25 Best Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs (bachelor’s) 2020

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Peirce College (PC, est. 1865) is a private, nonprofit institution. While it serves students of various backgrounds, it ranked in U.S. News & World Report’s (USNWR) list of American colleges/ universities with the highest percentage of minority undergrad student enrollment. It also made USNWR’s 2017 list of Best Online Programs – Bachelor’s, and in previous years. Notable Pierce alumni include former dictator of Nicaragua, Anastasio Somoza (deceased). Some scenes for the horror film “The Sixth Sense” were taken on campus.

PC offers associate’s through master’s degrees, plus certificate programs. This includes one relevant program: an online Bachelor’s of Science in Organizational Leadership (BSOL). The BSOL is a degree completion program requiring prior completion of at least 45 college credits for admission. Because of this and a choice of six accelerated sessions per year, students can complete this program in a minimum of one year. Students can also mix in on-campus with online courses, if they prefer. Some of the topics of focus include “ethics, effective communications and the dynamic development of organizations.”

McPherson, Kansas

Central Christian College of Kansas (CCCK, est. 1884) is a private, nonprofit institution that is affiliated with the Free Methodist Church. Academic programs incorporate Liberal Arts and a Christ-centered education. The college ranked in U.S. News & World Report’s 2018 list of Best Colleges.

CCCK offers associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs. It has one relevant degree: a 100% online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership (BSOL) requiring 120 credits for completion — with 45 credits for Major Core courses. The program has a focus on leadership for Christian organizations. Courses run six weeks in length and include topics such as management and psychology. Example courses include: Organizational Behavior and Leadership, Principles of Management, Theories in Leadership. Potential careers for students graduating from this program include: consulting; executive management; human resources; nonprofit and community leadership; public administration.

Albany, Georgia

Albany State University (ASU, est. 1903) is a public HBCU (Historically Black College/ University) affiliated with the University System of Georgia. It serves students at two campuses and online, plus at several learning centers. A member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, ASU is ranked by U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) as top 30 HBCU for undergrad education. It also made USNWR’s list of Regional Universities – South. Notable ASU alumni include actress Jo Marie Payton, who had an ongoing role in TV series such as Perfect Strangers, Family Matters, Will & Grace and others.

ASU offers associate’s through master’s degrees, plus certificates. It has one relevant degree: an online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership (BSOL) requiring 120-131 credits for completion. Students have a choice of three concentrations: Health Care Administration; Office Administration and Technology; Public Service Administration. Topics cover several facets of leadership, and sample courses include: Advanced Communications; Professional Ethics; Principles of Public Administration. Credit may be given for transfer for this program based on a variety of experiences including professional training, certification, military service, etc.

Fort Smith, Arkansas

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (UAFS, est. 1928) is a public institution and part of the University of Arkansas System, located in the state’s second-largest city. It serves students at this campus and online, and participates in the American Democracy Project (ADP) – a civic engagement initiative. Notable UAFS alumni include professional basketball player Sonny Weems, who has played on several NBA teams — most recently on the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns.

UAFS offers associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificates — 74 academic programs including nearly 50 undergrad degrees. It has one relevant program: an online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership (BSOL) degree, offered through the College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST). The program has two tracks — one Completer Track for students already holding a relevant associate’s degree, and a Four-Year Track for new undergrad students. In either case, a minimum of 120 credits must be earned to obtain a BSOL. Example courses include: Organization Ethics; Project Management; Group Dynamics.

Bellevue, Nebraska

Bellevue University (Bellevue, est. 1966) is a private, nonprofit institution that has earned several “military-friendly” accolades. Examples include being ranked on Victory Media’s Military Friendly School 2017 Gold list, and Military Times’s 2017 Best for Vets: Colleges list. Its programs are designed particularly with adult students in mind, in incorporates their “Real Mastery” approach to give access to real world learning opportunities. Bellevue also partners with other organizations to offer corporate options, such as the collaboration with Guild Education, which provides over 80,000 qualified part- and full-time hourly Disney employees with a “fully funded college degree,” including for online programs.

