Program Overview
The Master of Science in Organizational Leadership at the University of Kansas is a specialized graduate program designed to equip military students with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead and manage organizations effectively. Designed for individuals seeking advanced leadership preparation, this master’s in organizational leadership emphasizes strategic leadership, ethical decision-making, organizational effectiveness, and the development of high-performance teams. Graduates are prepared to navigate complex organizational environments and advance into leadership roles across public, private, nonprofit, and military-affiliated organizations.
The master’s in organizational leadership program is uniquely offered at KU’s Leavenworth campus for members of the military community. The curriculum is structured to be completed in two semesters through a lockstep format, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive educational experience. Students receive six hours of graduate credit for academic work completed at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, allowing participants to integrate advanced military leadership training with graduate-level business and leadership education.
The organizational leadership curriculum blends theory and application to help students strengthen leadership capacity while addressing real organizational challenges. Coursework emphasizes leadership effectiveness at the individual, team, and organizational levels, preparing students to influence decision-making, manage change, and align people with strategic objectives.
Program Features
- Interdisciplinary approach: The program integrates concepts from business, psychology, and sociology to provide a comprehensive understanding of leadership behavior and organizational systems.
- Practical application: Emphasis is placed on applying leadership theory to real-world organizational challenges through case analysis, projects, and simulations.
- Leadership development: Students refine their leadership philosophy, enhance communication and decision-making skills, and develop strategies for building and sustaining effective teams.
- Ethical and strategic focus: Coursework reinforces ethical leadership, responsible decision-making, and long-term organizational sustainability.
Through this master’s degree in organizational leadership, students gain the analytical and interpersonal skills needed to lead diverse teams, guide organizational change, and contribute meaningfully to organizational success.
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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Organizational Leadership, MSKU School of Business
The Master’s in Organizational Leadership is part of the School of Business, which advances business knowledge and prepares students to be leaders in business and society.Master’s in Organizational Leadership Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the master’s in organizational leadership program will excel in:
- Leadership: Exhibit effective leadership behaviors in diverse organizational settings.
- Strategic Thinking: Develop, evaluate, and implement strategies that support organizational goals and performance.
- Ethical Judgment: Apply ethical reasoning and professional standards to complex leadership decisions.
- Communication: Communicate clearly and persuasively with stakeholders at all organizational levels.
- Change Management: Lead and manage organizational change initiatives by assessing organizational dynamics and aligning people, processes, and strategy.
These learning outcomes reflect the program’s focus on applied leadership, ethical responsibility, and organizational effectiveness.
What Careers Are Possible with a Master’s in Organizational Leadership?
Graduates with a master’s degree in organizational leadership from KU are prepared for leadership and management roles across a wide range of industries. This master’s in organizational leadership builds skills that are transferable across sectors, allowing graduates to pursue careers in business, healthcare, government, nonprofit organizations, and the military.
Potential career paths include:
- Human Resources Manager: Overseeing recruitment, training, and employee relations.
- Management Analyst: Evaluating organizational processes to improve efficiency.
- Healthcare Administrator: Managing operations within healthcare facilities.
- Non-Profit Executive Director: Leading non-profit organizations to achieve their missions.
- Corporate Trainer: Developing and implementing employee training programs.
According to Lightcast, employment for graduates with a master’s in organizational leadership background is projected to grow by 9% over the next 10 years, with current median compensation of approximately $116,000 per year nationally.
Tuition and Financial Aid
KU is committed to making education affordable. The Financial Aid & Scholarships office provides resources to help students understand tuition costs and explore financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans.
To learn more about tuition, fees, and financial aid options, please visit KU Financial Aid.
Admission Requirements
Prospective students must meet the following criteria for admission into the master’s in organizational leadership program:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree including official transcripts
- 1-2 page personal statement
- Current resume/CV (non-military students) OR copy of Soldier Talent Profile (STP) or equivalent (military students)
- GMAT (preferred) or GRE scores
For more information on the application process, please visit the School of Business.
Student Life and Learning Experiences
The master’s in organizational leadership program emphasizes experiential and applied learning, providing students with opportunities to engage in leadership development beyond the classroom.
Learning experiences include:
- Capstone projects: Students analyze and address real organizational challenges through comprehensive, applied projects.
- Leadership simulations: Interactive simulations allow students to practice decision-making, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.
- Workshops and seminars: Faculty- and expert-led sessions explore contemporary leadership topics, organizational change, and ethical leadership.
Master’s in Organizational Leadership Sample Courses
The master’s in organizational leadership curriculum includes coursework designed to strengthen leadership effectiveness and organizational insight. Sample courses include:
- Accounting
- Statistics
- Managing People
- Managing Strategic Direction and Change
- Developing Effective Management and Team Skills
- Ethical Decision Making in Business
For more information on courses and program requirements, please refer to the KU Catalog.
Master’s in Organizational Leadership Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications are open and accepted on a rolling basis.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in two years.