Organizational Leadership: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Organizational Leadership equips students with advanced competencies to guide and influence teams and institutions across diverse sectors. This interdisciplinary field emphasizes strategic decision-making, ethical governance, and adaptive management within complex organizational environments.
- Organizational Planning: Develops the ability to design effective structures, processes, and long-term strategies that align with institutional goals and operational capacity.
- Dynamics of Leadership: Explores the psychological, behavioral, and cultural factors that shape leadership effectiveness and influence within groups and organizations.
- Financial Management: Provides foundational knowledge in budgeting, resource allocation, financial reporting, and fiscal responsibility essential for sustainable organizational performance.
- Team Building: Focuses on fostering collaboration, trust, and high-performance cultures through intentional group development and leadership practices.
- Conflict Resolution and Mediation: Trains students in techniques for identifying, managing, and resolving disputes constructively to maintain productivity and morale.
- Strategic Communication: Enhances skills in delivering clear, persuasive, and context-sensitive messages across internal and external stakeholder networks.
- Integrated Management Skills: Combines core principles of operations, human resources, and change management to support holistic organizational development.
Organizational Leadership Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Organizational Leadership Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Organizational Leadership degrees, including Human Resources Managers, Managers, All Other and Training and Development Managers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,904,060 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Managers 11-3121 | $140,030 | $83,790 - $239,200 | 215,520 | $67.32 |
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
| Training and Development Managers 11-3131 | $127,090 | $75,810 - $219,990 | 44,960 | $61.10 |
| Fundraising Managers 11-2033 | $123,480 | $73,700 - $216,660 | 36,920 | $59.36 |
| Management Analysts 13-1111 | $101,190 | $59,720 - $174,140 | 893,900 | $48.65 |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1011 | $97,270 | $46,460 - $210,530 | 81,780 | N/A |
Organizational Leadership Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $79,470 in Arkansas to $146,650 in New York—a 85% difference. The highest-paying states include New York, Massachusetts, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,904,060 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Organizational Leadership by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Organizational Leadership programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Organizational Leadership is found at Western Governors University (WGU) (1,379 graduates), American InterContinental University System (AIUS) (767 graduates), Arizona State University, Digital Immersion (558 graduates), University of Iowa (469 graduates), and University of Charleston (UC) (418 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 11,368 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Governors University (WGU) |
Master's
|
1,379 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Private | wgu.edu |
| American InterContinental University System (AIUS) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
767 | Chandler, Arizona | Private | aius.education |
| Arizona State University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
|
558 | Scottsdale, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Bachelor's
Post-Master's
|
469 | Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| University of Charleston (UC) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
418 | Charleston, West Virginia | Private | ucwv.edu |
| Columbia Southern University (CSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
328 | Orange Beach, Alabama | Private | columbiasouthern.edu |
| Liberty University |
Postbac Cert.