Bellevue offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees. It has one relevant program: an online Bachelor of Science in Leadership (BSL) degree requiring 127 credits for graduation. Most courses in the curriculum are worth four credit hours. Multi-disciplinary topics include: business, civil rights, communication, government, history, law, management, psychology, and others. Sample courses include: Principles of Leadership; Leadership Ethics; Psychology of Leadership. Major Requirements make up 40 credit hours, while Elective courses comprise 51 credits.

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Western Kentucky University (WKU, est. 1906, with roots to 1876) is a public institution serving students on this main campus, additional regional or satellite campuses, plus online. Notable WKU alumni include film director John Carpenter, actor Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville), and Cage the Elephant guitarist/ lead singer Matthew Shultz, amongst others.

WKU offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program through the Gordon Ford College of Business: an online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership (BSOL) requiring at least 120 credits for graduation. Curriculum topics are interdisciplinary, a mix of leadership and management, communication, social science and others. Example courses: Leading Change; Leadership Ethics and Decision Making; Leading Teams. Graduates of this program typically work in or with business, government, healthcare, non-profits, service providers, etc.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Arizona State University-Skysong (ASUS) is a public institution. One of ASU’s campuses, it houses the online education division and some grad programs, and is a research center. Its parent institution was established in 1885 and is one of the largest American colleges/ universities by student population.

Accolades ASU include many academic ranking awards from several sources: U.S. News & World Report (Most Innovative Schools in America – 2019 #1 and four previous years; Best Colleges: Best Online Bachelor’s Programs – top 4); Forbes magazine (best college buys); Sierra Club (Cool Schools 2017); Money Magazine (Best Colleges 2017); Princeton Review (most sustainable schools 2015); Washington Monthly;

ASU faculty are collectively recognized by a variety of awards/ designations, including Fulbright Scholars, Nobel Laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, etc. Notable ASU alumni/ attendees make up a long list, some of whom include: fashion designer Kate Spade (deceased); TV host Jimmy Kimmel; Animal Science expert Temple Grandin; actor Nick Nolte. Athletic alumni include NFLer Pat Tillman, who joined the Army, golfer Phil Mickelson, baseballers Barry Bonds and Reggie Jackson and others. The university also been visited by nine presidents.

ASU offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs — including over 150 online degree programs. It has one relevant program offered through ASU Online/ ASUS: an online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership requiring 120 credits for graduation. (Note: tuition cost per credit decreases after 12 credits of courses taken in one term.) Classes run 7.5 weeks each, and example courses include: Diversity and Organizations; Leading Organizational Innovation and Change; Assessment of Leadership Effectiveness. Graduates of the program typically work in “government, health care administration, nonprofit agencies and the service industry.” Typical careers or roles include: Account Manager; Chief Executive Officer (CEO); Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO); Community Relations; Employee Training Manager; Facilities Manager; General Manager (GM); Human Resources Manager; Labor Relations Specialist; Marketing Manager; Medical and Health Services Manager; Project Management; Quality Control Manager; Sales Executive; Sales Manager.

Bethany, Oklahoma

Southwestern Christian University (SWCU, est. 1946) is a private, nonprofit institution serving students on-campus and online. It is affiliated with the Pentecostal Church and was originally founded as a bible college “for the training of Christian church leaders” – the first of its kind in the state. As such, it incorporates a Christian worldview into its academic programs. U.S. News & World Report ranked SCU in their 2019 Best Colleges – Regional Colleges West list, and in previous years.

SWCU offers associate’s through master’s degrees — over 30 undergrad programs alone. It offers one relevant program: an fully online Bachelor of Professional Leadership (BPL). This program is designed for adult students and offers the choice of four concentrations: Business; Management; Social Services; Christian Leadership. (There is also a separate B.S. degree in Christian Leadership.) Example core courses include: Foundations of Leadership; Organizational Communication; Leadership and Ethics. Skills imparted by the program include communication, conflict resolution, decision-making, ethics, leadership, problem solving, and more.

Houston, Texas

College of Biblical Studies (CBS, est. 1979) is a private, nonprofit, Christian college with no specific church affiliation. The student population has significant African-American and Hispanic contingents, though CBS is not designated as an HBCU (Historically Black College/ University) nor an HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution).

