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Learn how to make tough decisions in an uncertain world

The Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program in the College of Business, Communication, and Leadership is a multi-disciplinary, collaborative, and dynamic program. More than assembling a series of skills, leadership graduates develop a series of transferable competencies and, using real-world experience, become “Leaders for Life.” This program prepares professionals to meet the unique leadership challenges of the 21st century and effectively lead teams, groups, and organizations in a complex and dynamic global environment. Students’ leadership skills are sharpened through a systems thinking framework that integrates diverse perspectives, preparing them to collaborate across their organizations and within their communities to critically discuss, analyze, and act on the unique challenges and opportunities of today’s world.


The MAOL program is led by Alicia Sprow, Ph.D., who chairs the Leadership department. Sprow, who holds a Ph.D. in Community Leadership and an M.Ed. in Urban Education from Alvernia, also leads the Office of Institutional Sustainability as associate director of sustainability.


Additional 9-credit post-master’s degree opportunities are available for graduates of the program in the areas of organizational change, sustainability, and corporate leadership. Learn more in the curriculum section.
 

Estimated Program Length2 years
Credit Hours30
Course Length7 weeks
Transfer Credits AcceptedUp to 6
Cost per Credit$900*


*Tuition discount available. Ask for details!

In This Section
Online Programs

Getting Started

Application Instructions

Along with your completed application accompanied by $50 non-refundable application fee, you’ll need to provide a few supporting materials. 

  • Complete your online application through the Graduate Programs application portal.
  • Order your official transcript(s). Request the college or university send transcript(s) to gradandadult@alvernia.edu.
  • Request two professional or academic letters of recommendation.
  • Submit a Personal Statement reflecting on your goals for the program.
  • Submit your Professional Resume.
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher is recommended - submit additional supporting documentation of your potential to succeed if needed.
Financing Your Education

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our financial aid page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.

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Benefits of Learning Online
• A nationally ranked comprehensive regional university, Alvernia offers a growing number of online programs to advance your career or prepare you for a new one.
• Online learning with Alvernia offers a high-quality education at an affordable price, with the flexibility to study at your own pace.
• Alvernia's rolling admissions policy allows you to apply to an online program at any time. The university continually accepts and reviews applications to fit your schedule, with many programs offering starts throughout the year.
• As an Alvernia online student, you’ll have access to an array of resources including our online bookstore, online library and our Office of Career Development.

 


Program Overview

Contact Us

For more information about Alvernia’s Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership contact the Graduate Admissions Office at 610-796-5187 or gradandadult@alvernia.edu. Or reach out directly to Alicia Sprow at 610-790-2883 or alicia.sprow@alvernia.edu.

Curriculum

Course Requirements - 30 credits

Required Interdisciplinary Course (3 credits)

  • COR 520: Ethics and Moral Leadership


Required Organizational Leadership Core (27 credits)

  • LDR 508: Leading Sustainable Change
  • LDR 510: Social Theory
  • LDR 530: Leadership Development
  • LDR 550: Introduction to Research Methods
  • LDR 570: Followership, Groups, & Teams
  • LDR 620: Organizational Leadership Theory
  • LDR 630: Change Leadership in a Global Environment
  • LDR 650: Development & Evaluation of Organizational Programs
  • LDR 670: Applied Organizational Leadership Capstone

 

Students have the option to add one or more of the following badges to their Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership degree:

Organizational Change Badge (9 credits)

  • MBA 675: Strategic Formulation & Implementation
  • PHD 709: Organizational Analysis: Culture, Theory, & Change Strategies
  • PHD 724: Theories in Organizational Structure and Strategic Leadership
     

Sustainability Badge (9 credits)

  • PHD 709: Organizational Analysis: Culture, Theory, & Change Strategies
  • PHD 725: Diversity & Social Justice in Complex and Global Organizations
  • PHD 870: Leadership for Sustainability
     

Corporate Leadership Badge (9 credits)

  • MBA: Choose an elective
  • PHD 812: Leadership & Communication Theories
  • PHD 815: Economic Development of Organizations
Experiential Learning Opportunities
  • Students in the program present at international conferences, publish in peer-reviewed journals and co-author books with faculty mentors.
  • As part of the unique Sustainability Immersion Program, students have the option to participate in a one-week leadership program that immerses them in the community in which the experience is located. Students gain firsthand knowledge of what it takes to successfully collaborate across a community to create real change. This program is regularly run in New Brunswick, Canada.
Accreditation Statements

The Master of Arts in Leadership is accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).


Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Career Outlook

Possible career opportunities for students pursuing the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership include:

  • Corporate, non-profit, and public sector executive and management positions.
  • Entrepreneurship, talent and organizational development leaders, change management leaders, and consultants.


According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay in May 2022 for chief executives was $189,520; for general and operations managers it was $98,100. Moreover, the job outlook is expected to grow at a rate of 3 percent.

 

Get to Know Your Faculty

For more information about Alvernia’s Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program contact the Graduate Admissions Office at 610-796-5187 or gradandadult@alvernia.edu. Or reach out directly to Alicia Sprow at 610-790-2883 or alicia.sprow@alvernia.edu.