Top 10 Organizational Leadership Certificate Online Programs | Undergrad & Graduate Certificates of 2024

Are you a strategic thinker? Do you want to nurture and expand your leadership potential within your industry? If so, earning an organizational leadership certificate online might be right up your alley.

One of the best things about this certificate is how widely applicable it is. You can apply it to any industry or career track. It sets you on a path towards the highest-level jobs in your field by teaching decision-making skills, strategic thinking, team building, and overall leadership principles.

Many students who pursue this certificate will have already earned their undergraduate degree. That being said, there are also some amazing undergraduate certificates available to high school graduates who are looking to advance their careers.

Read on and we’ll get into more details about all of this. We’ll also give you the inside scoop about the best programs for the best prices!

Article Navigation: Certificate Programs—Organizational Leadership Course Online | Organizational Leadership Certificate Online—Overview | The Best Executive Certificate Programs Under $3,100—Undergrad | Top 5 Cheapest Graduate Certificate Organizational Leadership Programs Online | What Can I Do with Organizational Management Training Online? | Find Your Organizational Leadership Certificate Online with GetEducated

Certificate Programs—Organizational Leadership Course Online

Organizational Leadership certificate programs are fairly short in comparison to a full degree. These programs range from around 9 credits minimum to around 18 credit hours maximum, with classes typically lasting 5-8 weeks each. Most students will earn their certificate in well under a year.

All of our featured programs are 100% online with zero in-person requirements. Most programs are also self-paced. Though there are sure to be exceptions to every rule, this kind of structure is typical for all online programs in organizational leadership training.

Accreditation for business schools works a couple of different ways. The AACSB is the most common accrediting body for business schools. They generally accredit entire institutions rather than specific programs. Therefore, any program within an AACSB-accredited school would, by default, be an accredited program. Another organization—the ACBSP—can accredit specific business school certificate programs at both the undergrad and graduate levels.

Organizational Leadership Certificate Online—Overview

Undergraduate Certificates

Undergraduate certificate programs in organizational leadership are geared toward high school graduates who have not yet earned an undergrad degree. These are not full degrees, but concentrated 9-15 credit programs that teach students leadership skills. Course difficulty for undergrad certificates will be commensurate with coursework difficulty for a bachelor’s degree.

While a college certification in organizational leadership could be beneficial to any high school grad, let’s talk about who could benefit the most.

This program would be a wonderful fit if you are already in an industry that you love but want to climb the ranks into management. In this situation, it might not be necessary to complete a full degree-length program. But taking a certification program that has courses in team leadership, management, and personal leadership could give you just the boost to reach your goals.

Graduate Certificates

A graduate certificate in organizational leadership is for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree. While this curriculum is also 9-15 credits in length, the courses in these programs are generally more difficult since they are at a master’s level. Course topics will also tend to be more advanced instead of the more intro-type courses found within undergrad programs.

That said, the purpose of graduate certificates is much the same as the undergraduate options. These are great programs for college grads who are on a career path they love but who want to set themselves up for leadership positions within their field. While often housed within a university’s business school, the skills learned in these courses can be easily applied to any job.

The credits earned in organizational leadership online programs can usually apply toward the competition of a full master’s degree. Sometimes the credits taken within the program can count for nearly half of the credits required for a degree.

The Best Executive Certificate Programs Under $3,100—Undergrad

Let’s take a look at some of the best online certificate programs that are under $3,100—even if you’re an out-of-state student!

1. Fort Hays State University

   Degree: Certificate in Leadership Studies
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $2,041.92

   Founded in 1902, Fort Hays State University was originally designed to be an agricultural school on a military outpost. However, by the time it opened, the vision had transformed to be a teacher’s college. The university prides itself on its “unmatched affordability” with a mission to “develop the engaged global citizen-leaders our world needs today.” The school has a total enrollment of almost 17,000 students—half of whom take their courses completely online.

   FHSU offers a nine credit certificate in leadership studies. The three required courses are: Discovering Leadership, Introduction to Leadership Behavior, and Field Work in Leadership Studies. This program will help students develop strategic thinking skills while honing and practicing the leadership skills that will help them succeed within any organization. The certificate program can be taken independently or as an addition to another degree program.

   Find Out More:
   Certificate in Leadership Studies

    

2. Ohio Christian University

   Degree: Certificate in Organizational Leadership
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $2,230

   Since 1948 Ohio Christian University has been “committed to offering a complete education that develops students intellectually, professionally, and spiritually.” Originally opened to be a seminary, OCU now offers a full spectrum of academic offerings at the certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. The school has a total population of around 2,000 students—the majority of whom take their courses online.