CBS offers associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: Bachelor of Science Organization Leadership (BSOL) requiring 123 credits for graduation. It is part of CBS’ Accelerated Degree Completion Program — aimed at working adults with at least 69 college credits and fulfilling other requirements. Students in this cohort model program will complete an additional 54 credits of upper division courses, which is expected to take about 24 months. It integrates a biblical curriculum with leadership skills focus. Courses are five weeks in length and start every five weeks. Example core courses include: Interpersonal Skills of Leadership; Organizational Culture and Change Process; Applied Organizational Leadership. Typical students of this program include educators, pastors or ministry leaders, and even those intending on pursuing corporate work.

Fort Valley, Georgia

Fort Valley State University (FVSU, est. 1895) is a member of the public University System of Georgia. Designated an HBCU (Historically Black College/ University), it is also a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). U.S. News and World Report ranked it on their 2019 editions of their Best Colleges – Regional Universities South list (#107-141) and their HBCUs list (#31). Notable FVSU alumni include several NFL football players, including Hall of Famer Rayfield Wright and two-time Super Bowl ring winner Tyrone Poole (with the New England Patriots).

FVSU offers bachelor’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program offered through the College of Arts and Sciences: an online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership (BSOL). Students can choose from five concentrations: Health Care Administration; Legal Office Administration; Office Administration and Technology; Public Service Administration; Spanish for Professionals. The curriculum aids students in building skills such as leadership, management, communication, decision-making, strategy, goal-setting, accountability and others. Typical careers/ roles for graduates of this program include analysts, consultants, corporate executives, human resources managers, managers, operations, productivity experts, project managers.

Charleston, West Virginia

University of Charleston (UC, est. 1888) is a private, nonprofit institution original founded by members of the Methodist Church. It currently has no religious affiliation. UC students are served on three campuses plus online. The university is ranked #91 (tie) in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 edition of Best Colleges – Regional Universities South, a list it has appeared on since 2012. It also made Princeton Review’s Best 371 Colleges and Universities list (#19 Best Regional College South in 2014). Victory Media has designated it a Military Friendly School for nearly a decade.

UC offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, including one relevant program: an online (or hybrid) Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership (ORGL) degree completion program. The program is specifically designed for working adults, and there are four optional leadership concentrations: Aviation Leadership; First Responder/ Criminal Justice; Healthcare Leadership; Non-Profit Leadership. Each semester runs for 16 weeks, and students take four 8-week courses in that duration, allowing focus on no more than two courses simultaneously. As a degree completion program, the ORGL deals primarily with upper division courses. Students will need to have completed at least 40 credit hours “or the equivalent work-related experience/ education.” (Check with Admissions to determine if you qualify with less credits.) Overall, 48 credits are allotted to ORGL Core and Concentration courses, 44 credits for Minors, Electives or Concentration courses, and the rest to Foundation courses — with an overall total of 120 credits required for graduation. Up to 90 credits can be transferred in to UC. Example courses include: Leadership Communication; Collaborative Leadership; Ethics; Organizational Behavior. Graduates will have the skills and knowledge for leadership roles in either the private or public sector.

Valdosta, Georgia

Valdosta State University (VSU, est. 1906) is a public institution and a member of the University System of Georgia. The university has earned numerous academic ranking awards from U.S. News & World Report alone, including: 2019 National Universities (#230-301); 2019 Business Programs (#350, tie); Best Online Programs (2018 and other consecutive years); 2018 Best Online MBA Programs; 2018 Best Online Graduate Education Programs. Notable VSU alumni include Pauley Perrette, who recently left the TV series NCIS after a long run.

VSU offers over 50 degree programs from bachelor’s to doctoral level, plus minors, certificates and endorsements. It offers one relevant program: a fully online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership (BSOL), requiring 120 credits for graduation. This is an interdisciplinary/ multidisciplinary program, offered by VSU’s Political Science department, and designed for a variety of non-traditional students, including adults and military personnel, as well as for traditional and degree completion students. Topics covered include administration, human resources, management, technology, etc. There is an emphasis on the skills required for organizational leadership required in public service. Example courses include: Government Organization and Administrative Theory; Quality Management in Public Administration; Public Finance Administration. Students must also choose one of the following tracks: law enforcement leadership, legal office administration, office administration and technology, public service administration, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) or Spanish for professionals. Typical careers for VSU BSOL graduates include: Brand Manager; Career Planner; Corporate Coach; Customer Service Manager; Fundraiser; General Manager; Health Care Manager; Health Services Manager; Human Resources Manager; IT Manager; Manager; Marketing Manager; Marketing Researcher; Nonprofit Administrator; Operations Manager; Policy Planner; Production Manager; Social Services Manager; Training and Development Manager; Training and Development Specialist; Underwriter.

