How to Become an Organizational Leader in Missouri

Online Associate Degree in Leadership (AS)

Associate degrees in organizational leadership generally consist of 60 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately two years to complete. The majority of undergraduate programs like these are comprised of both general liberal arts core courses and major-specific classes. Students typically study basic communication, mathematics, and science subjects in conjunction with content specific to their major. This provides those enrolled with a strong academic foundation for future learning, as well as a basic introduction to the field and critical thinking skills. While curriculums vary by institution, organizational leadership programs at this level often cover topics in human resource management, employment law, organizational development, and business or corporate communication.

Graduates with associate degrees of this kind can generally pursue employment as account managers, community relations managers, training directors, diversity specialists, and executive assistant positions. They are ready to lead teams but may need more experience for higher level positions. This may be a particularly appealing option for those seeking to save money while pursuing higher education. Typically offered by community colleges, these programs often cost less than attending traditional four-year institutions. For many, this means graduating with fewer or no student loans.

It’s important to realize, however, that most companies prefer to hire organizational leadership professionals who possess more education and/or experience. As a result, graduates do not always choose to seek employment right away. Instead, they often enroll in bachelor’s programs, which can greatly improve their job prospects in the future. Previously earned undergraduate credits are also transferrable. Most colleges and universities accept up to 60 or 90 undergraduate credit hours from other accredited institutions. In most cases, those with associate degrees generally only require two additional years of education before they can graduate with more advanced degrees.

Online Bachelor's Degree in Leadership (BS)

Bachelor’s in organizational leadership degrees generally consist of 120 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately four years to complete. As undergraduate programs, most are still comprised of both general liberal arts core courses, general education requirements, and major-specific classes. In addition to basic communication, mathematics, and science subjects, organizational leadership programs of this kind often cover topics in organizational development, organizational behavior, business writing and communication strategies for leaders, business ethics, assessment in organizations, social conflict, and negotiation, as well as teaching problem-solving, critical thinking, and leadership skills.

Organizational leadership majors pursuing bachelor’s degrees may also be given opportunities to select concentrations. Choosing a sub-field specialty area like this can help direct instruction and prepare students for work in certain jobs.

Some options for emphasis areas that are commonly available include:

Additionally, those enrolled should anticipate completing capstone projects and/or participating in internships with nearby businesses and organizations.

According to the BLS, bachelor’s degrees are typically the minimum education requirement for management, business, and financial occupations. Graduates often qualify for employment opportunities as training and development managers, management analysts, sales managers, human resource managers, and industrial production managers. Notably, however, those with skills in this field may be able to pursue jobs in many other industries, as well.

Notably, not all graduates seek employment right away. Those interested in pursuing advanced employment opportunities and higher pay potential often choose to continue their education by enrolling in master-level programs. Prospective graduate school students should be prepared to meet established minimum grade point average (GPA) and Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score requirements set by their chosen institution.

Online Master's Degree in Leadership (MS)

Master’s degrees in organizational leadership generally range from 30 to 36 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately two to three years to complete. Graduate programs no longer incorporate general liberal arts classes. Some colleges and universities do require that incoming students have taken certain undergraduate prerequisite courses and you'll need to have a bachelor's in organizational leadership or a related field to gain entrance. This ensures those enrolled possess the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive at a more advanced academic level.

Every academic institution is different, but curriculums at this level are typically designed to help students prepare for advanced positions in the field. Coursework requirements vary, but often include topics in leadership theory, organizational behavior, business ethics, business analytics, human resource management, public relations, and marketing. Those enrolled are also likely to study organizational sustainability, corporate communication, digital media and marketing, and diversity and conflict in the workplace. Additionally, capstone projects and/or internships are frequently required.

As with bachelor’s degree programs, students are often provided opportunities to select a concentration.

Some of the most common specializations offered include:

Graduates are typically considered to have superior knowledge and skills in the field. As a result, they usually qualify for lucrative careers as business executives, management consultants, school principals, human resources managers, training and development managers, and administrative services managers.