   Their organizational leadership certificate online holds 12 total credit hours. Classes are five weeks long and are self-paced for maximum flexibility. All students must successfully complete the following four courses:

   – Concepts of Leadership
   – Organizational Leadership
   – Leading Change
   – Global Leadership

   These courses help students understand leadership principles on both personal and organizational levels. Students will also develop an insight of leadership trends on a global scale. You can pursue this program on its own or as an addition to master’s degrees in business, leadership, etc.

   Find Out More:
   Certificate in Organizational Leadership

    

3. Kentucky Community and Technical College System

   Degree: Certificate in Leadership
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $2,424

   The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is comprised of more than 70 campuses and 16 different colleges spread throughout the state of Kentucky. Their mission is to “enhance the quality of life and the economic vitality of the commonwealth by serving as the primary provider of college and career readiness, transfer education, workforce education, and employment training.” In total, the system boasts almost 80,000 students and has a plethora of wonderful options for both on-campus and online students.

   Their leadership certificate is housed within their school of business, and with 18 total credit hours is a bit more comprehensive than some other programs. Students will take six courses including: Basic Public Speaking, Supervisory Management, and Personal & Organizational Leadership. For students who want to continue their leadership education after this certification, KCTCS also offers a full Organizational Leadership degree program.

   Find Out More:
   Certificate in Leadership

    

4. Northwest Iowa Community College

   Degree: Leadership Certificate
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $2,440

   Northwest Iowa Community College’s history dates back to 1959, where it was the first community college established in the state. Though small and rural with a total enrollment of about 1,800, this school prides itself in “leading the way in quality and completion.” With small class sizes and nearly 100% of students landing jobs after graduation, they’ve shown themselves to be “small but mighty.”

   NCC offers a Leadership Certificate within their Business Management program. The program is 12 total credit hours and comprises the following courses: Introduction to Business, Introduction to Leadership, Applied Leadership, and Principles of Management. Students will leave the program as innovative problem solvers with strong communication skills and on the road to several management positions.

   Of special note to local high school students—NCC offers a generous concurrent enrollment program where high schoolers can take free NCC college courses and earn credits toward this and other programs.

   Find Out More:
   Leadership Certificate

    

5. Arkansas State University

   Degree: Certificate in Leadership Management
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $3,096

   Arkansas State University was originally an agricultural school in 1909. One of the largest universities in the state, the school offers over 150 areas of study and has a current enrollment of almost 15,000 students. ASU is on a “mission to educate leaders, enhance intellectual growth, and enrich lives.” They offer robust online programs with over 10,000 alumni. Overall, it’s one of the most experienced online institutions in the state.

   The Certificate in Leadership Management is a 12 credit hour program. The curriculum “prepare[s] students to develop community and global perspectives in managing positive workforce and social change.” All students will progress through a four course sequence that includes:

   Introduction to Service Learning

   – Advanced Service Learning
   – Introduction to Leadership Development
   – Seminar in Leadership Development

   These courses are available in a flexible, accelerated, and online format, designed for busy adult learners.

   Find Out More:
   Certificate in Leadership Management

    

Top 5 Cheapest Graduate Certificate Organizational Leadership Programs Online

Now let’s look at some of the best (and cheapest!) graduate certificate programs for both in-state and out- of-state students!

1. California Coast University

   Degree: Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $3,000

   Since its inception in 1973, California Coast University has hosted all of its programs entirely and exclusively online. All of their programs are completely self-paced with no scheduled meetings. CCU also offers a generous textbook rental program that allows students to rent each book for each class for only $35. The university has a current enrollment of around 8,000 students and offers certificate programs all the way up to doctoral programs.

   The Organizational Leadership Graduate Certificate at CCU “prepares students to be effective leaders for business teams at all organizational levels.” It consists of 12 total credit hours and hosts four classes:

   – Organizational Behavior
   – Organizational Theory
   – Leadership
   – Employee Training & Development

   Students who wish to pursue this certification must have a bachelor’s degree in either business administration, leadership, or management. The Admission Committee may occasionally make exceptions for students with other backgrounds.

   Find Out More:
   Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership

    

2. Jessup University

   Degree: Graduate Certificate in Leadership
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $3,240

   The first class at Jessup University was held in 1939 with 14 students. Originally founded to prepare people for a life of ministry in the church, the university kept steadily growing. Today they offer a full spectrum of academic offerings both in person and online and have a student body of around 2,400 students. Throughout all the growth and changes, their heart has remained the same: “to educate transformational leaders for the glory of God.”

