Develop Leadership Skills You Need
The online bachelors of organizational leadership degree is perfect for working adults with some previous college coursework. Students just beginning their academic journey will also appreciate the flexibility of this online program. Choose the concentration that you have the most interest in, business, communications, or urban studies. Complete your degree even faster with our credit for life experience program (Assessment and Accreditation of Prior Learning Experience AAPLE) available for those in the urban studies concentration. Online courses enhance your ability to balance life, work and school.
Time to Complete
Degree completion time will vary based on previous coursework or enrollment in credit for life experience
Credits
120 credit hours total for undergraduate degree - may vary based on previous coursework or credit for life experience - determined upon review of transcripts and experience
Cost
Current CSU Undergraduate tuition costs can be found on the Bursar's website - Credit for life experience is currently billed at $75 per credit hour received
Program Highlights
The online bachelors degree in organizational leadership at Cleveland State University affords you the flexibility to work from home on your classes at your convenience . The program prepares students for leadership in the private, nonprofit, or public sectors in a variety of roles.
- Online, with option for in person or synchronous learning
- Flexibility in focus with concentrations in business, communication and urban studies to choose from
- Ability to use appropriate life experience for some course credit
- Internship opportunities in a variety of placements are available
Admissions Requirements
All students applying to the BA in Organizational Leadership must also apply for regular admission to CSU.
Courses
Year 1
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ASC 101 | Introduction to University Life | 1 Credits |
| ENG 101 | College Writing I | 3 Credits |
| UST 200 | Introduction to Urban Studies | 3 Credits |
| UST 289 | Physical Geography | 3 Credits |
| UST 250/other | Arts & Humanities Elective | 3 Credits |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 102 | College Writing II | 3 Credits |
| MTH 116 | Foundations of Quantitative Literacy | 3 Credits |
| Elective | Arts & Humanities Elective (not UST) | 3 Credits |
| BIO 102/BIO106 + BIO 107 | Biology and Lab | 4 Credits |
| Elective | General Elective | 3 Credits |
Year 2
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| UST 202 or UST 302 | African American Experience | 3 Credits |
| UST 206/Elective | Social Science | 3 Credits |
| Elective | Foreign Language/General Elective | 3 Credits |
| Elective | General Elective | 3 Credits |
| Elective | General Elective | 3 Credits |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Elective | Social Science Elective (not UST) | 3 Credits |
| Elective | Foreign Language/General Elective | 3 Credits |
| Elective | General Elective | 3 Credits |
| Elective | General Elective | 3 Credits |
| Elective | General Elective | 3 Credits |
Year 3
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| UST 404 | Urban Data Analysis | 4 Credits |
| MGT 321 | Organizational Behavior | 3 Credits |
| UST 453 | Managing Urban Diversity | 3 Credits |
| Elective | OL Major Track Elective | 3 Credits |
| Elective | General Elective | 3 Credits |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| UST 405 | Methods of Research & Evaluation | 3 Credits |
| COM 341 | Group Process/Decision Making | 3 Credits |
| MGT 340 | Human Resource Management | 3 Credits |
| Elective | OL Major Track Elective | 3 Credits |
| Elective | General Elective | 3 Credits |
Year 4
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| UST 458 | Urban Policy Analysis | 3 Credits |
| Elective | OL Major Track Elective | 3 Credits |
| Elective | OL Major Track Elective | 3 Credits |
| Elective | General Elective | 3 Credits |
| Elective | General Elective | 3 Credits |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COM 448 | Managing Organizational Teams | 3 Credits |
| UST 490 | Urban Internship | 4 Credits |
| Elective | OL Major Track Elective | 3 Credits |
| Elective | WAC or General Elective | 3 Credits |
| Elective | General Elective | 3 Credits |
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition and financial aid for CSU programs are kept competitive so you can receive the education you deserve. Tuition for online programs and courses follows the same fee structure as traditional, on-campus programs and courses. Current CSU Undergraduate tuition costs can be found on the Bursar’s website.
Approximately 70% of CSU’s students receive some form of financial assistance. The University participates in or administers all the major federal and state grant and loan programs. In addition, CSU provides University grants and scholarships.
To begin the financial aid process, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You must file a FAFSA every year after January 1st to receive your financial aid. Cleveland State University’s financial aid school code is 003032.
If you have any questions, visit the Financial Aid section of CSU’s website, or contact the Financial Aid office.
Faculty
The faculty in Organizational Leadership includes practitioners with in the field who have the hands-on experience to enhance your academic learning and help you to graduate with the knowledge to make you successful. Our faculty work to engage with you not only in class but through one on one discussions as well to help you succeed!
For more information on individual CSU faculty, see Cleveland State University Faculty Profile index.
Career Outcomes
Today’s leaders need to be prepared to deal with a diverse workforce as organizations expand and grow. Organizations also have become more complex and the ability to lead is a critical skill for organizational success.
Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs graduates are employed in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Many of our graduates pursue careers in:
- Program Development
- Director of Administration
- Project Director
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Communications Officer
- Community Engagement Manager
FAQs
What is the best concentration for me to do?
Contact the Public Affairs Student Services Center at 216.687.3884 or orgleadonline@csuohio.edu.
Is Financial Aid or Scholarships available?
Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours (part-time student status) and meet all other compliance requirements to qualify for Financial Aid. For additional information about financial aid, as well as a step-by-step guide to completing the FAFSA, visit CSU's financial aid website.
The School of Urban Affairs also offers scholarships. See the School website for more details. We encourage students to also apply to outside sources as well.
I have some prior college and am working. How quickly can I complete the program?
Program completion will be determined by the number of college credits you might have. Contact the Public Affairs Student Services Center at 216.687.3884 or orgleadonline@csuohio.edu once transcript evaluation is done.
We also will review your prior work experience to see if you qualify for the AAPLE (credit for life experience program) which can shorten the time to complete the program.