How Youshi Patel Overcame His Fear of Failing and Earned an MBA
Business | 2min Read
Organizational Leadership Online Degree Concentration Within the BS in Business Administration Program
You're viewing a Program Concentration
Total courses 5 (of 40)
Term length 8 weeks
Concentration Overview Why focus on organizational leadership?
As part of your bachelor's in business administration program, a concentration allows you to focus your studies in a particular area. Southern New Hampshire University's Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Leadership explores how leaders help businesses of all sizes navigate change through data-driven decision-making. You’ll learn how to set strategic goals and motivate individuals to achieve them, helping organizations adapt and prepare for the future.
Skills you’ll learn:
- Change management
- Management principles
- Leadership approaches
- Data-based decision-making
- Communication techniques
- Development of business solutions
Courses & Curriculum Career-focused organizational leadership courses
Our BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Leadership program is designed to teach you how to apply management theory to real-world situations. Throughout the curriculum, you’ll study organizational structure, group dynamics and management theories that influence leadership roles, while gaining a global perspective. Your coursework will also examine the role leaders play within organizations, the leadership development process and different leadership styles while helping you build new skills to add to your management toolbox.
Your 5-course organizational leadership concentration explained
Your entire BS in Business Administration program consists of 40 courses (120 credits). This includes general education courses (42 credits), major courses (30 credits), major elective courses (15 credits) and other elective courses (33 credits). If you choose this concentration, you'll take 5 specific courses all related to organizational leadership to meet the 15-credit major electives requirement.
Courses may include:
Business Law II
Course ID:
BUS 307
The study begun in Business Law I continues as the topics of commercial paper, real and personal property, creditors' rights and bankruptcy, agency, business organizations, estate planning and government regulation of business are explored.
Principles of Management
Course ID:
OL 215
This course is designed to examine the fundamentals and principles of management in order to develop an understanding of management in any formal organization. Special attention is paid to planning and decision-making. International management is also covered. Writing Intensive Course.
Managing Organizational Change
Course ID:
OL 322
This course focuses on the effective management of human resources during the process of change. It emphasizes change management as a tool for survival, growth, increased productivity and conflict management in the complex and volatile business environment of today and the future. Change in an international environment also is discussed. Team intensive course.
Managing Quality
Course ID:
OL 324
Students study total quality management (TQM), which is crucial to efficient resource allocation and effective human resource management. Major factors affecting quality and strategies for effective total quality management are covered through the use of contemporary texts, reading, cases, exercises and simulations. International considerations also are studied. Team intensive course.
Social Environment of Business
Course ID:
OL 326
This course examines the interrelationships among business, government and society and how these relationships evolve over time and shape our world. Through the use of readings, cases, and class discussions, students will examine a variety of important topics impacting the global business environment, including business power, corporate social responsibility, business ethics, regulation, multinational corporations, globalization, pollution and environmental quality. A key focus is on the historical origins of the tensions amongst wealth, virtue, and business and society in developed and developing nations and economies.
Leadership
Course ID:
OL 328
This course examines leadership as an inter-personal and intra-organizational phenomenon with an emphasis on student leadership development. It includes leadership assessment, leadership development, the leadership process, the contagious nature of leadership, leadership and productivity, motivation, and effective leadership styles and theories. An international perspective is included. Current readings, research, simulations and exercises are used. Team intensive course.
Visit the course catalog to view the full BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Leadership curriculum.
The Commons: SNHU’s gen ed program
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Courses may include:
Cultural Awareness and Online Learning
Course ID:
IDS 105
This course introduces students to the skills relevant to university learning, and the foundational knowledge and values of intercultural fluency needed to understand and effectively navigate the complexities of contemporary society. Students will examine the various factors that influence an individual's perception of justice and the impacts that cultural and social diversity have on collaboration and communication processes. Through the application of interpersonal communication strategies, students will also learn to navigate various interpersonal conflict situations.
Self, Society, and the Humanities
Course ID:
HUM 102
In this course, students explore the interaction between individuals and society as a framework for understanding cultural inquiry. Through the examination of the scientific, creative, cultural, and historical humanities, students develop a practice of reflexivity to describe conceptions of self, others, and systems and their interconnectedness.
Foundations of Written Communication
Course ID:
ENG 130
This course focuses on written communication and writing practice. Students will gain the critical reading and information literacy related skills vital to academic and workplace success. Students will explore methods to analyze, summarize, and evaluate written works to isolate key ideas and information. Students will examine how to adapt the writing process to a variety of writing situations and present their own perspectives in written form.
Mathematical Reasoning for Modern Problem-Solving
Course ID:
MAT 126
In this course, students learn about the use of mathematical reasoning and the practical application of quantitative techniques to inform their decision-making process. Students will develop the skills to critically examine elements of a problem they might face in their day-to-day personal and professional lives, solve for various outcomes using quantitative techniques, and make informed decisions.
Ethics in Global Society
Course ID:
PHL 218
In this course, students explore various ethical frameworks from a cultural and global perspective. Students examine the ways that ethics influence actions, decisions, and perceptions. Furthermore, students develop associated skills related to critical thinking, such as awareness of bias, to analyze issues from an ethical standpoint.
