Organizational leadership graduate programs, also sometimes referred to as organizational development programs, focus on effective leadership at all levels. Students study how to manage teams and make strategic decisions that could impact the organization as a whole.
To reflect the ever changing world of leadership, programs cover a wide range of topics and may even be available with an area of focus. Some organizational leadership programs are tailored to specific industries or careers.
Others offer a general overview so that students could prepare to lead in any setting. Courses might discuss the psychology behind how people work together. Or they might examine conflict resolution and project management.
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Organizational leadership is a style of management that aims to balance the needs of team members with the success of the whole. Organizational leadership theories are used to make strategic decisions to lead a company to success. Or work to create a positive office environment and empower the individual.
Those with an organizational leadership degree might use their knowledge to impact an organization's culture, the productivity of a company, and the strength of a team as a whole.
This could enhance a career at any level, even if you don’t currently hold a formal leadership position. By studying effective teamwork, developing empathy for others, and learning new strategies to make decisions, you might hone the skills you need to be a better team player.
Risk management is a subset of organization leadership that focuses on identifying current and future risk to an organization. This then leads to the creation of strategies to manage these risks.
These techniques may be useful in a variety of industries and at many levels of an organization. Risk managers might guide financial decisions, oversee accounting procedures, or be involved with legal departments, insurance, or governance. And those are only a few options.
Risk management uses statistics, processes, and standards to make and guide decisions. As such, Risk Management Graudate Programs teach data analysis and assessment techniques. You could also explore frameworks for analysis, compliance, and general decision-making. Contact schools for a full course list.
An Organizational Leadership degree may take a variety of approaches to topics such as HR, strategic decision-making, and the psychology of the workplace. Some might cover management in specific industries like healthcare, education, or non-profit organizations. Others may focus on certain roles, such as within a human resources department or as a project manager. However most do share a common goal: to prepare students to lead teams to success.
Example topics covered in organizational leadership courses may include the following.
Conflict is an inescapable part of people working together. Here, you may study the psychology behind conflict and develop strategies to manage it in a healthy and effective way.
Workplace leaders could be responsible for making decisions that guide the company as a whole. As such, leadership programs may examine ethics and business law to guide that process.
You might be in charge of leading your team, but do you know why your teams members act the way they do? Organizational leadership courses might study the psychology behind how individuals and groups function. Courses may also look at strategies to encourage a productive workplace.
Study how to guide your team through change, both large scale and small. You could explore theories, research, and processes to help teams adjust.
Of course, this list is not exhaustive. Your specific courses may vary, influenced by a variety of factors. This could include whether your program includes a specialization, the types of students it is designed for, your preference, and other details. Follow up with programs directly for more information.
There is one important note to remember when choosing betwen organizational leadership fraduate programs. Some may be designed to accommodate working professionals or otherwise emphasize professional experience.
As such, you may find that some include a capstone requirement in place of a thesis. Depending on your goals—i.e. whether you’re professionally focused, or want to continue your education further—this might impact your preference of schools.
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An organizational development degree could support many objectives and be found at several different levels. Programs may be available whether you’re new to graduate education or have some experience in that arena. A variety of degree types might also be offered, potentially giving you plenty of choices.
Here are some typical organizational leadership graduate programs.
Remember, each program may vary from these descriptions, so make sure you follow up with any schools you might want to attend for more information.
Balancing your career with your education? Or do you prefer to focus 100% on your studies? Do you learn better in a classroom? Or prefer the comfort of your home? Either way, programs could be available in a format to fit your needs.
Organizational leadership graduate programs come in three main categories.
Now you're equipped with the information you need to start your search for a graduate program in organizational leadership. Don’t be shy, reaching out to more than one school that offers organizational leadership programs may increase your chances of achieving your goal.
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Mount St. Mary's University
Walden University
University of Maryland - College Park
College of Notre Dame of Maryland
University of Maryland University College
Central Michigan University
Bowie State University
Goucher College
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