Edmond, Oklahoma

University of Central Oklahoma (UCO, est. 1890) is a public institution and a member of the Regional University System of Oklahoma. It serves at this campus plus online, and is in the top three in the state for student enrollment. U.S. News & World Report places UCO in four of their 2019 rankings lists: Regional Universities West (#77, tie); Top Public Schools (#24, tie); Business Programs (#458-503); Engineering Programs (schools with no engineering doctorate; #168, tie). Notable UCO alumni include; actor Jim Beaver, who plays Bobby in the horror TV series Supernatural; Randall Stephenson (AT&T Chairman, CEO and President)

UCO offers nearly 200 associate’s through master’s degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership (BSOL), which requires 124 credits for graduation. This program is part of the state’s Reach Higher program, which is designed to help adult students complete a bachelor’s degree. As such, this BSOL focuses on upper division courses. Incoming students will need to have completed a certain number of credits prior to admission. Major courses comprise 42 credits, including 12-15 credit in an area of focus — a choice between Supervision or Global Citizenship. Example core courses include: Professional Communication; Leading and Managing; Data Analysis and Interpretation.

McKenzie, Tennessee

Bethel University (BU, est. 1842) is a private, nonprofit Christian institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. Originally founded as a seminary, it is amongst the oldest colleges/ universities in the state. It serves students of all backgrounds on seven campuses/ satellite campuses plus online. U.S. News & World Report ranked BU in their 2019 list of Best Colleges – Regional Universities South (#107-141). Notable BU alumni include model/ singer/ songwriter Gin Cooley.

BU offers nearly 50 associate’s through master’s degree programs. It has one relevant program: an online Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership (BSOL). This is a degree completion program that requires students to have completed at least 30 college credits. The OL portion of the curriculum takes up 45 credits (about 15 courses), with a total of 128 credits required for graduation. Topics include business ethics, consumer behavior, leadership, human resource management, organizational theory. Example courses include: Organizational Theory; Strategic Management; Leadership. Classes run five weeks each, and students focus on one course at a time.

Cincinnati, Ohio

Union Institute and University (UIU, est. 1964) is a private, nonprofit institution. It serves students in three states and online, with programs particularly targeted to adult learners, and a fully online library containing periodicals, ebooks and doctoral dissertations. U.S. News & World Report ranked UIU in their 2018 list of Best Colleges – Best Online Degree Programs (#94). Notable UIU alumni include: Sidney Harman, who founded high-end consumer audio electronics company Harman/ Kardon; Portia Simpson Miller, Jamaica’s first female Prime Minister, who served two non-consecutive terms ending in 2016.

UIU offers bachelor’s through doctorate degrees, plus certificate programs. It ha one relevant program: a 100% online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership (BSOL). This is a multidisciplinary program requiring a minimum 120 credits earned for graduation, with both full-time and part-time options, and up to 90 transfer credits accepted. Students can choose from one of three leadership tracks: Conflict Resolution; Non-profit; Strategic Planning. Classes run for eight weeks each. Example core courses include: Leadership and Ethics; Leadership Development; Leadership and Change. Graduates of this program typically work in any of a range of careers that include management and executive-level positions. Note: Union has an online master of science program in OrgLdr as well, for those students who may be interested in pursuing further students.

Rochester Hills, Michigan

Rochester University (RC, est. 1959) is a private, nonprofit Christian college that is founded by and affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It serves students on this campus and online. U.S. News & World Report ranked RU on their 2019 edition of the Best Colleges – Regional Colleges Midwest list (#59).

