Online Business Leadership Degree Program Overviews

Many schools offer online bachelor's degrees in organizational leadership as well as online master's degrees in business leadership. These programs train future and current business managers to take on advanced leadership roles and make effective business decisions.

Overview of an Online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership

Most online bachelor's degree programs in organizational leadership take up to four years to finish and require students to complete around 120 credits of business and liberal arts courses. Many schools stress the flexibility of their programs and allow students to focus on an area of interest that may include policy making, collective bargaining or labor relations. Most schools require applicants to have a GED or high school diploma. Students also need to take a handful of general education courses before they begin their organizational leadership curriculum.

Program Requirements and Details

In order to complete coursework, take exams and listen to lectures, online bachelor's degree programs require students to be running current operating systems and Internet browsers on their home computers. Some schools may require students to use software like Word, Excel or PowerPoint. Many programs also utilize course delivery systems such as Blackboard. Most schools offering online undergraduate programs in organizational leadership do not require students to attend classes on campus; however, students are typically given the option to do so if they wish.

List of Popular Organizational Leadership Courses

Program coursework gives students an overview of the skills and knowledge necessary to be effective business leaders. The curriculum also includes electives designed to help students decide where their specific interests lie.

Managing Organizational Change Course

This course covers human resources management during organizational change, especially during volatile times. A changing organization's place within the international business landscape is also discussed.

Operations Management Course

Students taking this course are trained to manage the delivery of goods and services within an organization. They are also taught the concepts and methods of manufacturing and production.

Leadership Course

Course topics include leadership assessment, the leadership process and organizational productivity. Students also discuss corporate leadership on an international level.

Continuing Education Opportunities

Many students who complete their bachelor's degree in organizational leadership move into master's degree programs. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Science (MS) in Leadership provide advanced training in the areas of decision making, arbitration, financial management and human resources management.

Career Outlook

Students who complete undergraduate degrees in organizational and business leadership are qualified for management positions in most branches of business operation. Depending on an individual's interests, graduates can enter into human resources management, financial management or marketing management positions. A 22% job growth was projected for human resources managers through the 2008-2018 decade. An eight percent job growth for financial managers and a 13% job growth for marketing managers were projected for the same period, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov).

Overview of an Online Master of Science in Business Leadership

Online master's degree programs in business leadership are aimed at bachelor's degree program graduates as well as business managers who are looking to enhance their skills and advance their careers. These programs focus on effective leadership within the corporate environment. Students who have completed bachelor's degree programs in organizational leadership typically do not have to complete pre-requisite management or business courses, as with students who hold a bachelor's degree in another area.
Some schools also offer online Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs with a concentration in leadership. These programs are structured in a similar fashion to MS programs and include a handful of general business management courses in addition to leadership electives.

Program Information and Requirements

Most online master's degree programs in business leadership can be completed without spending any time in a traditional classroom, or even on a college campus. Some schools may offer students the opportunity to accelerate their studies by attending on-campus courses, though they are not required.
Students will need a computer with a current browser and operating system as well as a reliable Internet connection. Many schools set up online bulletin boards so that students can communicate with their instructors and peers. Software requirements vary from school to school, though most will require a word processing and spreadsheet programs to complete coursework.

List of Popular Business Leadership Courses

Most schools offer a variety of graduate-level business leadership electives so that students may tailor their master's degree program to their interests.

Self-Leadership Course

This course teaches students to be effective leaders in the corporate environment and to understand mistakes made by ineffective leaders. The course also discusses how leadership effects overall productivity.

Business & Organizational Dynamics Course

Students in this course learn how organizational methods effect the behavior of its members. Students also discuss how both internal and external forces can effect an organization's operation.

Decision Making Course

This class teaches students how to make decisions that will benefit the overall operation of a business organization. Students analyze different methods of knowledge-based decision making in order to avoid common pitfalls in a business environment.

Employment Information

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the salary for any type of business leadership or management position is based on experience and education (www.bls.gov). Generally, students who complete graduate-level degrees are eligible for advanced management positions with higher salaries. According to a 2008 study by the BLS, the median annual salary for human resource managers specializing in compensation and benefits was $86,500. Financial managers earned a median annual salary of $99,330, while marketing sales managers earned $97,260 during the same year.