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By University HQ Staff Writers
Edited by Evelyn Keener
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What is Organizational Leadership?

The study of organizational leadership can lead to a wide variety of career opportunities in Ohio. A sub-field of business, the major prepares students to help companies and organizations function more efficiently. Graduates tend to possess a wide variety of knowledge and skills that can be applied in many different settings and across numerous industries. As a result, those who obtain degrees in this field often become versatile professionals capable of qualifying for some of the highest-paying management occupations available.

Organizational leadership professionals can work in many different capacities in Ohio and throughout the United States. This is largely because companies across many industries seek to hire workers with expertise in this field. As employers set their own standards and expectations, responsibilities often vary from one job to another. In some cases, even positions with the same titles are distinctly different.

In most cases, organizational leaders use their knowledge and skills to help businesses operate better. They may achieve this by ensuring established goals are met, or by assessing how a particular business decision will impact overall staff morale. A significant portion of their work typically revolves around finding ways to improve productivity and/or efficiency. Other common responsibilities include supervising other works, promoting productive workspaces, and verifying that duties are completed correctly.

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Online Leadership Education in Ohio

Most companies and organizations in Ohio and the rest of the United States expect organizational leadership professionals to possess some amount of higher education. While it’s possible to find entry-level jobs with limited academic experience, opportunities of this kind are often limited. Those who lack academic degrees are also likely to have significant difficulty securing high-paying employment with larger corporations.

As previously mentioned, many colleges and universities offer degrees in computer information technology and other related areas of study. In most cases, prospective students can choose from programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Notably, the majority of organizational leadership professionals tend to possess bachelor’s degrees. This is generally considered the standard for workers in this field. Those planning to pursue roles with supervisory components will typically require graduate degrees, however.

Online Associates (AS)

Associate degrees in organizational leadership generally consist of 60 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately two years to complete. Every curriculum is unique, but it’s common for undergraduate programs to include both general liberal arts education and major-specific classes. By studying various topics in communication, mathematics, and science - in addition to major-specific content - students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for further learning in the future. Those majoring in organizational leadership can also expect a general introduction to the field. Common areas of study include human resource management, employment law, organizational development, business communications, business leadership skills.

This type of degree typically prepares graduates for employment as account managers, community relations managers, training directors, diversity specialists, and executive assistants. Opportunities may be limited, however, as most companies and organizations prefer to hire professionals with more education and/or experience. As a result, many graduates opt to pursue additional education.

Notably, undergraduate course credits may be transferred and applied towards new degree program requirements. Most colleges and universities accept up to 60 or 90 hours of prior coursework, which is typically equivalent to two years of undergraduate study. As a result, those with associate degrees may only need two additional years of education before earning bachelor’s degrees.

Online Bachelors (BS)

Bachelor’s degrees in organizational leadership generally consist of 120 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately four years to complete. These are undergraduate programs, as well, which means program curriculums still tend to include both general liberal arts education and major-specific classes. Continuing to study various topics in communication, mathematics, and science ensures students receive a well-rounded education that can be applied to various facets of life and further academic pursuits, if desired. Additionally, those majoring in organizational leadership can expect to receive a broad introduction to the most important subjects in the field. This usually entails studying organizational development, communication strategies for leaders, assessment in organizations, social conflict, and negotiation. Capstone projects and/or internships with nearby businesses and organizations are other common program requirements.

Many colleges and universities encourage organizational leadership majors and other business students to select concentrations, or specialty areas of study. Choosing to pursue additional instruction in a particular sub-field can help prepare students for certain types of employment after graduation.

Concentration options vary, but often include:

  • Human Resource Management
  • Finance
  • Project Management
  • Marketing
  • Operations Management and Supervision
  • International Business

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the standard minimum education level for organizational leadership professionals is a bachelor’s degree. Graduates often qualify for jobs as training and development managers, management analysts, sales managers, human resource managers, and industrial production managers.

Alternatively, graduates often possess the knowledge and skills necessary to enroll in further education. Those planning to apply to master’s degree programs should be prepared to provide official undergraduate transcripts to their chosen institutions. Applicants will also need to meet minimum grade point average (GPA) and Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) test score requirements.

Online Masters (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-level programs no longer incorporate general liberal arts classes. Many do, however, require applicants to pass specified undergraduate courses, or prerequisites, prior to admittance. This ensures that all incoming students possess the basic knowledge and skills needed for advanced study in the field.

Graduate degree curriculums help students prepare for advanced employment opportunities in the field. An MBA leadership program is a management training program, but you can also focus in on leadership skills. Course requirements vary, but those enrolled often study various advanced topics in leadership theory, organizational behavior, human resource management, and marketing. Other common areas of study include organizational sustainability, digital media and marketing, and diversity and conflict in the workplace. As with the bachelor’s degree, it is often possible to select concentrations.

Specialties that may be available include:

  • Global Business
  • Human Resources Management
  • Healthcare Management
  • Nonprofit Management
  • Leadership Coaching
  • Social Entrepreneurship

Additionally, many colleges and universities expect organizational leadership graduate students to complete capstone projects and/or participate in internships. Graduates often qualify for employment as business executives, management consultants, school principals, human resources managers, training and development managers, and administrative services managers. Positions are typically available in both the public and private sectors. Individuals who possess an MBA degree in organizational leadership tend to have some of the best job prospects and typically make more money than those with less education.

