Program Overview
Explore the online B.A. in Organizational Leadership program
Enhance your understanding and gain practical leadership skills with the Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership online degree program at NKU. The knowledge and skills you acquire, such as team-building, conflict resolution, ethical decision-making and leading through change, are valuable in almost any industry – including business, public service, non-profit, and more.
In this affordable program, you will examine leadership in various types of organizations and across organizational levels and positions. The B.A. in Organizational Leadership program emphasizes leadership in team and group settings along with developing personal and professional leadership capacities. You will explore the unique role that human behavior plays in building relationships designed for the betterment of individuals, teams, groups, organizations and communities.
Create a degree plan that leverages your unique educational and career backgrounds with access to personalized advising. You may be eligible to earn academic credit through a variety of non-traditional methods, including: Credit for prior learning, Military Credit, internship and co-op opportunities, and credit for workplace courses and trainings approved through the American Council on Education. Plus, special opportunities may exist for students who have stepped out of school for two years or more and are now ready to complete a degree.
Also available through this program are opportunities to enhance your resume through service learning, student philanthropy, student leadership organizations and competitions, and study abroad opportunities.
NKU organizational leadership graduates have worked at top companies such as Proctor and Gamble, Fidelity, Amazon, Cintas, TriHealth, the IRS, UPS, Elizabeth Healthcare and other healthcare facilities.
In this online program, you will learn to:
- Summarize and analyze core leadership principles and challenges across many disciplines
- Describe, evaluate, and apply foundational leadership theory
- Incorporate diversity and ethical decision making into the leadership process
- Become an effective communicator and problem solver
- Appreciate diverse and global perspectives
Potential career outcomes:
- Program Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- Change Management Specialist
- Organizational Analyst
- Learning and Development Manager
- Team Leader (Finance, Logistics, Manufacturing, Retail, and more)
Have questions or need more information about our online programs?
Also available:
Northern Kentucky University offers value in a broad range of online undergraduate programs.
Tuition
Discover the affordable tuition at NKU
Tuition breakdown:
| Program | Per Credit Hour* | University Fee Per Credit Hour** | Total Per Credit Hour** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership | $475 | $16 | $491 |
| With Path to Success Scholarship and Locked-In Tuition* | $275 | $16 | $291 |
Tuition and fees are subject to change at any time.
*The Path to Success Scholarship with Tuition Lock is available to first-time NKU OnlineA students only; existing students may not participate. The Scholarship is comprised of savings off the original price of $475, for a $275 per-credit-hour tuition rate, bringing the total cost to $291 per credit hour, including the activity fee. The Scholarship cannot be combined with any other offer and is not available for the RN to BSN online program. Students who step out of the program for more than a year (thus requiring a new application) will no longer receive the $275 tuition lock; instead, they must pay the tuition or scholarship rate available at the time of new enrollment. Excludes some program-specific fees that will be divided and assessed by credit hour based on the number of hours taken.
Tuition and fees subject to change at any time.
Ranked among the “Top Public Colleges” by Forbes, 2022
Calendar
View our application deadlines and class schedules
With six start dates a year, the B.A. in Organizational Leadership online program is flexible and convenient. View the calendar to find the best start date for you, along with corresponding deadlines. Find the best start for you, then submit your application, registration, documents, and tuition by the corresponding deadlines.
Now Enrolling:
| Session | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 1 | 05/08/2023 | 04/26/2023 | 05/01/2023 | 05/04/2023 | 05/08/2023 | 06/23/2023 |
| Summer 2 | 06/26/2023 | 06/14/2023 | 06/19/2023 | 06/22/2023 | 06/26/2023 | 08/11/2023 |
| Fall 1 | 08/21/2023 | 08/09/2023 | 08/14/2023 | 08/18/2023 | 08/21/2023 | 10/06/2023 |
| Fall 2 | 10/18/2023 | 10/05/2023 | 10/10/2023 | 10/13/2023 | 10/18/2023 | 12/08/2023 |
| Spring 1 | 01/08/2024 | 01/02/2024 | 01/04/2024 | 01/05/2024 | 01/08/2024 | 02/23/202$ |
| Spring 2 | 03/11/2024 | 02/29/2024 | 03/04/2024 | 03/08/2024 | 03/11/2024 | 04/26/2024 |
Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online from Northern Kentucky University?
Admissions
Review these steps to being admitted into our B.A. in Organizational Leadership program
The admission process is the first step toward earning your B.A. in Organizational Leadership online. Please reach out to one of our enrollment specialists for help with any questions you may have. Requirements for admission to this program include:
View full admission requirements
B.A. in Organizational Leadership Online Admission Requirements
Applicants for the B.A. in Organizational Leadership online program are evaluated on a holistic basis and must meet the following requirements:
Transfer Admission
Transfer applicants are students who have graduated from high school and have previously attempted coursework for credit (other than college credits taken while in high school) at another accredited college or university.