Doctorate (Research)
|
314 | Lynchburg, Virginia | Private | liberty.edu |
| Ashford University (UAGC) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
302 | San Diego, California | Private | uagc.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
246 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
227 | Irvine, California | Public | umassglobal.edu |
| Western Kentucky University (WKU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
|
185 | Bowling Green, Kentucky | Public | wku.edu |
| Cleary University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
181 | Howell, Michigan | Private | cleary.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
165 | Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| University of the Cumberlands |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
146 | Williamsburg, Kentucky | Private | ucumberlands.edu |
| Southeastern University (SEU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
Doctorate (Professional)
Other Award
|
145 | Lakeland, Florida | Private | seu.edu |
| Vanderbilt University (VU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
139 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | vanderbilt.edu |
| Gonzaga University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
132 | Spokane, Washington | Private | gonzaga.edu |
| Arkansas Tech University (ATU) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
129 | Russellville, Arkansas | Public | atu.edu |
| Waldorf University |
Master's
|
123 | Forest City, Iowa | Private | waldorf.edu |
| Campbellsville University (CU) |
Master's
|
112 | Campbellsville, Kentucky | Private | campbellsville.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
111 | Richardson, Texas | Public | utdallas.edu |
| National University (NU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
109 | San Diego, California | Private | nu.edu |
| Spelman College |
Residency
|
109 | Atlanta, Georgia | Private | spelman.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
103 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| University of Phoenix (UOPX) |
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
103 | Phoenix, Arizona | Private | phoenix.edu |
| Excelsior University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
101 | Albany, New York | Private | excelsior.edu |
| Boise State University (BBU) |
Other Award
|
100 | Boise, Idaho | Public | boisestate.edu |
| Bethel University |
Bachelor's
|
100 | McKenzie, Tennessee | Private | bethelu.edu |
| California Baptist University (CBU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
98 | Riverside, California | Private | calbaptist.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
95 | East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Master's
|
92 | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| Fort Hays State University (FHSU) |
Bachelor's
|
91 | Hays, Kansas | Public | fhsu.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
85 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| Columbia International University (CIU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
85 | Columbia, South Carolina | Private | ciu.edu |
| Eastern Washington University (EWU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
84 | Cheney, Washington | Public | ewu.edu |
| University of Arkansas (UAFS) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
83 | Fort Smith, Arkansas | Public | uafs.edu |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
83 | Daytona Beach, Florida | Private | worldwide.erau.edu |
| University of La Verne |
Bachelor's
|
82 | La Verne, California | Private | laverne.edu |
| University of Colorado Boulder (CU) |
Master's
|
81 | Boulder, Colorado | Public | colorado.edu |
| Valdosta State University (VSU) |
Bachelor's
|
81 | Valdosta, Georgia | Public | valdosta.edu |
| Purdue University Global |
Other Award
|
76 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdueglobal.edu |
| Concordia University (CUI) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
75 | Irvine, California | Private | cui.edu |
| Indiana Wesleyan University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
75 | Marion, Indiana | Private | indwes.edu |
| American College of Education (ACE) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
72 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Private | ace.edu |
| American College of Financial Services |
Other Award
|
70 | King of Prussia, Pennsylvania | Private | theamericancollege.edu |
| Odessa College |
Bachelor's
|
70 | Odessa, Texas | Public | odessa.edu |
| ECPI University (ECPI) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
69 | Virginia Beach, Virginia | Private | ecpi.edu |
| Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Master's
|
68 | Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
| Western Oregon University (WOU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
68 | Monmouth, Oregon | Public | wou.edu |
| University of Kansas (KU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
66 | Lawrence, Kansas | Public | ku.edu |
| Concordia University-Wisconsin (CUW) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
65 | Mequon, Wisconsin | Private | cuw.edu |
| University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) |
Master's
|
63 | Adelphi, Maryland | Public | umgc.edu |
| Robert Morris University (RMU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
62 | Moon Township, Pennsylvania | Private | rmu.edu |
| Laredo College |
Bachelor's
|
61 | Laredo, Texas | Public | laredo.edu |
| Boston College (BC) |
Master's
|
60 | Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts | Private | bc.edu |
| Pima Medical Institute (PMI) |
Master's
|
58 | Tucson, Arizona | Private | pmi.edu |
| Concordia University (CUC) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
57 | River Forest, Illinois | Private | cuchicago.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
55 | Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| St Catherine University (St. Kate’s) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
55 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | stkate.edu |
| New England College (NEC) |
Master's
|
53 | Henniker, New Hampshire | Private | nec.edu |
| Capella University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
53 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Private | capella.edu |
| University of Redlands |
Master's
Other Award
|
52 | Redlands, California | Private | redlands.edu |
| Wilmington University (WilmU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
51 | New Castle, Delaware | Private | wilmu.edu |
| Clayton State University |
Master's
|
51 | Morrow, Georgia | Public | clayton.edu |
| Northeastern University Professional Programs |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | northeastern.edu |
| Pepperdine University |
Master's
|
50 | Malibu, California | Private | pepperdine.edu |
| Manhattan College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50 | Riverdale, New York | Private | manhattan.edu |
| Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
49 | San Diego, California | Private | pointloma.edu |
| University of Wyoming (UW) |
Bachelor's
|
48 | Laramie, Wyoming | Public | uwyo.edu |
| Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) |
Postbac Cert.
