Why Choose a Masters in Organizational Development?
Organizational development and leadership is an excellent field for people who want to work in business to coordinate, lead, and plan with the departments in any organization. A master’s degree in the field prepares graduate students to work in higher-level roles and to take on more advanced theories in the modern business world. This list ranks the best organizational development masters programs to help you choose which one is your best fit.
The organizational leadership programs are available on campus, online, or in a hybrid format.
What is Organizational Development?
Organizational development and leadership focus on enhancing business growth to achieve the organization’s goals. Organizational leaders should maintain consistent visions for the firm they lead. In addition, these professionals must adopt a person-centered approach to addressing individual needs while ensuring the business or organization’s success.
A Master’s in Organizational Development focuses on scientifically observing the way attitudes influence decision-making and behavior and using those observations to improve organization-wide functioning.
Choosing a Masters in Organizational Development
Choosing MA in Organizational Development or Leadership is a good idea if you want a master’s program in management that can be completed in two years or less. Usually, the programs cost $25,000 or less in overall tuition, and there is an extensive range in what you can concentrate on.
Top 5 Masters in Organizational Development Programs
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tiffin University | Tiffin, Ohio |
| 2 | Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota | Winona, Minnesota |
| 3 | Our Lady of the Lake University | San Antonio, Texas |
| 4 | University of Wisconsin Platteville | Platteville, Wisconsin |
| 5 | Lewis University | Romeoville, Illinois |
The Bureau of Labor Statistics believes that the field of management will grow by around 6% between 2014 and 2024. This is a growth rate that is below average nationally, but it still means that over 500,000 new jobs will be created over the course of a decade. Some of those jobs will be in healthcare, church management, human resources and other areas.
Below are the top 15 schools for a Master’s in Organizational Development. They are ranked based on tuition costs and overall enrollment. If you’re interested in learning more, links to the programs are available. We would also be happy to help you find a program that fits your preferences.
Best 15 Masters in Organizational Development Programs
Tiffin University
Tiffin University is in Tiffin, Ohio, and offers an MBA in Leadership and Change. Students in this program learn decision-making skills and prepare for jobs in healthcare, church, law enforcement, and other fields. Courses are available on weekends, in the evenings, online, and in hybrid formats for prospective students.
School Overview
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers an entirely online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. It takes only five semesters to complete the organizational leadership program, and there is a choice of nine certificate programs that can be added to the Master’s in organizational leadership degree. In addition, students receive an iPad for participating in the program, making it more interesting to attend their online courses.
School Overview
Our Lady of the Lake University
At Our Lady of the Lake University, students can earn a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership degree. The program focuses on leadership, theory, and ethics, encouraging students to learn tools to assist with organizational management and business communications.
The degree is offered in person at the San Antonio, Rio Grande Valley, and Houston campuses, and courses are on every other Saturday to allow full-time attendance of students already in the workforce.
School Overview
University of Wisconsin Platteville
Located in Platteville, the University of Wisconsin offers a science-based degree in Organizational Change Leadership. This organizational leadership degree is offered online, so geography shouldn’t be a limiting factor for prospective students.
The Master of Science in Organizational Change Leadership degree program features four optional areas of emphasis: Healthcare, Human Resources, Project Management, and Safety Risk Control. This is among the highest-rated organizational leadership degree programs in the Midwestern United States. Students usually graduate within two years.
They also offer graduate-level elective credits for students with one of eight professional credentials to help students with prior learning hit the ground running.
School Overview
Lewis University
Lewis University is a small university in Illinois, which offers a Master’s in organizational leadership. It offers four concentrations: Professional and Executive Coaching, Organizational Management, Training, and Development, Higher Education, and Student Services. The program comprises 37 credit hours and can be completed in 18 months. It is offered either fully online or in person at their Oak Brook campus location.
School Overview
Pacific Oaks College
At Pacific Oaks College, students can get a Master’s in Organizational Leadership. This program promotes an understanding of ethics and leadership skills in project management, department heading, and directing jobs. Previous work experience can be applied to the degree through an Applied Research Project, giving credit for prior work experience.
The organizational leadership degree program can be completed in 14 months with full-time or 20 months with part-time attendance and can be completed either online or in person at their Pasadena campus. The organizational leadership online programs help students to complete their degrees at home.
School Overview
University of South Dakota
With an online Master’s in Administration with a specialization in Organizational Leadership from the University of South Dakota, students prepare to work in high-level management positions. The organizational leadership programs comprise only 24 credit hours and may be completed within a year to 18 months in most cases.
School Overview
Manhattan College
Manhattan College is unique because it offers specialization with over 25 courses in leadership, management, psychology, and human resource management. Manhattan College is one of the oldest colleges in the United States, with an excellent reputation for over 160 years. A capstone project is required for graduation.
The MSOL (Master of Science in Organizational Leadership) is accelerated. Each of the 11 courses are seven weeks in length. The students can choose either online or hybrid formats. So, it’s a great opportunity for those who want to get an online Master’s in organizational leadership. With the hybrid format, students attend in-person classes weekly and work on the online part in Moodle.
School Overview
Saint Joseph’s University
Saint Joseph’s University is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It offers a Master’s in organizational leadership and Development with four concentrations: diversity, belonging, and inclusion. Leaders can choose the concentration that best fits their personal learning goals. The degree is available online, in person, or hybrid format to best fit the needs of each student. And so if you want to get maximum convenience at home, you can get admission in an online Master’s in organizational leadership.
