklahoma prepares graduates to lead with confidence in roles that require ethical decision-making, team development, and organizational agility.

Median Pay: $122,090 for management occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data representing broad occupational categories; individual earnings vary by role, industry, location, and experience. Program completion does not guarantee specific salary or employment outcomes.)
Job Outlook: Leadership and management positions are projected to grow at a pace consistent with ongoing organizational demand through 2033
Job Opportunities: Opportunities exist across business, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, and government as employers prioritize skilled leaders

The median pay figures reflect earnings for professionals working in these occupations and may represent mid-career compensation. Entry-level salaries vary based on role, employer, experience, and geographic location.

As organizations navigate rapid change and increasing complexity, the need for adaptable, people-centered leaders continues to rise. 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: Leadership Skills That Drive Results

Organizational leadership programs at OU Online build skills that translate to real-world impact across industries. Graduates learn to lead teams, solve problems, and apply strategic thinking in professional environments.

Develop leadership and decision-making capabilities
Strengthen communication and team collaboration skills
Apply organizational strategies to improve performance
Build expertise in managing change and workplace challenges
Prepare for roles that require strategic problem-solving

Leadership skills are highly transferable and valued by employers seeking professionals who can guide teams and drive organizational success.

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

Course requirements vary between the BS in Organizational Leadership and the BS in Interdisciplinary Studies – Organizational Leadership at OU Online. OU Online’s Organizational Leadership bachelor’s programs empower professionals to lead with confidence, strategy, and purpose across industries. The curriculum is designed for working adults, with asynchronous, 8-week courses that offer flexibility without sacrificing connection. Course structures for each degree are outlined below so you can review requirements at a glance and understand distinctions between program pathways.

Expand each section below to view more about the courses included in each program, including shared core courses and degree-specific courses.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Effective Communication

Credit Hours: 3
Students will enhance their interpersonal and professional communication skills in this course. Special attention is paid to recognizing the role of listening in communication, in addition to enhancing verbal, nonverbal, written, and presentation skills. Throughout the course, students will apply these concepts to real-world situations and reflect on the impact of communication on their personal and professional lives.

Additional BS in Organizational Leadership Courses

Interdisciplinary Inquiry (3)
Finance for Non-Finance Managers (3)

Innovative Problem-Solving

This course is intended to empower students to think clearly and analytically about information and beliefs. Students will be prepared to recognize bias and common fallacies in reasoning and evaluate informational resources. An introduction to innovative thinking and creative decision-making will help position students to tackle problem-solving at the personal, academic, and career levels.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Shared Core Courses

Leadership in Organizations (3 credit hours)
Conflict Resolution (3)
Ethics in Leadership (3)
Measuring Human Performance (3)
Social Processes in Organizations (3)
Digital and Data Literacy (3)
Critical Inquiry in Interdisciplinary Studies (3)
Portfolio in Interdisciplinary Studies (3)

Additional BSIS in Organizational Leadership Courses

Effective Communication (3)
Innovative Problem-Solving (3)

Why OU Online: Built for Leadership Success and Real-World Impact

Organizational leadership degrees at OU Online combine academic rigor with practical skills that prepare graduates to lead in complex, modern workplaces. Our curriculum emphasizes strategic decision-making, ethical leadership, and team development — competencies employers value across industries.

Students learn from experienced faculty and engage in coursework that bridges theory and application. Leadership concepts are paired with real-world problem solving so graduates can navigate organizational challenges and drive meaningful results in professional environments.

Student support and flexible online learning are important ingredients in the educational experience, but the value of OU Online extends beyond convenience. You gain access to a respected academic institution, leadership-focused coursework, and a network of resources designed to help you succeed from enrollment through graduation.

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

Faculty at OU Online bring deep experience in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and performance management to both organizational leadership degree programs. These educators have led teams, shaped organizational culture, and driven results in business, nonprofit, government, and education, ensuring coursework reflects real-world leadership challenges and opportunities.

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

Instructors combine advanced academic training with professional leadership experience across industries, linking theory and practice so students develop skills that employers value.