STEM Principles and Problem-Solving
Course ID:
SCI 260
In this course, students learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) methodologies to a wide variety of contemporary issues and complex challenges within society to obtain knowledge and use that knowledge to develop recommendations and propose solutions. Students will leverage a scientific mindset to gather information, analyze data, and communicate information in varying ways based on their intended audience.
Social Issues and Decision-Making
Course ID:
SCS 260
In this course, students use social science methodologies to analyze various sociocultural issues and their impacts on society. In their exploration of the concept of society and how it manifests in different cultures, students learn to contextualize themselves within society, examine the relationship between the individual and society, and analyze the ethical implications of decision-making related to contemporary social issues.
Minimum Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i7 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7 5000 series
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Laptop GPU) or AMD Radeon RX 6750M+
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (32GB recommended for multitasking and creative work)
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (1TB recommended for longevity)
- Display: 15.6” FHD (1920x1080), 60Hz+ (QHD optional for creative/visual work)
- OS: Windows 11 Home or Pro
- Internet/bandwidth: 5Mbps download, 1Mbps upload and less than 100ms latency
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Where to purchase: You may purchase any computer brand you wish from any location/reseller, relying on the minimum specs provided to ensure the acquisition of an appropriate machine. We recommend asking your preferred vendor if they offer a student discount, since many do.
- Mac users: You must verify your machine offers comparable specs.
- Devices that don’t meet minimum requirements: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device.
- Microsoft Office software: Office 365 is available to all students for free. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion.
- Antivirus software: This is strongly recommended for online students. Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Licensure & Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: June 29, 2026 | August 31, 2026
Next term starts:
May 4, 2026
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.4% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2025 survey with 8,718 respondents.
What to expect:
8-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
Learn from faculty with real-world experience
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll learn from industry-experienced instructors who are ready to share what they've learned on the job.
Featured Faculty
Dr. Linda Ellington
Dr. Ellington has published a strategic leadership book, as well as more than 20 referenced book chapters and journal articles. These publications address leadership and teaching in higher education, as well as strategic leadership and critical thinking within various fields, such as higher education, business and health organizations.
Position
Associate Dean of Business
Joined SNHU
2014
Education
- Advanced Studies in Higher Education Leadership at the University of Oxford, UK and the University of Warwick
- EdD in Educational Leadership at Florida Atlantic University
- Graduate Certification in Online Curriculum Design and Development at Florida State University
Dr. Michelle Caron
Dr. Michelle Caron has more than 20 years of experience developing and teaching business, education and STEM programs in traditional, hybrid and online settings across academic, government and private-sector organizations. She's also held leadership roles at two Fortune 500 companies in the transportation and retail industries. An international visiting professor, author and consultant, Caron publishes and presents on topics including globalization in education, labor markets, corporate governance and student engagement. She's a member of the Academy of International Business and New Hampshire Women in Higher Education Leadership.
Position
Associate Dean
Joined SNHU
2005
Education
- PhD in International Business and MS in Business Education from Southern New Hampshire University
What SNHU faculty members are saying
Hear from more SNHU instructors about the organizational leadership degree concentration.
“The organizational leadership concentration in business administration provides opportunity to enhance leadership skills and recommend solutions related to achieving organizational goals, developing individuals and teams, change management and supporting quality initiatives.”
Dr. Linda Ellington, Associate Dean of Business
“There is always going to be a need for skilled organizational leaders – today, tomorrow and afterward. Organizations will always embrace someone who can bring a vision, especially one of growth and sustainability. That’s a trend I don’t ever see going away."
Deborah Gogliettino, Associate Dean of Business Programs
“You have to be people-oriented. Organizational leadership is about leading and managing individuals toward achieving a strategic organizational goal. So, an organizational leader is a change agent, someone who sees the big picture but also understands the processes or steps to make change happen.”
Dr. Lowell (Chris) Matthews, Associate Professor of Organizational Leadership
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 250,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online undergraduate tuition
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$342
$1,026
$41,040
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$250
$750
$30,000
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$10,260 $15,390 $20,520 $25,650 $30,780If 30 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $30,780
If 45 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $25,650
If 60 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $20,520
If 75 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $15,390
If 90 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $10,260
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Transfer your credits
Transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Apply for financial aid
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Military discounts and credit
Earn credits in leadership, technology and more – while taking advantage of tuition discounts for active-duty service members and spouses.
Explore scholarships
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Earn credit for exams and certificates
Bring in credits from popular options like CLEP, Sophia Learning, Google and other common credit for prior learning (CPL) experiences.
Tuition Reimbursement
Learn how you can save money with tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Benefit from your employer
Take advantage of an online tuition discount through your organization’s partnership with SNHU. Check with your employer to see if your organization partners with us and if you’re eligible for additional tuition savings and partner education benefits.
Career Outlook What can I do with my concentration in organizational leadership?
