University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class, unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlight the best programs for organizational leadership in Illinois.
What is Organizational Leadership?
Organizational leadership degree programs provide aspiring leaders with the necessary knowledge and ability to successfully lead an organization. A program in this field offer a wide range of courses that focus on how organizations are structured, managed, and operated. Students learn about theories of organizational behavior, HR management, strategic planning, and change management. They also gain insight into communication strategies, research methods, and business policy development. Additionally, they can choose to specialize in one particular area or take a broader approach through a more general degree.
Many organizational leadership skills can be gained through a degree program that requires completion of core courses like organizational behavior, project management, and leadership theory as well as electives focusing on finance, marketing, or accounting. Many programs also include internships or field experiences, which allow students to apply their knowledge directly in the workplace. Those with a degree will be prepared for roles such as executives or managers within a variety of industries including healthcare, technology, and education sectors, among others.
Those looking to earn a degree in this field in Illinois might want to consider higher education options throughout the state such as Lincoln College, TIU Illinois, the University of Illinois, and the rest of the Illinois University System. No matter what college or university you choose, there are plenty of ways to gain the education you need to succeed.
Featured Online Programs
Online Organizational Leadership Education in Illinois
Organizational leaders are responsible for keeping their team motivated and on track to reach organizational goals. They often have a wide range of responsibilities such as creating strategies and initiatives, setting standards, developing policies and procedures, managing resources, leading projects, and delegating tasks. An organizational leader must have the ability to think critically when making decisions that affect the whole organization. Additionally, they must be able to communicate effectively with different departments in order to ensure objectives are met.
Organizational leaders also need strong interpersonal abilities in order to manage difficult situations or conflicts between employees or teams. They should possess a high level of emotional intelligence in order to understand other people's perspectives and motivate them toward success. Furthermore, organizational leaders should have a good understanding of economics and business operations in order to make sound financial decisions for their organization. Finally, an organizational leader should be a visionary who can inspire others through their enthusiasm for the mission at hand.
Online Associate Degree in Organizational Leadership (AS)
An associate degree in organizational leadership is designed to provide students with the necessary skills to become effective leaders and managers. These programs equip learners with the knowledge and abilities needed to lead and motivate employees within organizations. It also gives them a better understanding of how an organization works, how it functions, and how to effectively address issues related to organizational change. Additionally, this degree helps prepare them for more advanced degrees in organizational studies.
The curriculum for this degree typically focuses on topics such as communication strategies, human resource management, strategic planning, data analysis methods, decision-making processes, and ethical principles. You can also learn about team dynamics and group development theories. By completing one of these programs of study, they should develop the ability to adapt their approach depending on situations as well as gain insight into various aspects of organizational behavior while also developing an understanding of law and regulations pertaining to business operations. Upon completion of an associate degree in organizational leadership program, you should have acquired a comprehensive set of skills that can be applied within many different organizations, regardless of industry or size.
National Rankings - Online Organizational Leadership AssociatesOnline Bachelors Degree in Organizational Leadership (BS)
A bachelor's degree in organizational leadership provides students with the ability to become successful leaders and managers in a variety of business or non-profit environments. These degrees are some of the most commonly offered by a postsecondary educational institution. Through one of these degree programs, learners will gain an understanding of the principles and practices of effective leadership, as well as how to apply them to a wide range of organizational settings. In addition, they will learn how to create team dynamics that result in successful outcomes, build relationships between people and teams within an organization, and promote communication between departments.
These degrees also focus on developing knowledge about financial management, human resources management, marketing techniques, project development, and evaluation. These degrees are also the most likely way to earn access to financial aid. Students are trained to design plans for achieving organizational goals while considering all the stakeholders involved such as employees, customers, and suppliers. They will learn how to use data analysis tools effectively for making decisions regarding strategy implementation and resource allocation. Finally, those with degrees should be able to understand real-world problems from multiple perspectives so that they can come up with innovative solutions that benefit their organizations.
National Rankings - Online Organizational Leadership BachelorsFind Your Online Organizational Leadership Program
Online Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership (MS)
A master's degree in organizational leadership is designed to give students the knowledge they need to become successful leaders within larger and more complex organizations. These programs focus on developing a strong foundation leading or building on existing abilities in communication, problem-solving, strategic planning, and decision-making. Additionally, the coursework emphasizes topics such as ethics in business practices, HR management, and organizational change. Through these degree programs, you can gain an understanding of how to manage teams effectively and motivate them toward success. Upon completion of their program, learners are prepared for roles in various corporate settings including executive positions or consulting.