RU offers over 40 associate’s through master’s degrees. It has one relevant program: an fully online Bachelor of Science in Strategic Leadership (BSSL) — an accelerated program requiring a total 120 credits for graduation. This program is designed with adult learners in mind. The SL Core courses make up 18 credit hours, while a Management track adds 24 credits. Example courses include: Organizational Behavior; Conflict Management and Negotiation; Strategic Change and Leadership. Curriculum focus includes “understanding diversity, ethics, and organizational values in decision making.” Graduates of this program work in public (government, community), private (corporate) or nonprofit sectors, taking with them skills of critical thinking, problem-solving, professional communication, professional and social responsibility, human resources, team-building and more.

Longmeadow, Massachusetts

Bay Path University (BPU, est. 1897) is a private, nonprofit institution that is a member of the Cooperating Colleges of Greater Springfield. It serves female undergrad students on-campus and online, and co-ed masters students (any delivery). U.S. News & World Report placed BPU in two of their 2019 Best Colleges ranking lists: Regional Universities North (#105, tie); Most Innovative Schools (#11, tie). Further, a 2013 Forbes magazine report, “Most and Least Financially Fit Schools,” gave BPU a “B” grade for financial health. (Of the 925 private, non-profit American colleges, more than half ranked “C” or below.)

BPU offers associate’s through doctorate degrees, plus certificate programs, including one relevant program: an online BA in Leadership and Organizational Studies (LOS). The program builds the knowledge and skills necessary for leadership which includes analysis, communications, management, negotiation, strategy and more. It is designed to be completed in one year or longer. Graduates are prepared for career leadership roles in any number of areas, including: “government, education, the arts, business, medicine, health administration, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).” Typical careers/ roles for recent BPU LOS grads include: Business Development Manager; Communications Management; General Manager; Grant Management; Human Resource Management; Marketing Management; Non-profit Management; Operations Manager; Organizational Management; Public Relations.

Lamoni, Iowa

Graceland University-Lamoni (GUL, est. 1895) is a private, nonprofit institution founded by and affiliated with the Community of Christ (a Latter Day Saints organization). It serves students on campuses in Iowa and Missouri, plus online. Accolades earned include academic ranking awards from: U.S. News & World Report (America’s Best Colleges – Regional Universities Midwest – 2019 and other years, plus other rankings in previous years); Princeton Review (2018 Best in the Midwest); and others. Notable GUL alumni include journalist/ novelist Teresa Carpenter (Pulitzer Prize winner) and Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner (now known as Caitlyn Jenner).

GUL offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificates programs, including two relevant programs through the Sandage School of Business. The first is an online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership (BAOL) degree, and the second allows students an online dual degree option to simultaneously earn a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree. The BAOL program, requiring 120 credits for graduation, is aimed at adult students, and accepts both new undergrad students as well as those who have already completed some college credits. The curriculum is designed to build the skills/ knowledge needed for professionally managing/ leading others, including management, communication, critical thinking, decision-making etc. Example courses include: Conflict Resolution, Ethical Leadership in a Global Society, Interpersonal Communications. Classes for a course are online and run for eight weeks, with six program start dates yearly.

Jefferson City, Tennessee

Carson-Newman University (CNU, est. 1851) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Southern Baptist Church. Accolades for CNU include academic rankings from: Washington Monthly (Top bachelor’s colleges – #9 2015, and #6 for ROTC programs); U.S. News & World Report (Undergrad teaching – 2015 #1 South, and Top 15 Regional Universities South (#76 in 2019); Great Schools at a Great Price – top 15 in 2017); Princeton Review (Best in the Southeast 2016); Forbes (best colleges); Washington Monthly (Best Baccalaureate Colleges – 2015); Newsweek (undergraduate teaching – #1 South region); and others. Notable CNU alumni include Chris Marion, a later member of Australia’s soft rock Little River Band, which achieved a string of hits in the late 1970s in the United States.

CNU offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs — with 50 majors options. It offers one relevant program: a fully online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership (BSOL). This is a degree completion program requiring at least 60 transferable credits from an accredited institution. Students for the BSOL must either have three years work experience or be 25 years or older. The program is divided into eight week modules, allowing for completion in a minimum timeline of 18 months. The OrgLdr component takes up 48 credit hours, and example courses include: Business Communication Tools and Leadership; Marketing and Leadership; The New Testament and Leadership.

