The mission of the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) program is to educate current and emerging leaders with a values-based leadership studies framework. In order to provide a context for enhancing the leadership and organizational transformation of our students, we utilize a dialogue learning methodology that is undergirded with a solid foundation in servant leadership principles, theoretical frameworks, and applied research skills.
Why Study Organizational Leadership at Alliance University?
- You’ll have the opportunity to learn in a small cohort-based program with working professionals from diverse cultural, educational, and industry backgrounds.
- AU’s MSOL classes are taught by talented faculty who bring both field experience and academic knowledge to the learning environment.
- Each student is assigned an advisor and receives personalized coaching throughout the entire thesis process.
- Our courses are designed to integrate theoretical and experiential learning with a focus on real world and global issues.
- Our program offers a holistic approach to leadership through the integration of faith and leadership theories and research.
- You’ll have the opportunity to publish your thesis via ProQuest.
Leadership Development
Entrepreneurial Courses
Schedule Flexibility
About the Degree
What Will I Study?
Here are some of the experiences you’ll have as an Organizational Leadership student at Alliance University:
- You’ll develop a self-reflective awareness of your leadership values, skills, and development needs, thereby enhancing your personal leadership potential.
- You’ll learn how to lead from a values-based leadership framework that facilitates human and organizational potential in non-profit, faith-based, business, and community settings.
- You’ll design and conduct an action research thesis with a focus on positive leadership and organizational change.
- Through the experience of designing an expatriate portfolio for an international leadership assignment, you’ll gain a deeper knowledge of leadership through a global lens and learn the requirements for working outside of the US.
Career Opportunities
- Leadership and Organizational Development
- Management-Level Positions
- Sports Management
- Change Management Consulting
Our Graduates
Alliance University’s MSOL graduates have used their degrees and broadened leadership perspectives to advance their careers in nonprofit, faith-based government and businesses. In addition, some of our students have chosen to continue their education and enrolled in doctoral programs in business, psychology, and other fields.
Please Note: The Master’s of Science in Organizational Leadership degree does not lead to NYS certification as a school building administrator, district administrator or supervisor. There is no inter-state reciprocity for the MSOL degree and any instructional or supervisory certificate for school systems.
Onsite FAQ
Is the MSOL Program designed for me?
The MSOL program is designed for those who seek to strengthen their leadership capabilities in non-profit, faith based, business or community organizations. Motivated individuals seeking to complete a graduate degree in a 12-month period will appreciate the evening/online courses and the rigorous nature of the program.
What does the program offer?
- Ten courses and three thesis seminar sessions (33 credits or intense study) that integrate theoretical and practical knowledge.
- A values-based leadership model that provides a framework for students as they seek to refine their critical thinking and applied research skills.
- The opportunity to design and complete an action research study that contributes to positive leadership and organizational change.
- Tools and processes that enable students to critique their leadership values and skills and to develop their leadership potential.
Where are classes held?
- New York City
- Online
When are classes offered?
- 4-hour weekday evening classes are offered twice a week in New York City.
- Courses are offered consecutively and students completing all requirements will graduate in one year.
How do I apply, enroll, and pay for the program?
- Admissions Counselors are available to guide you through the application process. Attend an incoming Information Session, or call (800-876-9225) to speak with an Admissions Counselor.
- Students enrolled in this program are eligible for Financial Aid.
- Once the admissions/payment process is completed, students are automatically registered in the appropriate courses and assigned to cohort groups that remain together throughout the program. Cohorts begin in January and September of each year.
Online Program
MSOL Mission Statement
The mission of the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) is to educate current or emerging leaders with a values-based leadership studies program, using a dialogue learning methodology, undergirded with a solid foundation in servant leadership principles, theoretical frameworks, and applied research skills, that provide a context for enhancing leadership and organizational transformation
Program Highlights
- Fully online: Designed specifically for current or emerging leaders who want a flexible schedule while earning their degree
- 12 month degree : 33 credits
- Cohort based model: small group learning environments with a maximum of 20 students
- Courses and Sequences; courses are primarily synchronous and other assignments are a synchronous
- Program Start Dates: Fall (September), Spring (January)
Learning Objectives:
Upon Completion of the MSOL program, students will be able to:
- Engage in a self-reflective awareness of one’s leadership values, skills, and development needs to enhance personal leadership potential
- Understand how to embody and lead from a values-based leadership framework that facilitates human and organizational potential in non-profit, faith-based, business or community settings.