Organizational leadership degrees at this level are often meant for working adults who may already have some access to leadership positions, giving learners an opportunity to apply the concepts they have learned in class and develop their own style of leading through practice. Coursework often includes courses that cover topics such as marketing management, financial accounting and analysis, information systems theory and design, conflict resolution strategies, and operations management. These courses help graduates build a foundation of knowledge needed to become successful organizational leaders while also giving them practical experience related to their career field.
National Rankings - Online Organizational Leadership MastersOnline PhD Degree in Organizational Leadership (PhD)
A PhD in organizational leadership program will focus on developing the problem solving skills and knowledge necessary to manage teams, lead initiatives, and create effective change within organizations. Typical courses cover topics such as human resources management, ethics, financial management, and organizational communication. Qualified students may also be required to complete an internship or professional project. A PhD preparing you for management positions, as with any PhD degree, is a prestigious, advanced academic degree which can open numerous doors for those looking to pursue careers in managerial positions or executive roles.
With a PhD in this field, learnerss gain an understanding of the complexities of team dynamics and various styles of leading that are applied in modern businesses. They develop critical thinking and the expertise needed to run operations efficiently and effectively while staying mindful of ethical considerations. In addition to their coursework, doctoral candidates must complete extensive research projects culminating with a dissertation on some aspect of leadership theory or practice. The completion of this project is the final step towards achieving their PhD and graduating from their program.
Online Organizational Leadership Certifications
There are many options when it comes to leadership certifications, though you’ll probably have to choose a specialization in which to earn your credentials. One popular specialization is human resource management. This involves overseeing a company's employees and ensuring they receive the resources they need to maximize productivity. It also includes crafting policies, processes, and procedures related to staffing, compensation, benefits, training and development, performance management, and career planning. Human resource management professionals must also stay up to date on labor laws in order to ensure their company complies with regulations.
Another specialization a student might choose is business administration. This field focuses on developing abilities in budgeting, financial analysis, personnel supervision, as well as strategic planning and marketing tactics that help an organization achieve its goals. Business administration specialists are responsible for managing operations of departments or entire companies by understanding the dynamics between different functions within an organization, as well as how those functions interact with external groups like customers or suppliers.
A third specialization is public relations management; this requires a unique blend of creativity and critical thinking to help shape how an organization presents itself to the public through media relations efforts, promotional campaigns, and crisis management strategies. Professionals in public relations must be adept at analyzing data around various constituents while also developing compelling content to engage target audiences across various platforms including print publications, social media channels, and broadcast outlets.
Become a Leader in Illinois
Having a leader is an important part of success in any field, especially in the corporate world. Leaders are held to high standards and have many responsibilities, so it’s important to understand what steps must be taken before you can truly become a leader. Here are the main steps to take if you want to become an effective leader.
-
Step 1: Evaluate Your Strengths and Weaknesses:
It's impossible to become a successful leader without first understanding where your strengths and weaknesses lie. To do this effectively, set aside some time to reflect on where you can improve, what your strongest assets are, and ask yourself how you can leverage these into becoming a great leader. This will help you identify areas that need improvement and better develop certain skills which will benefit you when taking on a management role. This is a great step to take before or during your college career since you will be in the perfect position to improve any skills that need it.
-
Step 2: Gain Experiences Working with Others:
In order for one to be successful as a leader, they must learn about working with others. While people management and personnel development may not come naturally to everyone, gaining knowledge by experiencing working with people from different levels of authority is crucial. This helps build confidence, as well as providing insight into how different personalities interact in workplaces or teams.
-
Step 3: Develop Good Relationship Management Skills
Having strong relationship building skills is another important aspect of becoming a good leader. It allows leaders to foster connections with key stakeholders such as staff members, other leaders within the organization, or even customers or clients. Developing strong relationships makes it easier for leaders to communicate their ideas effectively while giving them the ability to connect with those they manage or supervise more easily.
-
Step 4: Practice Active Listening
A key skill for any good leader is active listening – particularly listening to feedback from staff members and other teams within the organization who could provide valuable insight into how changes should be implemented effectively from an operations perspective. Being able refuse criticism may come easily, but true leaders know how important it is to hear out those with dissenting opinions as well as agreeing perspectives offered by others in order create better solutions with faster results when tackling ongoing projects or new initiatives– regardless of what rank they hold within their organization's hierarchy structure.
Find Online Organizational Leadership Programs
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership?
