2023 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Organizational Leadership

Kairos University is a private, nonprofit, faith-based institution offering an online Master of Arts in Leadership for students interested in gaining a deeper understanding of faith while developing professional expertise. This online graduate program requires completing 48 credit hours in order to graduate, which may take full-time students approximately two years. The program focuses on the Bible, theology, and church history at its core — in addition to the concentration in Leadership offered by Kairos ministry partners. Partnership program costs are not included in tuition.

Kairos utilizes the Pathwright learning management system (LMS) so its distance learners can access online coursework and instruction. Students in the online Master of Arts in Leadership are required to take courses such as Starting Well, Christian Spirituality, Christian Theology, and Reflection in Community.

Middle Georgia State University (MGA) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Management - Organizational Management for students with business backgrounds who are interested in careers such as nonprofit managers, consultants, and project leaders. MGA considers academic credentials and work experience when applying. This 30-credit program includes 21 credit hours of common core courses and 9 in the Organizational Management concentration. Full-time students may complete this program in approximately two years.

MGA uses the Brightspace LMS for online curriculum delivery. Distance learners in the online master’s in organizational management enroll in courses such as Continuous Process Improvement, Human Resources Management, Project Management, and Decision Sciences. This online graduate program helps prepare students for roles in middle and upper-level management upon graduation.

Buena Vista University (BVU) is a private, nonprofit, Presbyterian faith-based institution offering an online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership interested in developing high-level leadership and strategic planning skills for job advancement. This 30-credit program is offered in an accelerated eight-week format and may be completed in as few as 1.5 years if attending full time.

BVU provides distance learners with access to Canvas so they can participate in online programs. Those enrolled in the online master’s in organizational leadership program take courses such as Leading Across Boundaries, Managing Team Leadership, Leading Organizational Change, and Maximizing Ethical Leadership. Students must also complete either an executive leadership internship or a consulting capstone project before they can graduate.

Wichita State University (WSU) is a public institution offering an online Master of Arts in Arts Leadership and Management for students interested in developing the advanced business skills necessary for leadership roles in nonprofit arts organizations. Graduating requires completing 30 credit hours, which may take two years of full-time attendance. This includes completing 21 credit hours of core courses and 9 advisor-approved elective credits.

WSU delivers its online coursework and instruction via the Blackboard LMS. Courses in the online arts leadership and management program include Public Management of Human Resources, Shaping Arts in the 21st Century, Contemporary Issues in American Arts Programs, and Entrepreneurial Thinking in the Arts. Students must also complete a final project.

The University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh (UWO) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Transnational Human Services Leadership to help prepare students for senior leadership roles and to think in a global context no matter where they work. Those enrolled in this master's program online must complete 30 credit hours, which may take two years if attending full time. Prospective students can apply at any time throughout the school year.

UWO’s online curriculum is delivered via Canvas. Distance learners in the online master’s in transnational human services leadership program participate in courses such as Global Issues in Local Communities, Transnational Fiscal Management, Comparative Trends in Global Human Services Agencies, and Social Marketing in Human Services. Graduating also requires completing Seminar in Community Oriented Human Services Management as a capstone course and project.