- Design and conduct an action research thesis with a focus on positive leadership and organizational change
- Deepen knowledge of leadership through a global lenses and increase awareness of requirements to work outside the US, through designing an expatriate portfolio for an international leadership assignment
Benefits of the MSOL Online Degree Program
- Opportunity to learn in a small cohort based program, with working professionals from diverse country, educational and industry backgrounds
- Classes are taught by talented faculty who bring both field experience and academic knowledge to the learning environment
- Each student is assigned an advisor and receives personalized coaching throughout the entire thesis process
- Courses are designed to integrate theoretical and experiential learning, with a focus on real world and global issues
- Program offers holistic approach to leadership, through an integration of faith with theories and research on leadership
- Opportunity to publish thesis, in Proquest
- Convenience and flexibility of taking classes, while working or traveling
Online FAQ
When does the online week commence and conclude?
The online week commences on Tuesday at 12:01am ET and concludes on the following Monday at 11:59pm ET.
What is the duration of each course?
Fall, Spring, or Summer
- LDG 640 Foundations of Organizational Leadership Research (3)
- LDG650 Ethical Leadership (3)
- LDG 660 Principles of Research Methods (3)
- LDG 670 Thesis Seminar (1)
- LDG 799 Thesis Completion (3)
Spring, Summer or Fall
- LDG 680 Global Leadership and Diversity (3)
- LDG 690 Organizational Communication and Leadership (3)
- LDG 700 Organizational Culture and Team Building (3)
- LDG 710 Thesis Seminar II (1)
- LDG 799 Thesis Completion (3)
Fall, Spring or Summer
- LDG 720 Organizational Redesign and Innovation (3)
- LDG 730 Transformational Leadership (3)
- LDG 750 Thesis Seminar III (1)
- LDG 799 Thesis Completion (3)
Do I have to be online within a specific timeframe?
Online courses do not meet at a certain time in a given day, apart from the weekly “Live Synchronous” session (which is taped for future viewing), but rather the course spans over a five week period. Like any type of course, there are due dates for assignments, projects, discussions, etc. In the online community, assignments must simply be posted by their due dates.
How does online education differ from traditional classroom education?
All of the elements necessary for a MSOL education are present in the online format: instruction from faculty who are experienced in their field (both academically and professionally), challenging assignments, lectures and discussions. In online education each traditional activity has an appropriate counterpart. Instead of the traditional classroom format, online students watch video clips, YouTube links, etc., as well as power point presentations of the lecture material. Instead of handing in paper assignments, students submit their papers electronically and receive feedback and grades online. Rather than talking with fellow students on campus before and after class, online students participate in asynchronous discussion forums.
What does the online week look like?
Each course is five weeks in duration, each week commencing on Tuesday at 12:01am ET and concluding on the following Monday at 11:59pm ET, during which students are assigned a series of tasks to accomplish before the end of each week. These tasks include readings, lectures via power point presentations, video clips, YouTube links, etc., the completion and posting of assignments, participation in three graded asynchronous discussion forums with one another and with the professor, a weekly “Live Synchronous” session with the professor, as well as the possibility of weekly quizzes, a final examination, or course project.
What if I am out of town, on vacation, or unavailable while the class is in session?
f you have a laptop, or can get online, class can always be in session. That is the flexibility of online education. If you have to be away from your computer, keep in mind that online courses do not meet at a certain time in a given day, apart from the weekly “Live Synchronous” session (which is taped for future viewing), but rather the course spans over a five week period. Like any type of course, there are due dates for assignments, projects, discussions, etc. In the online community, assignments must simply be posted by their due dates. Hence, if someone knows they will be out of town when a particular assignment is due, the work must be completed early and posted accordingly. Special arrangements or emergencies are handled with the assigned professor.

Testimonials
Meet Key Faculty

Dr. Anita Underwood
Dean of School of Business & Leadership
Anita.Underwood@allianceu.eduView Profile