How to Become an Organizational Leader in Massachusetts

Online Associate Degree in Leadership (AS)

Associate degrees in organizational leadership generally consist of 60 credit hours of coursework that take full-time learners approximately two years to complete. As undergraduate programs, they incorporate both general liberal arts and major-specific classes. While curriculums vary, students can typically expect to receive instruction in human resource management, employment law, organizational development, and business communications.

It’s important to realize that most companies and organizations prefer to hire professionals with more education and/or experience. While this type of degree can lead to entry-level employment as account managers, community relations managers, training directors, diversity specialists, and executive assistant positions, opportunities are likely to be limited. Specifically, you are likely to have to find work with for profit rather than non-profit entities. As a result, associate degrees in organizational leadership are typically better used as a means of preparing for access to entry-level roles and further learning.

Graduates tend to possess strong academic foundations that make them perfect candidates for bachelor’s degrees. Those with associate degrees can also transfer previously earned credits towards their new programs. Most colleges and universities accept up to 60 or 90 undergraduate credit hours from other accredited institutions. This can be the difference between starting as a freshmen and entering as a junior with only two years of education remaining.

Online Bachelor's Degree in Leadership (BS)

Bachelor’s degrees in organizational leadership generally consist of 120 credit hours of coursework that take full-time learners approximately four years to complete. As undergraduate programs, they incorporate both general liberal arts and major-specific classes. While curriculums vary, students can typically expect to receive instruction in organizational development, communication strategies for leaders, assessment in organizations, social conflict, and negotiation. You'll need to be prepared to deal with the constant change of the business world whether you work for non-profit or for profit companies.

Additionally, those enrolled should anticipate completing capstone projects and/or participating in internships with nearby businesses and organizations. It may also be possible to select concentrations in related sub-fields at this level.

Some options commonly available include:

This type of degree is ideal for individuals seeking employment as training and development managers, management analysts, sales managers, human resource managers, and industrial production managers. Graduates may also qualify for a wide variety of jobs across other industries.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, bachelor’s degrees are typically the minimum education requirement for management, business, and financial occupations. Still, many graduates choose to continue their education by enrolling in graduate school. Those interested in earning master’s degrees should be prepared to meet minimum grade point average (GPA) and Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score requirements set by gaining institutions.

Online Master's Degree in Leadership (MS)

A master’s degree in organizational leadership generally ranges from 30 to 36 credit hours of coursework that take full-time learners approximately two to three years to complete. You can earn a Master of Science or Master of Arts in this field and work for non-profit or for profit organizations. Curriculums at this level no longer incorporate general liberal arts topics, though some programs require applicants to have completed specific undergraduate classes as prerequisites prior to admission. This ensures all graduates possess the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive at a more advanced academic level.

Required coursework varies by institution, but those enrolled can typically expect to study topics in leadership theory, organizational behavior, organizational change, human resource management, and marketing. You'll also likely learn about organizational sustainability, digital media and marketing, and diversity and conflict in the workplace. Additionally, many colleges and universities expect graduate students to complete capstone projects and/or participate in internships.

Depending on the program, those earning a master's degree in organizational leadership may be able to select a concentration. This allows students to direct their studies and can help them prepare for work in specific information technology sub-fields.

Some commonly offered areas of specialization include:

A master's degree in organizational leadership is ideal for those who plan to pursue leadership and management positions in both the public and private sectors. Graduates qualify for employment as business executives, management consultants, school principals, human resources managers, training and development managers, and administrative services managers. While opportunities vary, individuals who possess master’s degrees tend to be highly sought-after by companies and organization in most industries. As a result, graduates often have more employment opportunities and earn higher wages than those with less education.