   The Leadership Graduate Certificate at Jessup trains students to build their leadership skills “through team building and conflict resolution training” within a Biblical framework. This 12 credit hour program has 6 classes: Personal Life of the Leader, Strategic Leadership Foundations, Transformational Leadership, Diversity & Global Leadership, and two electives. Each course is entirely online and is seven weeks long.

   Students who wish to continue their education after the certification program can apply all of these credits toward a Master’s in Leadership degree.

   Find Out More:
   Graduate Certificate in Leadership

    

3. Concordia University-Nebraska

   Degree: Graduate Certificate in Leadership
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $3,375

   The history of Concordia University-Nebraska goes all the way back to 1894. Since it’s very beginning with only 13 students, the mission of the college has been to be “an excellent academic and Christ- centered community equipping men and women for lives of learning, service, and leadership in the church and world.” Today the university has a total enrollment of around 1,200 students. CUNE is one of seven Concordia schools, which are all part of the Lutheran Church of the Missouri Synod.

   Concordia University-Nebraska offers a Leadership Certificate housed within their Online Graduate Business Program. This certificate program is 9 total credit hours and comprises the following three courses: Creating and Leading Effective Teams, Business Negotiation & Conflict Resolution, and Cross Cultural Management. All courses can be completed entirely online and are all 8 weeks in length.

   Find Out More:
   Graduate Certificate in Leadership

    

4. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

   Degree: Graduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership & Management
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $3,984

   The mission of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is “to enhance the lives of citizens in Illinois, across the nation, and around the world through leadership in learning, discovery, engagement, and economic development.” Founded in 1867, the university has continually grown in this mission and now boasts an enrollment of over 56,000 students and is the #12 ranked public university. Their online program has thousands of students enrolled in over 150 different programs.

   The University offers a 12 credit hour Strategic Leadership & Management Graduate Certificate within their business school. This program is made up of three 4-credit courses: Leadership & Teams, Managing Organizations, and Strategic Management. All courses are 8 weeks long, and motivated students can complete all coursework within 5 months.

   Students who would like to continue their education after this program can use these 12 credits toward earning a Master’s degree in either Business Administration, Accountancy, or Science in Management.

   Find Out More:
   Graduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership & Management

    

5. Widener University

   Degree(s): Graduate Certificates in Innovation in Organizations; Leadership in Organizations; Organizational Equity & Inclusion; Workforce Development in Organizations; Human Resources Leadership Certificate
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $3,808

   Widener University began in 1821 as a boys boarding school and has grown ever since then into a full liberal-arts university with a total enrollment of almost 6,000 students. With core values of respect, integrity, and excellence, their vision is to “empower [their] community of learners to discover and create better futures.” The school takes pride in their affordable and flexible online programs and have over 40 options for the busy adult learner.

   The university offers five different organizational leadership training programs within their business school: Innovation in Organizations, Leadership in Organizations, Organizational Equity & Inclusion, Workforce Development in Organizations, and Human Resources Leadership. Each of these programs holds 9 total credits spread out between 3 different classes.

   Students should note that they must maintain a 3.0 GPA for the entire duration of the program.

   Find Out More:
   Graduate Certificates in Innovation in Organizations
   Leadership in Organizations
   Organizational Equity & Inclusion
   Workforce Development in Organizations
   Human Resources Leadership

    

What Can I Do with Organizational Management Training Online?

An organizational leadership certificate online can prepare you for a wide-range of leadership jobs. Depending on your education and experience, this certification can truly be applied to any industry.

For example, if you have an undergraduate degree in social work and then earn an organizational management certificate, you could then pursue a leadership position within your social work organization. Just a few of the other possible applications could include: human resources, director at a nonprofit, project coordinator, and supervisory positions.

There is not necessarily a specific license available in the field of organizational leadership. The best option for pursuing further leadership credentials is to earn a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership or another related graduate degree program. Alternatively, like the above example with the social worker, you can also pursue licensure and/or further education within the specific industry where you’d like to be a leader.

As you might have guessed, the average salary of someone with this certification can vary widely depending on the industry and other educational experiences. That being said, someone with a certificate  in organizational leadership will have an average salary of around $97,000.

Find Organizational Leadership Certificate Online with GetEducated

All things considered, organizational leadership and development certificates offer a huge bang for your buck. No matter what field you are in, every industry needs people like you who are ready and willing to refine their skills and then take their place as wise and caring leaders.

Now, take a step toward your future and lead on!

If you want to learn more about this and other online degrees, check out GetEducated to read all about the amazing online options that are available for you!