Master of Organizational Leadership
Excel as a leader in your career and your life with an online master of organizational leadership from Valparaiso University — one of only 25 institutions in the nation currently recognized with the Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose.
About Our Master of Organizational Leadership Program
Develop leadership skills that elevate every part of your life — professionally and personally — through this 100% online organizational leadership degree from Valpo. This interdisciplinary degree in Valpo’s College of Arts and Sciences dives into the latest research in organizational leadership, building your understanding of both the theory and practice of values-based leadership.
Admission to the master of organizational leadership (MOL) program is decided by the following criteria:
- A completed Valparaiso University graduate application.
- Official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate work.
- Current curriculum vitae or resume.
- One letter of recommendation.
- A 1-2 page reflective essay.
Please note: Non-native English speakers must submit proof of English proficiency and a copy of their passport.
In our MOL curriculum, you will explore a range of topics — from key leadership areas to driving innovation and managing organizational change — all rooted in ethics and values. Your degree will prepare you to advance as a leader in your field, equipping you with the essential skills to make an impact at any organization. With this degree, you will be able to:
- Examine the ethical implications of leadership decisions on organizational performance and culture.
- Solve real-world organizational challenges using various theoretical approaches.
- Appraise the importance of context regarding leaders and followers in an organization.
In addition to core leadership courses, you will choose three electives and can explore classes across other graduate programs that interest you, allowing you to customize your education to fit your career goals and background.
| Course | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| CORE | ||
| LEAD 500 | Leadership Theory and Practice | 3 Cr. |
| LEAD 510 | Adaptive Change and Innovation in Leadership | 3 Cr. |
| LEAD 520 | Strategic Leadership | 3 Cr. |
| LEAD 530 | Character, Integrity, and Personal Authenticity | 3 Cr. |
| LEAD 540 | Introduction to Social Research in Leadership | 3 Cr. |
| LEAD 550 | Followership | 3 Cr. |
| LEAD 595 | Organizational Leadership Capstone | 3 Cr. |
| ELECTIVES: Nine credits of elective courses from the options below: | ||
| LEAD 560 | Governmental & Non-Profit Leadership | 3 Cr. |
| LEAD 570 | Organizational Learning & Development | 3 Cr. |
| LEAD 580 | Higher Education Leadership | 3 Cr. |
| OR nine credit hours of other graduate courses, as approved by the program director | ||
| Total | 30 Credits | |
This versatile degree opens the door to career advancement in almost any profession. You will understand how to develop people, inspire teams to reach their full potential, and drive organizations to succeed — valuable skills for every successful leader.
An MOL degree from Valpo empowers you to expand your influence through leadership roles in non-profit organizations, education, public administration, training and development, business and human resources, and more. You will be prepared for career paths such as:
- Chief of staff
- Consultant
- Education administrator
- Entrepreneur
- Human resources leader
- Medical and health services leader
- Non-profit leader
- Operations leader
- Social and community service leader
- Vice president of training and development
This 12-credit certificate provides the opportunity for students enrolled in any Valpo master’s or doctoral program to enhance their degree with values-based leadership expertise.
| Course | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| LEAD 500 | Leadership Theory & Practice | 3 Cr. |
| ELECTIVES: Nine credit hours of master of organizational leadership courses: | ||
| At least three elective courses from the master of organizational leadership curriculum | 9 (3 credits per course) | |
| Total | 12 Credits | |
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Voices of Valpo
Distinguished for Values-Based Leadership
At Valpo, we shape leaders with purpose. We are proud to be one of only 25 universities nationwide selected for the inaugural 2024 Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose.
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