Mishawaka, Indiana

Bethel University (BCI, est. 1947) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Missionary Church. It serves students at this campus and online. U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) ranked BU in two of their 2019 Best Colleges lists: Regional Universities Midwest (#29, tie) and Best Undergraduate Teaching (#16, tie). BU has also been a USNWR Top Tier College since 2005 (#29 2018). Other academic rankings for BU include from: Money Magazine (Best Colleges for Your Money 2018, which considers many factors including tuition and borrowing, graduation rates, alumni earnings, etc.); Washington Monthly (Best Bang for the Buck Colleges – 2017 #7 Midwest. Notable BU alumni include online entrepreneur/ author/ philanthropist Joel Runyon (founder of Impossible X, a fitness-related business).

BCI offers associate’s through master’s degree programs, with over 50 areas of study. It has one relevant program: a fully online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management (BSOM). (Note: BCI also has a BA in Christian Leadership degree program.) The BSOM is a degree completion program. It requires 120 credits for graduation and allows up to 88 transfer credits, but entering students must have at least 62 prior college credits. The timeline is typically 2-4 years, depending on prior credits earned and the number of courses taken per session. (Accelerated classes run seven weeks each, with six start dates yearly.) Courses in the major account for 36 credits, and the curriculum covers topics such as accounting, communications, finance, human resources, marketing, statistics, etc. Example courses include: Communications; Principles of Management and Supervision; Human Resources Administration.

Houghton, New York

Houghton College (HC, est. 1883) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Wesleyan Church, and a member of two Christian colleges organizations. It was originally founded as a high-school-level seminary, and currently serves students at two campuses (Houghton and Buffalo) plus online. It has higher than average (national) freshman retention and undergrad graduation rates, and can boast that 98% of grads enter either employment or grad school within nine months of graduation. U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) placed HC on two of their 2019 Best Colleges ranking lists, including Best National Liberal Arts Colleges (#143, tie). Other academic rankings for HC include that from: Washington Monthly (Best Bang for the Buck – North and National Universities – Liberal Arts); Forbes magazine (Top Colleges 2018); Money Magazine (Best Colleges for Your Money 2018); Princeton Review (Best Colleges: Region by Region – Northeast). Notable HC alumni include Kim Pegula (co-owner with her husband of the Buffalo Bills NFL football team) and Robert Beckford, a theologian and filmmaker of controversial documentaries about religion.

HC offers associate’s through master’s degree programs. It has two relevant programs: an online Bachelor of Science in Leadership Development (BSLD) and an online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a concentration in Leadership Development — both fully online. The BSLD program provides flexibility for working students, with full- or part-time options, no tests, and asynchronous classes with no login times requirements. It requires 124 credits for graduation, 40 of which cover Leadership Development (LD) courses. It is a completion program, requiring that otherwise eligible students have previously completed at least 63 credits (maximum 84 transferrable). Entering students must also have at least two years work experience. Courses run in 8-week sessions, with six start dates yearly, allowing for degree completion in as little as 18 months. Example courses include: Leadership Development; Conflict Management; Work Team Dynamics. Graduates of the program are prepared for career roles in management, supervision and leadership “in all sizes and types of organizations.”

Atlanta, Georgia

Beulah Heights University (BHU, est. 1918) is a private, nonprofit institution with the distinction of being one of the oldest Bible institutions in the U.S. Protestant Christian traditions are integrated into all academic programs. It serves students on campus and online, and has a reputation for teaching ethical leadership, “for the ministry and the marketplace.” Interested students may have international ministry opportunities.

BHU offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It offers online leadership degrees at all levels, including one relevant program: an online Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Studies (BALS) requiring 129 credits for graduation (also available as a Minor program). A Biblical Studies major is included (30 credits), supplementing the 36 credits of Leadership Studies. The BALS program is designed to allow students who work fulltime. Example courses include: Leadership Principles in Business; Dynamics of Biblical Leadership; Exploring Gender Differences. Career opportunities for graduates of this program include leadership roles in churches, the marketplace, nonprofits, the public sector.