By blending academic rigor with practical industry insight, OU Online delivers a curriculum that bridges learning and application. Whether you are learning to manage change, evaluate performance, or lead with ethics, faculty guidance equips you with competencies that translate directly to professional environments.

Robust Student Support

OU Online offers comprehensive student support services tailored to working professionals in both organizational leadership degree pathways. From academic support and online tutoring to mental health resources and career development services, students receive guidance designed to help them succeed. The flexible online format allows you to build leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills while balancing work and personal responsibilities.

Global Alumni Network

As a student in an organizational leadership degree program at OU Online, you’ll join a global network of more than 250,000 University of Oklahoma alumni. Graduates lead across industries — including business, nonprofit organizations, government, and education — creating a powerful community of professionals committed to leadership and impact. Becoming a Sooner connects you to mentorship, career opportunities, and professional networks that support long-term growth and leadership success.

Still Have Questions?

An enrollment coach can walk you through what to expect, how to apply, and how this degree fits your academic and career plans. Schedule a call to get personalized guidance and take the next step.

Flexible Format

Organizational leadership degrees at OU Online are delivered 100% online in a flexible format designed for working professionals. You can complete coursework at a pace that aligns with your schedule while balancing work, family responsibilities, and personal goals. Asynchronous, 8-week courses allow you to study from anywhere and develop leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills that translate directly to professional environments.

OU Online’s student-centered approach makes it possible to advance your education without putting your career on hold. Whether you are pursuing the BS in Organizational Leadership or the BS in interdisciplinary Studies – Organizational Leadership, the program is built to support academic progress and professional growth.

Tailored Experience

Elective options and interdisciplinary coursework in both organizational leadership degree programs allow students to shape their learning based on career interests in business, nonprofit organizations, government, and education. The curriculum encourages collaboration and critical thinking while building the skills needed to lead with confidence and strategic insight.

Each program provides opportunities to engage with faculty and peers in meaningful ways, fostering a learning environment that emphasizes real-world application and professional development. Students graduate prepared to navigate complex organizational challenges and pursue leadership opportunities across industries.

Cost & Financial Aid

An OU Online degree is an investment in your future, and we are committed to making tuition clear and accessible. The BS in Organizational Leadership and the BS in Interdisciplinary Studies – Organizational Leadership have different tuition structures based on eligibility. Review the details below to determine which option aligns with your academic history.

BS in Organizational Leadership

$550 per credit hour

Books and additional materials are not included.

BS in Interdisciplinary Studies – Organizational Leadership

$515 per credit hour

Books and additional materials are not included

Financial Aid & Additional Costs

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

Tuition and fees are subject to change, as determined by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Take the Next Step

Whether you pursue the BS in Organizational Leadership or the BS in Interdisciplinary Studies – Organizational Leadership, our team will help you navigate the process from application to enrollment.

To apply for either program, you will need to meet certain criteria. Eligibility requirements vary by program and are based on your academic history and transfer credit.

BS in Organizational Leadership

To be considered for the BS in Organizational Leadership, 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 is designed for working professionals ready to strengthen leadership skills and advance across industries.

BS in Interdisciplinary Studies – Organizational Leadership

To apply to the online BSIS in Organizational Leadership, you must meet the following requirements:

Be at least 25 years old or a minimum of five years post-high school graduation or GED by the first day of class
Have completed at least 60 credit hours of college coursework
Hold a minimum 2.0 GPA on all prior college coursework
These criteria ensure that students enter the program with the academic background and life experience needed to succeed in a leadership-focused, fast-paced learning environment.

Application Timeline

OU Online 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. Applicants typically receive a decision within two weeks of submitting a completed application.

Step 1

Connect with an Enrollment Coach. An enrollment coach will review your academic history, answer questions about program pathways, and guide you through the application process.

Step 2

Submit your application:
BS in Organizational Leadership
Complete the BSOL application and submit the $50 application fee.

BS in Interdisciplinary Studies – Organizational Leadership Complete the application for the BSIS – Organizational Leadership program. There is no application fee for this pathway.

Step 3

Provide official transcripts from all previously attended institutions within 45 days of admission. Transcripts allow the admissions team to review transfer credit and finalize eligibility.