The online courses are intentionally designed to promote experiential learning and cultivate a strong sense of community among learners and faculty. Students complete their degree in 24 months.
School Overview
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University is located in Azusa, California, and is a Christian university. The University offers a Master’s Degree in Leadership, and the curriculum centers on application, collaboration, and experiential learning. The program is a cohort program, so students work together throughout. The Master’s in Leadership program is available online and can be completed in as little as ten months.
School Overview
Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac University offers an online Master’s in Organizational Leadership and Management that can be completed in 18 months. The organizational leadership program focuses on forward-thinking, ethics, self-awareness, and interpersonal leadership. Students work in small class groups.
School Overview
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University offers courses in both in-person and online formats to obtain a Master of Arts in Leadership and Organizational Development. This program is made for those already working in the field so they can complete course by course in eight-week terms. The program consists of 36 credit hours.
School Overview
University of Denver
Students at the University of Denver can obtain a Master’s in Organizational Leadership. This program can be completed with just 30 credit hours through either online or evening classes and can be completed in as little as 18 months. Some courses include quantitative analysis, sports management, and human resources planning.
School Overview
George Washington University
George Washington University offers a Master’s in Organizational Leadership and Learning. The 30-credit-hour program can be completed in just two years. Some topics covered include the foundations of human behavior, group dynamics, diversity within organizations, organizational change, leadership development, and assessing the impact of change efforts.
School Overview
Northwestern University
Northwestern University offers an MS in Learning and Organizational Change, or MSLOC. It’s a full-time or part-time program in a hybrid format and includes mandatory 2.5-day intensive in-person sessions for each course. Beneficially, the organizational leadership degree programs offer career coaching as well.
School Overview
Ranking Specifications
In this article, the schools above were given points on a scale of 1 to 15 with 15 being best. Schools with higher tuition rates were given lower scores, as were schools with high rates of enrollment (and potentially larger class sizes).
Every possible step was taken to make sure the information included in this article was accurate, but the results are not guaranteed and may be altered at any time.
If you work at one of these schools and have questions about your ranking, please let us know. We would be happy to tell you more about your score or to correct any incorrect data. If your school did not make the list but you’d like it to be considered, contact us.
Benefits of an Online Masters in Organizational Development Degree
The holder of a master’s degree in organizational development can help organizations to work better. The techniques involved in studying behavioral patterns, motivation, performance measurement, and group dynamics can assist organizations in managing and improving the efficiency of their human resources.
Here are the key benefits of an online master’s in organization development degree.
Helps Organizations and Individuals to Adapt to Change
Organizational development can help organizations and individuals learn how to accept change. It encourages them to be a part of the process instead of resisting it. Organizations can improve their efficiency by understanding the positive impact of change on employees.
Besides, it can help to facilitate the transition from prevailing behaviors to new and more impactful practices.
Develops Leaders
The master’s in organizational development allows you to explore the relationships between the business culture and individuals. By observing individual behavior scientifically, it can be a lot easier to interpret the employees’ personal relationships. The consultation skills also help to create a corporate environment that is productive and harmonious.
Provides a Better Understanding of Motivation
Employees can feel motivated by the positive behavior of an organization. This rule also applies to society, as positive behavior always encourages individuals. A master’s in organizational development allows the students to scientifically observe the attitudes and beliefs of individuals, which affect their overall decision-making power.
What Courses Will I Take in a Masters in Organizational Development Program?
A master’s in organizational development or organizational leadership program helps graduate students to learn the key areas where they can implement their development strategies. This, in turn, helps create a productive environment for the employees and employers.
Here are the most common courses that you might take when studying Master’s in organizational leadership programs or master’s in organizational development programs:
- Organization layout and development
- Organizational behavior
- Team dynamics
- Team building techniques
- strategic leadership
- Conflict resolution
- Communication for business professionals
- Leadership techniques
What Can I Do With an Masters in Organizational Development Degree
The Bureau of Labor Statistics believes that the management field will grow by around 6% between 2014 and 2024. This growth rate is below average nationally, but it still means that over 500,000 new jobs will be created over a decade. Some jobs will be in healthcare, church management, human resources, and other areas. These include:
- Human resources manager
- Management analyst
- Healthcare manager
- Training and development manager
- Sales manager
Earning a master’s degree in organizational development offers career advancement and the opportunity to have more responsibilities than a bachelor’s degree-level employee. A master’s in organizational development is also applicable for senior management positions.
Graduates who earn a Master’s degree in Organizational Development or Leadership can find employment in human resource management, public service management, nonprofit organizational leadership, and healthcare leadership.
What is the Average Salary for Masters in Organizational Development Graduates?
According to PayScale.com, an organizational development manager’s average annual salary is $88,466. So on average, an organizational development manager could earn between $62,000 – $124,000. The difference in wages usually depends on the location and job experience.
How Long Does it Take to Earn a Masters in Organizational Development Degree?
The time taken to earn an online master’s in organizational development degree usually depends on the mode of study. If you are studying full-time (on-campus), you can achieve your master’s degree in two years.
Apart from this, a few accelerated programs could allow you to complete your masters in just 18 months. Online master’s in organizational leadership might take a bit longer, as the students can study at their own pace.
How Much Does a Masters in Organizational Development Degree Cost?
Earning a master’s in organizational development doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. On the contrary, you can choose among various online and affordable options.
Generally, a master’s in organizational development costs from $10,000/year to $20,000/year. A master’s in organization development can cost up to $40,000 to $ 50,000.