Students with a minimum 2.0 GPA from an accredited institution and 24 or more transferable credit hours must submit the following:
- Complete online application and pay $40 non-refundable application fee
- If you are an NKU alumni or active/veteran military member, your application fee will be waived. Simply submit the online application without payment of the application fee. The fee will be waived when your credentials are verified. No further action is required.
- Official transcripts from each college attended
- if applicable, transcripts from accredited Federal Bureau of Prisons or Police Academy program
Students with a minimum 2.0 GPA and fewer than 24 transferable credit hours are evaluated based on the freshman admission standards and must supply the following:
- Complete online application and pay $40 non-refundable application fee
- If you are an NKU alumni or active/veteran military member, your application fee will be waived. Simply submit the online application without payment of the application fee. The fee will be waived when your credentials are verified. No further action is required.
- Official transcripts from each college attended
- if applicable, transcripts from accredited Federal Bureau of Prisons or Police Academy program
- Final and official high school transcript or GED scores
- New transfer students who apply to the University with fewer than 24 college credit hours earned and a 2.75 and greater unweighted high school GPA will be offered admissions regardless of ACT/SAT scores. Please note: Nursing and respiratory care programs require ACT/SAT scores.
- New transfer students with a 2.7499 unweighted high school GPA and less will be required to submit ACT or SAT test scores:
- Required ACT scores:
18 (English, math, reading) - Required SAT scores:
Prior to March 2016: 430 (math, writing); 450 (critical reading)
March 2016 to present: 480 (evidence-based reading and writing); 470 (math)
- Required ACT scores:
Freshman Applicants
A freshman applicant is a prospective student who has not attempted coursework at an accredited college or university (other than college credit earned while in high school or during the summer immediately following high school graduation).
Students who are 21 years or older and have never attended college (other than college credits taken while in high school) must supply:
- Complete online application and pay $40 non-refundable application fee
- If you are an NKU alumni or active/veteran military member, your application fee will be waived. Simply submit the online application without payment of the application fee. The fee will be waived when your credentials are verified. No further action is required.
- Official high school transcripts or GED scores
Students who are under 21 years old and have never attended college (other than college credits taken while in high school) must supply:
- An online application form
- A $40 nonrefundable application fee
- Official high school transcripts or GED scores
- Freshmen applicants must have at least a 2.0 unweighted high school GPA to be considered for admissions.
- Freshman applicants with a 2.75 and greater unweighted high school GPA will be offered admissions regardless of ACT/SAT scores. Please note: Nursing and respiratory care programs require ACT/SAT scores.
- Freshman applicants with a 2.7499 unweighted high school GPA and less will be required to submit ACT or SAT exam scores:
- Required ACT scores:
18 (English, math, reading) - Required SAT scores:
Prior to March 2016: 430 (math, writing); 450 (critical reading)March 2016 to present: 480 (evidence-based reading and writing); 470 (math)
- Required ACT scores:
NKUWrite (English and reading) and ALEKS (math) scores are encouraged for placement. Some courses may require placement testing depending on transfer credit or ACT scores. Our Testing Services office can help you schedule these tests.
Official documents may be mailed or emailed to:
NKU Office of Admissions400 Lucas Administrative Center
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Have a question? Call us at 800-985-7215.
Courses
Take a look at the online B.A. in Organizational Leadership curriculum
In order to earn the B.A. in Organizational Leadership degree online, you must complete a total of 120 credit hours, including 33 core credit hours, 37 general education credit hours, a minimum of up to 12 credit hours towards a secondary area of study (focus or minor), and up to 38 credit hours of free electives. Of the 120 hours, 45 hours must be at the 300-level or higher.
Note: If a student enters the program with fewer than 60 credit hours, you will be required to take 12 hours of foundation courses. Consult with your academic advisor to devise an individual degree plan and to get answers to questions about required and elective courses.
Students must take the following courses:
LDR 300: Foundations of Leadership
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course introduces the fundamental concepts and foundational theories of leadership to facilitate the development of a personal understanding of the nature of leadership. The evolution of leadership theory and research is explored and its implications for understanding leadership as a phenomenon and the practice of leadership. Course encourages the application of learning to analysis of practical leadership problems and examples of leaders from diverse sectors such as business, nonprofit, government, social change, military, science, popular culture, and athletics.
LDR 308: Leadership Development
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on concepts and skills for leadership development. Students examine organizational, leadership, and human development theories with consideration towards application of knowledge and skills towards their personal leadership development and growth. Special focus will be placed on increasing the capacity of the individual to lead and develop others.
LDR 310: Research Methods in Leadership
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Explore theoretical and empirical concepts of research design and analysis for the field of leadership. Students learn to identify and interpret quality research in leadership. Specific focus is placed on scholarly writing, communication, and developing critical analysis and thinking skills to become good consumers of social science research.