Leadership skills are essential to business success and valued across many industries. Whether you’re starting a leadership-focused career or continuing to grow in your current role, a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Leadership can help you build the knowledge and skills to support teams and organizations. This experience can be especially valuable as industries evolve and organizations look for leaders who can guide others through change.
Occupations
With a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Leadership degree, you could be one step closer to leading a team toward a common business goal. Some potential roles for graduates are:
Sales Manager
Direct an organization’s sales teams. Set sales goals, analyze data and develop training programs for sales representatives.
Public Relations Manager
Oversee communications for a company to enhance their public image. Prepare press releases, media reports and marketing materials.
Human Resources Manager
Plan and coordinate an organization's administrative functions. Oversee the hiring of new staff and consult with executives on strategic planning.
Administrative Services and Facilities Managers
Drive initiatives that help an organization run efficiently, like supervising staff, coordinating activities and monitoring facilities.
Industrial Production Managers
Oversee daily operations of manufacturing and related plants. Decide how to best use resources to meet production timelines and goals.
Training and Development Specialist
Assess the training needs of employees, then plan and administer lessons that help improve the skills and knowledge of those who participate.
6%
Expected growth nationally for training and development managers through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 1
$125,040
Median annual wage nationally of training and development managers in 2023, according to the BLS. 1 Statistic not based on wage data for SNHU graduates.
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
I have always loved the idea of becoming a director in a large organization. Making strategic and crucial decisions for the organization has always been something I've been interested in. This program exceeded my expectations by fully preparing me to take on the next step in my career.
Rachel McCulloch '19 '21
Frequently Asked Questions
What is organizational leadership?
Organizational leadership is a management approach. In this approach, leaders set strategic goals for an organization and work with individuals to carry out assignments that work toward those goals.
With a career in organizational leadership, you’ll do more than lead the day-to-day operations of a team or department. You can act as a change agent to help influence the future of an organization.
Organizational leadership combines an understanding of the business world with an understanding of people. You'll learn how to motivate people to work toward a common goal.
The business landscape is shifting rapidly. Organizations are looking for leaders who can help them respond to industry and workforce changes. With a job in organizational leadership, you could find work across many fields. These fields include corporate environments, nonprofit organizations and government agencies.
Learn more about what organizational leadership is.
What is a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Leadership?
A BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Leadership degree offers a unique combination of business knowledge and management skills. It can help you prepare to lead an organization through a changing business landscape.
“If your goal is to influence people and impact the organization at the highest level possible, then you want to learn about organizational leadership,” said Deborah Gogliettino, faculty lead for human resources at SNHU.
In SNHU's program, you'll complete general education and core business courses, supplemented by management and leadership classes.
Core business courses explore topics like:
- Accounting
- Business law
- Finance
- Marketing
- Human relations
- Strategic management
- Operations management
General education courses can help you develop key career skills. These include critical thinking, problem-solving, analysis and communication.
Organizational leadership courses online will explore leadership skills, group dynamics, organizational structure, change management and more. You'll learn how to think strategically, identify future innovations and opportunities and develop leadership potential in others.
As you advance your career, you may even want to consider investing in your education again, as well. SNHU offers an MS in Organizational Leadership and an MBA in Leadership — among many other career-focused graduate degrees that can help take you further.
Is a degree in business administration with a concentration in organizational leadership worth it?
If you’re interested in shaping the future of an organization, a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Leadership could be a good educational fit. SNHU's program provides a foundation in management principles, helping you develop skills that can be applied across a variety of roles and are in demand in many industries.
According to the BLS, jobs for management occupations are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2032.1 Training and development specialists, who play a key role in the growth and retention of an organization’s workforce, will see 6% job growth over the same time period.1 Administrative services and facilities managers, who oversee the overall function and success of a department or organization, are projected to see 5% job growth by 2032.1
What can you do with a degree in business administration with a concentration in leadership?
A BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Leadership is a versatile credential, because it can be applied to just about any field. The business landscape continues to evolve and companies across many industries are looking for leaders with experience in organizational change management, including:
- Public and private sectors
- For-profit and not-for-profit realms
- Centralized and decentralized institutions
- New startups and global conglomerates
A bachelor's in business administration with a concentration in organizational leadership degree offers a unique combination of business and leadership skills. With these skills, you may have the opportunity to work in roles such as:
- Administrative services manager
- Advertising, promotions and marketing manager
- Compensation and benefits manager
- Financial manager
- Human resources manager
- Industrial production manager
- Operations and supply chain manager
- Public relations and fundraising manager
- Training and development manager
- General and operations manager
No matter your interests, developing leadership skills can prepare you to contribute to a team’s success or support an organization in reaching its goals.
What is a concentration?
At colleges and universities, a concentration is a focused area of study within a larger degree program. A concentration generally replaces elective coursework in the major or discipline, allowing students to focus their studies on an area of interest.
Related Articles
Scott Jackson Earned a Master’s Degree and Thinks You Should, Too
Business | 3min Read
For Jazzmen Shipp, Earning a Degree Changed Everything
Business | 2min Read
Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/ (viewed April 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/administrative-services-managers.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/training-and-development-managers.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)
Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.