|
47 | Monterey, California | Public | nps.edu |
| Buena Vista University (BVU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
47 | Storm Lake, Iowa | Private | bvu.edu |
| Northcentral University (NCU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
47 | San Diego, California | Private | nu.edu |
| Lewis University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
46 | Romeoville, Illinois | Private | lewisu.edu |
| Indiana Institute of Technology |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
46 | Fort Wayne, Indiana | Private | cps.indianatech.edu |
| Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
45 | Bourbonnais, Illinois | Private | olivet.edu |
| Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
|
45 | Fort Wayne, Indiana | Public | pfw.edu |
| Bryant University |
Master's
|
45 | Smithfield, Rhode Island | Private | bryant.edu |
| Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
45 | San Antonio, Texas | Private | ollusa.edu |
| University of Akron |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
44 | Akron, Ohio | Public | uakron.edu |
| Monroe College |
Bachelor's
|
43 | Bronx, New York | Private | monroecollege.edu |
| CUNY Lehman College |
Master's
|
42 | Bronx, New York | Public | lehman.edu |
| Mercyhurst University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
42 | Erie, Pennsylvania | Private | mercyhurst.edu |
| University of Houston (UH) |
Bachelor's
|
42 | Houston, Texas | Public | uh.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
41 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| The University of Montana (UM) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
41 | Missoula, Montana | Public | umt.edu |
| Anderson University (AU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
41 | Anderson, South Carolina | Private | andersonuniversity.edu |
| St. John Fisher University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
40 | Rochester, New York | Private | sjf.edu |
| Saint Louis University (SLU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
39 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | slu.edu |
| Nazareth University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
39 | Rochester, New York | Private | www2.naz.edu |
| North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
39 | Rocky Mount, North Carolina | Private | ncwc.edu |
| Olympic College (OC) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Residency
Other Award
|
39 | Bremerton, Washington | Public | olympic.edu |
| The Chicago School (TCSPP) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
39 | Los Angeles, California | Private | thechicagoschool.edu |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) |
Master's
|
38 | West Palm Beach, Florida | Private | pba.edu |
| The University of Tennessee (UTC) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
38 | Chattanooga, Tennessee | Public | utc.edu |
| Colorado State University (CSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
37 | Fort Collins, Colorado | Public | colostate.edu |
| Barry University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
36 | Miami, Florida | Private | barry.edu |
| University of West Georgia (UWG) |
Bachelor's
|
36 | Carrollton, Georgia | Public | westga.edu |
| Southwestern College (SC) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
35 | Winfield, Kansas | Private | sckans.edu |
| Rider University |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
35 | Lawrenceville, New Jersey | Private | rider.edu |
| Oral Roberts University (ORU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
35 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Private | oru.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Organizational Leadership programs
How much can I earn with a Organizational Leadership degree?
Salaries for Organizational Leadership graduates vary by role and location. Human Resources Managers earn a median of $140,030 annually, while Managers, All Other earn around $136,550. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New York average $146,650 compared to $79,470 in Arkansas. Approximately 1,904,060 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Organizational Leadership programs?
Currently 525 accredited institutions offer Organizational Leadership degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Western Governors University (WGU) (1,379 graduates), American InterContinental University System (AIUS) (767 graduates), and Arizona State University, Digital Immersion (558 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Organizational Leadership growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 5,619 in 2010 to 15,674 in 2023-24. This represents a 179% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Organizational Leadership degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Human Resources Managers, Managers, All Other, and Training and Development Managers. Related occupations employ approximately 1,904,060 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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