Saint Louis, Missouri

Missouri Baptist University (MBU, est. 1957) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Baptist Church. It serves students at about a dozen campuses in Missouri and Illinois states, plus online. U.S. News & World Report placed MBU on their 2019 Best Colleges – Regional Universities Midwest list (#128-165).

MBU offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. The online programs are designed with working adults in mind, and MBU offers one relevant to this ranking list: an online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership (BSOL). (Also available: an online BS in Ministry and Leadership.) The BSOL requires 120 credits for graduation, with the Major taking up 42 credits (12 courses). Up to 96 credits may be eligible for transfer into this degree. Example courses include: Business Ethics; Production and Operations Management; Organizational Behavior and Leaderships. Graduates of this BSOL program typically find management positions in: administrative services; entrepreneurial endeavors and management; human resources; marketing; project management; sales.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Oral Roberts University (ORU, est. 1963) is a private, nonprofit Christian institution. Although ORU was founded by evangelist Oral Roberts, the top Christian denomination amongst attending students is “non-denominational.” The university second most popular major is Ministry and Leadership. The university is proud of it’s multi-year freshman retention rate of 80% or higher, as well as 10 straight years of increasing enrollment. Accolades for ORU include academic rankings from: Forbes (America’s Top Colleges 2018); Princeton Review (Best Regional Colleges – 2017 Western); U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges 2019 — #41 Regional Universities West, #23 Best Colleges for Veterans, #13 Best Value Schools); Victory Media (Military Friend School 2017) , amongst others. Notable ORU alumni include TV host/ singer/ actress Kathie Lee Gifford (Today show) and pastor Joel Osteen.

ORU offers bachelor’s through doctorate degrees (over 80), plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Bachelor of Science in Leadership Studies (BSLS) degree. There is both a 4-year track for new undergrads, and a 2-year degree-completion track for qualified students who have completed at least 60 college credits. The BSLS is an interdisciplinary program with topics covering church leadership, conflict resolution, ethics, administrative theory, leadership theory, organizational communication, public and private sector leadership. Courses in the Major are split into two areas of study (both required) totalling 63 credits (21 courses). Example courses include: Public Policy Analysis; Christian Leadership; Conflict Resolution. Graduates of this program find themselves in careers/ roles such as: Community Health Worker; Human Resources Specialist; Ministry Leader; Non-Profit Manager; Public Relations Manager; Public Administrator; Reporter or News Analyst; Training and Development Specialist.

Romeoville, Illinois

Lewis University (Lewis, est. 1932) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church (Lasallians). It serves students at this campus and online. U.S. News & World Report ranked Lewis in three of their 2019 Best Colleges lists: Regional Universities Midwest (#20, tie); Best Colleges for Veterans (#13, tie); Best Value Schools (#36). The Princeton Review ranked them in their 2019 Best Colleges: Region by Region, and 2019 Best in the Midwest ranking. Lewis enjoys the designation of being a Veteran-Friendly School (U.S. Veterans Magazine, 2016), ranking #1 (private colleges in the state) as a Best for Vets College (2018, Military Times). Notable Lewis alumni include musical performer Yvette Marie “Chaka Khan” Stevens, a multi-time Grammy Award and American Music Award winner.

Lewis offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees — including nearly 20 online degrees, some of which are designed for adult students — plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership (BA-ORGL-L), designed with adult, full-time working students in mind. The BA-ORGL-L requires 128 credits to graduate, with 42 credits allotted to courses in the Major. As this is a degree-completion program, students need at least 30 college credits completed (and three years work experience) to be admitted. (Up to 72 credits can be transferred in.) Some skills that are developed in the BA-ORGL-L include: change management operations; conflict management; critical thinking; decision-making; effective leadership; emotional intelligence; leading change; life/ career development; human relations; leadership; management; problem solving; team-building and others. Courses run eight weeks each, and examples include: Social Theory; Organizational Development; Positive Leadership. For students who want to go beyond the skills learned here, Lewis offers not only an online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (36 credits) but also has a dual-degree fast track program whereby students can earn both the BA and MA in OrgLdr studies. It totals 158 credits, saving students six graduate credits from the regular total of 36.