Get Matched With Management Colleges
Organizational leadership is an approach to business management that takes a big-picture view. That is, each decision made by a businessperson would not only need to take into consideration how it impacts their department or individual employees but its impact throughout the organization. Further, a degree in organizational leadership helps business people ensure that tasks are completed and business goals met, and also that employees are engaged with their work and the wider organization. That way, employees feel more integrated with the organization and feel that their work has more value than a mere set of completed tasks.
There are organizational leadership degrees offered at every level. Those who start with an associate degree in organizational leadership can start careers with entry-level positions. They can later return for a bachelor’s and then a master’s degree that build on their knowledge and experience. Finally, some even complete a doctorate in organizational leadership.
Compare Popular Online Leadership & Management Programs
Requirements of an Associate Degree
An associate degree is a two-year college degree that is often used as a launchpad for later learning. The degree typically includes core college curriculum as well as a set of courses in a concentrated field, or major. Thus, students spend most of their time taking courses such as English 101, College Algebra, and introductory science courses. They can later take courses in the field that most interests them, such as organizational leadership. However, an associate degree does not typically offer courses beyond the 200 level.
To complete an associate degree, most schools will require 60 semester credit hours. For students who can attend school full-time and carry a full load each term, this should take around two years to complete. This essentially equals the amount of work completed by a second-year student in a four-year college or university and, indeed, gaining an associate degree can count toward as much as two years of a bachelor’s if you return to school later with credits that can transfer.
An associate degree offers students the opportunity to gain a familiarity with their field but does not allow for much depth. However, a two-year degree is still a great way to start a career. On top of that, community colleges who offer associate degrees are known to charge far less per-credit than four-year colleges and universities.