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Online Doctorate (PhD)

A PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership generally consists of between 60 and 120 credit hours that take full-time students four to seven years to complete, although accelerated programs may exist. As terminal degrees, these programs require students to meet high academic standards. Curriculums differ by institution, but commonly include instruction in organizational design, education law, finance, strategic management of non-profit organizations, collaborative leadership and partnership, and leadership theory and practice.

While students generally spend the first portion of their enrollment receiving traditional classroom instruction, later years are frequently spent conducting independent study and research. In most cases, these degrees culminate in the writing, presentation, and defense of dissertations.

Graduates often qualify for some of the best employment opportunities available in the field. These include training and development manager, postsecondary educator, top executive, organizational development consultant, and organizational developmental director.

Become a Leadership Professional in Ohio

There are a wide variety of organizational leadership career options available in Ohio and throughout the rest of the United States. As the degree can lead to many different employment opportunities, it’s important to determine your specific aspirations within the field as early as possible. Identifying your ultimate career goals can be particularly helpful as you seek to select a major program of study. Every profession has unique standards and expectations. Becoming familiar with these factors as they pertain to your preferred occupation ensures you know how much and what kind of education is necessary. It will also help you choose the most relevant departmental concentration, minor area(s) of study, elective courses, internship opportunities, and/or extracurricular activities when applicable.

While you can qualify to apply for professional employment immediately after completing your degree program(s), you may increase your marketability by obtaining one or more relevant certifications. Not only can earning additional credentials demonstrate your dedication to the field as a whole, but it also enhances your resume by highlighting specialized knowledge and skills. This is a great way to differentiate yourself from other candidates applying for the same positions. Additionally, organizational leadership certifications can lead to promotions and/or higher pay.

Additional credentials are not necessarily required in order to gain employment in organizational leadership positions. They are, however, considered a necessity by some employers. In some cases, companies and organizations expect candidates to possess all specified certifications prior to applying, while others offer grace periods, during which the credentials may be obtained after job offers are accepted. You can generally find these preferences clearly stated in position postings.

If your preferred occupation has no specific certification requirements, you should be free to pursue credentials based on personal interest and/or professional advancement. There are many options to choose from and it’s important to research them all as thoroughly as possible before deciding which one(s) to pursue. One of the most popular credentials available to organizational leadership professionals is the Project Management Professional (PMP) designation. This certification is overseen by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and demonstrates the ability to successfully manage projects of varying types and sizes.

You can also improve your resume and job prospects by joining a professional organization or association. Members of these groups often enjoy many benefits including discounts for developmental opportunities, access to related academic journals, invitations to networking events, and much more.

There are several organizations and associations for organizational leadership professionals, but the most popular options include:

  • Institute of Management Consultants (IMC)
  • Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
  • National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP)

Potential Careers for Graduates

  • Administrative Services Manager
    Administrative services managers take steps to improve overall efficiency for their employers, often by coordinating office personnel and services. They are generally responsible for overseeing various administrative office tasks and providing supervision to staff members, scheduling interviews, and maintaining relevant records. They may also be tasked with distributing mail, ensuring offices are properly maintained, office supply inventories, and ordering new items as needed. According to PayScale, administrative services managers make an average base salary of $63,629 per year.
  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
    CEOs are responsible for overseeing most operations for entire organizations. They tend to make most business-related decisions. These professionals also supervise other high-ranking workers, often formulating and enforcing various strategic plans for staff. According to PayScale, chief executive officers make an average base salary of $156,359 per year.
  • Community Organizer
    Community organizers are responsible for coordinating and managing events and groups in order to achieve designated outcomes. They perform a wide range of duties related to creating and promoting targeted public awareness campaigns, as well as securing support from their leadership and procuring access to necessary resources for their employees. Additional expectations include providing dynamic presentations on pertinent topics, recruiting new team members, and training staff. According to PayScale, community organizers make an average base salary of $54,328 per year.
  • Executive Director
    Executive directors work to improve cost and time efficiency for their employers, often by designing, developing, and implementing various strategic plans for success. As senior managers, they are often expected to lead a board of directors in addition to overseeing a wide variety of day-to-day activities. Common responsibilities include assessing budgets, organizing fundraising efforts, and serving as mentors. According to PayScale, executive directors make an average base salary of $81,473 per year.
  • Information Systems (IS) Manager
    IS managers are responsible for overseeing at least one IT department for their employers. They complete a wide range of tasks including hiring workers, conducting performance reviews, and firing non-management employees. They also implement and deploy new information as directed and administer technical solutions when needed. Additional tasks may include planning, directing, and coordinating developmental opportunities for their departments. According to PayScale, information systems managers make an average base salary of $87,257 per year.
  • Training and Development Manager
    Training and development managers are employed by companies to enhance employee performance and overall effectiveness. They are capable of providing a wide range of services, depending on the situation. In most cases, they recommend appropriate training and professional development opportunities. They may also organize or lead relevant workshops and facilitate team-building exercises and conduct one-on-one meetings/trainings with workers. According to PayScale, training and develop managers make an average base salary of $79,040 per year.
  • Public Relations (PR) Manager
    PR managers are responsible for maintaining and improving public perception for their employers, often by using a combination of industry tactics. The steps they take generally depend on the situation, but they commonly work to boost awareness about products or services. They may also plan and execute promotional campaigns. Other tasks include overseeing social media platforms, training internal staff members, and verifying content accuracy with other departments. According to PayScale, public relations managers make an average base salary of $73,278 per year.

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