LDR 381: Organizational Ethics and Decision Making
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course encourages analysis of the fundamental role of ethics in leadership and decision making. The ethical challenges confronted by leaders and the influence of personal values are examined. The course emphasizes personal ethical development including self-awareness, ethical decision making skills, and understanding diverse perspectives and group decision making.
LDR 382: Organizational Theory and Change
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Contemporary theory on the leadership of organizational change, including best practices for implementing change, and assuring that change will be successful.
LDR 385: Teamwork in Organizations
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on the dynamics of teamwork. Roles and qualities of team leaders and team players will be discussed, along with attributes and behavior of teams. Special focus will be placed on problem solving in a team environment, diverse teams, and virtual teamwork.
LDR 460: Leading in Diverse and Global Contexts
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course will explore leading in both diverse and global environments. Students will gain appreciation for the importance of understanding both domestic diversity and global experiences and viewpoints. This course looks at the multitudes of issues involved in leading in these dynamic contexts by examining concepts such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, ability, gender, identity, prejudice and privilege, worldview, and holism. Upon completion of this course, students will understand issues of intercultural leadership and communication and build their capacities and skills for leading in diverse and global contexts.
LDR 480: Organizational Leadership Capstone
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Culminating learning experience for organizational leadership program. Students investigate and analyze trends and research in leadership and organizational dynamics to refine their understanding of leadership for today’s organizations and prepare for future adaptation. Emphasis on critical and creative thinking, lifelong learning/development for leaders and development and sustainability of organizations. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and LDR 310; restricted to Organizational Leadership majors.
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Social perception and social influences on behavior; attribution, attitudes, attraction, aggression, pro-social behavior, compliance, and small groups. Prerequisite: PSY 100.
Repeatable: No
PSY 344: Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Psychological principles in business and industry; motivation, job satisfaction, leadership and communication theory, organizational structure, performance appraisal, personnel testing and selection, training, workplace design, and work environment. Prerequisite: PSY 100.
All OL Majors choose ONE of the major elective courses listed here as part of the core. Foundation Track students take BOTH elective courses.
LDR 315: Leading People in Organizations
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course discusses the core to every organization-its people. Specific focus on interface between humans and organizations, ethical and legal responsibilities, attracting, developing, and retaining organizational members with competencies for success in global, virtual, diverse, and innovative organizations. Other themes: leader’s role in championing continuous learning/development, forming psychological contracts.
LDR 320: Leading with Emotional Intelligence
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course discusses leadership through the lens of Emotional Intelligence (EI). EI is the capacity to recognize and effectively manage emotions in ourselves and with others. Topics covered include developing effective self and social awareness, and management via EI. Application of EI in the organizational environment.
Students must complete a minor or take 12 credit hours from a declared area of focus outside of LDR courses.
You must take up to 38 credit hours of electives in order to reach the bachelor's degree minimum of 120 credit hours for graduation.
You must take 37 credit hours of general education courses, selected from the following categories.
Note: Some general education courses may be part of the major/minor/focus requirements. If so, those courses may potentially be used to count for both general education and the major/minor/focus. Consult with your academic advisor.
- General Education Courses:
- Communication; Written I (3 credits)
- Communication; Written II (3 credits)
- Communication; Oral (3 credits)
- Scientific and Quantitative Inquiry
- Mathematics and Statistics (3 credits)
- Scientific and Quantitative Inquiry
- Natural Sciences with lab (4 credits)
- Scientific and Quantitative Inquiry
- Natural Sciences without lab (3 credits)
- Self and Society
- Cultural Pluralism (3 credits)
- LDR 180
- Individual and Society (3 credits)
- Self and Society
- Individual and Society (3 credits)
- Culture and Creativity (3 credits)
- Culture and Creativity (3 credits)
- Global Viewpoints (3 credits)
- LDR 160
Students with fewer than 60 credit hours at admission or major declaration must complete the following foundation courses:
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introductory course that focuses on practical leadership applications to ever-changing, real-world situations.
LDR 160: Leadership Around the World
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course will explore the basic theories, trends, and practices for leadership from varying global perspectives. Leadership theories are often taught from a Western perspective. This course discusses these historical Western perspectives, while also introducing students to how leadership is viewed and practiced around the world.
LDR 180: Leading Social and Cultural Change
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course examines foundational theories and practices of leadership used to bring about social and cultural change. Viewed through historical and contemporary lenses, students are introduced to common threads and unique differences of the leadership process involved in social and cultural change on local, national, and global levels.
LDR 205: Human Relations in Organizations
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Explores human relations concepts and promotes intrapersonal and interpersonal skill development for personal and professional growth. Students will gain an understanding of human and organizational behaviors and skills will be built in personal and group communication, conflict resolution, ethical use of power, diversity appreciation, motivation, networking, and structuring values.
Students majoring or minoring in any of the programs offered by the Department of Political Science, Criminal Justice, and Organizational Leadership must earn at least a C- in each course counted as part of their program.
