Master of science in organizational development and leadership

Graduate Studies

Through a flexible, 100% online program, you'll develop into a valued leader and change-maker in your current (or future) organization. 

Program Overview

Pursue Your ODL Master's Degree to Gain a Competitive Edge in Today's Fast-Paced Job Market

Through 100% online courses, you can graduate with your ODL master's degree in one year or finish at your own pace. Either way, you'll acquire the skills to effectively lead teams in a wide range of organizational settings.

Customize Your ODL Degree with a Specialization

• Human Resources Leadership: Designed for current and future HR professionals, this specialization prepares you for advanced work in a variety of industries, including non-profit, for-profit, health care, education, and government. Your experience will equip you to foster a productive work environment and establish and maintain positive relations with employees. 
• Organizational Equity & Inclusion: Designed for current and future leaders in organizations across multiple industries, including nonprofit, for-profit, health care, education, and government, this specialization equips you to create and sustain a diverse and inclusive workforce. 

Start with a Certificate Program to Gain the Specific Skills You Need to Advance

If you want to follow a more relaxed timeline or don't want to commit to a master's program, you can pursue one of our ODL certificate options. All credits roll into the master's degree—you can even complete the master's degree by combining (or "stacking") certificates and taking a capstone course. Completing the master's program this way will afford you significant savings, as certificate courses cost 50 percent less than master's courses.

• Leadership in Organizations Certificate: Gain leadership skills by examining organizational theories, learning how to address ethical challenges organizations face, and developing persuasive oral and written communication skills. 
• Innovation in Organizations Certificate: Delve deeper into the study of innovative organizations, current issues in organizations, and how to communicate persuasively to ensure change.
• Human Resources Leadership Certificate: Prepare for the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) certification and position yourself to compete in a rapidly growing HR job market.
• Organizational Equity & Inclusion Certificate: Develop advanced skills to meet the growing demand for professionals who can build and execute a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
• Workforce Development in Organizations Certificate: Prepare to increase your knowledge and skills to support organizational initiatives in adult learning, group dynamics, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

Not sure which option is best for you? Our admissions team can customize your educational plan to meet your personal and professional goals. Contact us today to learn more. 

Curriculum & Coursework for Program Options

Find the curriculum & coursework requirements for our two ODL specializations: 

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Total Credits = 30 

If you're not ready to commit to a master's degree, pursue a standalone certificate to take your career to the next level or combine multiple certificates to reach your master's degree at a reduced cost. No matter what program you choose, you'll acquire the skills to become a valued leader in your organization.  

See the curriculum requirements for our 9-credit certificate options:

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After earning each certificate, you can apply your credits to the master's degree in organizational development & leadership. Completing the master's program this way will afford you significant savings, as certificate courses cost 50 percent less than master's courses.

See also Ways to Save on the Master's Degree. 

Admissions Information

Looking for ways to make your master’s degree more affordable? 

• Earn your master's degree by completing 3 organizational development & leadership certificates and roll your credits into the master’s degree, which you'll earn after taking a final capstone course. Entering the master's program this way will afford you significant savings, as certificate courses cost 50 percent less than master's courses.
• Explore tuition remission benefits through your employer.
• Check out our employer partnerships for discounted tuition rates for local organizations and corporations. If you don't see your organization listed, reach out to your HR department to advocate for a partnership.   

Regardless of your situation, our admissions team is prepared to help make your education affordable. We can advise you on financial aid opportunities and payment plan options that will meet your needs. 

Earn a Degree That Adapts to You

No two careers look the same. So why should you enroll in a one-size-fits-all graduate program? At Widener, your degree will adapt to you. Complete your program at your own pace. Take 100% online courses on the day and time that works for you. Choose a master's specialization or pursue a specialized certificate. With guidance from our admissions team, you'll earn a custom-made graduate degree. 

Take Courses That Matter

To move into a supervisory role, you need relevant, meaningful training. That's why we filled our curriculum with practical courses focused on practical outcomes. You will: 

• Hone your ability to manage and lead in various organizational roles
• Learn to communicate across and within units of an organization
• Explore best practices for leading teams and groups
• Apply ethical leadership principles to organizational change
• Prepare to deliver effective employee evaluations and assessments 

Experience Built-in Academic Support

Outside the classroom, you'll work closely with an academic advisor who will guide you in selecting courses that meet your career goals. Inside the classroom, you'll learn from faculty members with advanced degrees in their field. These professors will prioritize your success and help you gain the knowledge, skills, and support network you need to lead a rewarding career.

Faculty

Adjunct Professor

Here at Widener, students aren't expected to come into the program with a plan. With a knowledgeable administration and experienced faculty, we open your mind to what is possible and guide you along your own path to success.

Interim Dean , Graduate & Continuing Studies

As an educator, it is my responsibility to know who my learners are, what kinds of knowledge and experience they bring to the group, and what they want to achieve so that I can tailor a curriculum that fits their needs and yet leaves enough room to accommodate topics that emerge from group discovery. My goal as a ‘teacher of teachers’ is to promote learning that is both purposeful and can be experienced.

Recent News

Related Programs

• Master's of Business Administration: MBA Degree
• MBA in Health Care Management
• MPA Degree: Master's in Public Administration
• Organizational Leadership Certificate

Benefits of Master's Degree

• Ability to earn your MA in as little as one year
• Full- and part-time options available to meet your lifestyle
• Offered 100% online
• Eligible for federal financial aid
• Eligible for tuition remission
• Eligible for employer discounts (see Widener's educational employer partnerships) 

Benefits of Certificate Programs

• Concentrate on a specific area of personal or professional interest
• Offered part time for a more relaxed timeline
• Offered 100% online
• Per credit cost reduced by 50% (see ways to save on the master's degree)
• Eligible for tuition remission
• Eligible for employer discounts (see Widener's educational employer partnerships) 

Your Inside Track to Success

Your Inside Track to Success

Move on, move up, or break through with a degree that prepares you to leads groups, teams, and organizations.

Top Industries

• Health Care
• Education
• Retail & Distribution
• Professional Services
• Financial Services
• Food Service & Hospitality
• Communications & Marketing
• Training & Development

Outlook & Outcomes

Potential Careers

• Organization Development & Training
• Human Resources & Talent Management
• Compensation & Benefits
• Public Relations

More Careers

• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
• Organizational Communications
• Advancement & Development
• Supervisor

Avg. Salary

$109,760

per year (2020 median annual wage) for management occupations

HR Job Prospects

HR leaders ranked 35th out of 800 occupations in the U.S.

Source: SHRM: HR Manager is One of the Most Promising Careers

DEI Opportunities

Employer demand for diversity & inclusion professionals has increased substantially in recent years.

Source: Indeed Hiring Lab

Student Stories

"“Looking at all of the different positions I’ve worked in, I realized having a leadership degree would allow me to do anything I want.""

Naquawna Letman

Class of 2022 and Class of 2023

"I’ve lifted myself up. I went from dropout to summa cum laude. It’s a complete 180."

Kelly Quinn

Class of 2020 and 2022

Is a Masters in organizational leadership worth it?

What can you do with a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership?

What is a Master of Science in organizational development?

How much can you make with a masters in organizational leadership?