Organizational leadership degree programs equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to motivate, influence, and manage employees. With a bachelor's from the college of your choice, you can pursue career opportunities in management or human resources roles. They can also use their degree as a steppingstone to an advanced degree in business or public administration. Those with a bachelor's may find themselves in positions such as project manager, department supervisor, or operations director. They will have the ability to lead teams, resolve conflicts between employees and departments, and create effective communication systems within an organization. They may also be responsible for overseeing budgets and managing projects, while implementing strategies that promote efficiency and effectiveness of the company’s operations. Additionally, they may explore opportunities in non-profit organizations by using their expertise to create successful initiatives that improve communities. Their skills are also beneficial when working with leaders of other countries since they possess strong interpersonal skills required for diplomacy purposes.
Potential Careers for Organizational Leadership Graduates
- Management Analyst:
Management analysts are highly valued professionals in any organization, and are critical in helping businesses identify opportunities for improvement. If you're inquisitive, analytical, and strive to help organizations explore how to be more efficient and profitable, becoming a management analyst could be the perfect career choice for you.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field
- 3+ years of experience in a management analyst role
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets
- Knowledge of project management tools and techniques
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for management analysts in the US in 2021 was $93,000
- The mean annual wage for management analysts in Illinois is $112,420
- Vice President:
A vice president is responsible for providing guidance to the organization by supporting the strategic initiatives of the president and other executive staff.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in business management or related field
- 10+ years of experience in a leadership role
- Knowledge of financial management principles and practices
- Exceptional problem-solving and communication skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for top executives in the US in 2021 was $98,980
- The mean annual wage for chief executives in Illinois is $244,390
- Legislator:
Legislators are among the most important members in a democracy since they are the only ones with the power to create laws, amend existing laws, and pass resolutions for the benefit of their constituents. Without their efforts, society would be unable to function and move forward.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, or related field
- Previous experience in politics or a related field preferred
- Strong knowledge of legislative process and procedures
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to think critically and analyze
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for legislators in the US in 2021 was $57,110
- Illinois does not track the income for their legislators or politicians
- Information Systems Manager:
An information systems manager is a key member of an organization’s information technology (IT) team. Their job is to develop, provide necessary support, and maintain and upgrade IT related systems to ensure the company’s daily operations remain smooth and efficient.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or related field
- Proven experience in managing complex IT projects
- Knowledge of networking, operating systems, databases, hardware, software
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for computer and information systems managers in the US in 2021 was $159,010
- The mean annual wage for computer and information systems managers in Illinois is $152,820
- Community Service Manager:
Community service managers are responsible for leading teams that seek to serve and support the community. They are also responsible for supervising various projects, campaigns, and events directed towards strengthening the bond among citizens living in the same locality. Their job is not only limited to managing local programs, but also includes engaging in and overseeing project planning and evaluating activities carried out under their jurisdiction. To be successful in this line of work, they need to possess excellent organizational skills along with a passion for serving their communities.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in social work, public administration, or a related field
- 5+ years of experience in community service or related field
- Knowledge of best practices related to volunteer recruitment, management, and retention
- Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for social and community service managers in the US in 2021 was $74,000
- The mean annual wage for social and community service managers in Illinois is $72,840
- Healthcare Administrator:
Healthcare administrators are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a healthcare facility including staff, resources, and patient care.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration or related field
- Previous experience in a healthcare setting preferred
- Knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare regulations
- Excellent communication and organization
- Ability to multi-task effectively
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for medical and health services managers in the US in 2021 was $101,340
- The mean annual wage for medical and health services managers in Illinois is $125,720
- Public Relations Manager:
A public relations manager plays a vital role in an organization’s communications strategy and influencing their public image. From writing press releases to developing relationships with media members, PR managers work hard to ensure that the organization is represented accurately and professionally in the public eye.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in public relations or related field
- 5+ years of experience in public relations or related field
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for public relations and fundraising managers in the US in 2021 was $119,860
- The mean annual wage for public relations managers in Illinois is $130,810
- Facilities Manager:
A facilities manager is a person who manages office buildings, warehouses, factories, and similar places. They maintain the physical environment of these places to make sure that operations run smoothly and efficiently. They oversee repairs or modifications to the facility, coordinate employees or contractors who come in to do maintenance work, and manage all groundskeeping and other custodial duties. Additionally, they often provide day-to-day administrative and financial management for their organization.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in facilities management or related field
- 5+ years of experience in a similar position
- Knowledge of building systems, safety regulations, and energy efficiency practices
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to develop budgets and manage cost control efforts
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for administrative services and facilities managers in the US in 2021 was $99,290
- The mean annual wage for facilities managers in Illinois is $105,400
Check out additional leadership career paths and salaries