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In this article, we profile the top 30 most affordable online master’s in organizational development degree programs.

Leading organizations requires unique skills. While some leadership skills are inherent, others can be learned or nurtured. Online master’s in organizational development or leadership programs are designed to prepare you with leadership qualities that will be effective on the job and in any organization.

Featured Programs

For the purpose of this list, we looked at over 90 colleges and universities that offered online master’s in organizational development or online master’s in organizational leadership degree programs. To be included on our list, schools must be accredited (regionally or nationally) and offer affordable graduate programs. We gathered graduate tuition and fees from the National Center for Education Statistics (College Navigator) and chose programs that cost less than $25,000 per year. In addition to tuition costs and accreditation, we selected schools that had received recognition or rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report.

Below is our list of the 30 most affordable online master’s in organizational development degree programs.

#30 – Robert Morris University

Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership

Moon Township, Pennsylvania

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $23,700

Robert Morris University offers a fully accredited organizational leadership degree program designed for those seeking an online master’s in organizational development or closely related degree. All courses are delivered online and flexibly designed for working students. Courses are taught by Robert Morris professors and include conflict resolution, knowledge acquisition and decision making, history and theory of leadership, leadership and ethics, and organizational leadership and development. The program prepares individuals with a deeper understanding of how leaders and followers adapt to and accomplish goals in organizations. Robert Morris is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. In fact, U.S. News ranked the school #176 among the best national institutions.

#29 – Pennsylvania State University

Online Master of Professional Studies in Organization Development and Change

University Park, Pennsylvania

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,974

The organizational development master’s online degree program at Pennsylvania State University is a 33-credit degree designed for busy and working professionals. The program is internationally recognized and fully accredited. Classes are taught by the same esteemed professors who lead on-campus courses. Some of these classes include appreciative inquiry, assessing data – organizational diagnosis, foundations in organization development and change, implementing training and development programs, marketing organization development, and process consultation in organization development. Penn State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 52nd best national university and the 114th best value school in the country.

#28 – Saint Louis University

Online Master’s in Leadership and Organizational Development

Saint Louis, Missouri

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,346

Saint Louis University offers an accredited online master’s in organizational leadership and development degree through its School for Professional Studies. This program is designed to help working professionals develop leadership skills necessary to advance their careers. This 36-credit hour program delivers online courses in an accelerated eight-week term. Some of the courses include contemporary organizational leadership, ethical and evidence-based decision-making, leading organizational change, organizational dynamics, professional leadership development, and research methods requirement. Admission requirements include a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the institution as the 94th best national university and the 44th best value school in the country.

#27 – Removed by Editor

#26 – Quinnipiac University

Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership

Hamden, Connecticut

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,900

The online master’s in organizational development and leadership from Quinnipiac University is a 100% online program designed to equip individuals as leaders in various organizations. Classes are taught by experienced Quinnipiac professors. Four professional focus tracks allow students to tailor their degree toward areas of interest or to meet career goals. These focus tracks include health care management, human resource leadership, public service and nonprofit leadership, and strategic leadership. Twenty-four required core credits and nine additional focus track electives are required to satisfy degree requirements and earn the specialization. Some of the required courses include ethics and governance, leadership across boundaries, and the power and politics of communication. Quinnipiac is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 13th best regional university in the North and 41st best value school.

#25 – Southern New Hampshire University

Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership

Manchester, New Hampshire

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810

One of the top online organizational development degree programs on our list is the master’s in organizational leadership program at Southern New Hampshire University. No GMAT or GRE scores are required for admission, and students may work at their own pace once admitted. In fact, if students want to work quickly toward earning their degree, options are available to complete degree requirements in just 15 months by taking two courses every ten-week term. All courses are delivered online and include human behavior in organizations, leading change, organizational leadership, and strategic human resource management. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 86th best regional university in the North and the 83rd best value institution.

#24 – Upper Iowa University

Online MBA in Organizational Development

Fayette, Iowa

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,324

Upper Iowa University offers an accredited organizational development master’s online degree program for those interested in an advanced business degree that emphasizes leadership and ethical management. Students earn a master’s in business administration (MBA) and choose from one of five areas of interest. One of the emphasis areas includes organizational development. The program requires no on-campus residencies, provides six convenient start dates throughout the year, and offers asynchronous courses that allow students to attend classes at any time. This program is ideal for working professionals thanks to the design and flexibility it offers. Also, major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as a top regional university in the Midwest.

#23 – Azusa Pacific University

Online Master’s in Leadership and Organizational Studies

Azusa, California

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,692

Azusa Pacific University offers an accredited 33-credit online organizational development degree program for individuals with an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Classes are delivered completely online and designed to meet the needs of working professionals. Courses are taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. Some of the required classes include conflict and negotiation in organizations, improving quality and productivity, managerial marketing, organizational behavior and analysis, and survey of organizational finance. Azusa is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 187th best national university. Also, the online graduate business programs, including leadership and organizational studies, rank #120-#158 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#22 – Northcentral University

Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership

San Diego, California

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,526

Northcentral University is one of the few schools to offer an organizational leadership master’s degree online with six professionally relevant specializations and accelerated completion options. Students may take additional classes in highly specialized areas like human resources, nonprofit management, project management, and public administration. The master’s program consists of thirty credit hours with start dates taking place every Monday. To add to the convenience of the program, students work at their own pace. Most complete the degree requirements in just 16 months. Northcentral is accredited and recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university.

#21 – Gonzaga University

Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership

Spokane, Washington

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,845

One of the most affordable online master’s in organizational development degree programs on our list is the master’s in organizational leadership at Gonzaga University. The program may be completed entirely online and offers two optional concentrations in global leadership and servant leadership. All classes are taught by seasoned and esteemed Gonzaga University professors. These classes include leadership and diversity, negotiation and conflict resolution, organizational change and transformation, organizational communications, organizational development, and renaissance leadership for the 21st century. Gonzaga is a top ranked university by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks Gonzaga as the 4th best regional university in the West.

#20 – Saint Joseph’s University

Online Master’s in Organizational Development and Leadership

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,401

Saint Joseph’s University offers an accredited online master’s in organizational leadership program that focuses on the people side of change and provides a holistic approach to development and leadership studies. Classes are delivered online, kept small in size, and designed with a flexible format ideal for working students. Some of the required courses include adult learning – theory and application, change leader – facilitating change, organizational change and culture, organizational development – theory and application, and research design and evaluation. Saint Joseph’s is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 11th best regional university in the North and the 34th best value school. Also, several of the online graduate programs rank among the top 50.

#19 – National University

Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership

La Jolla, California

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,976

National University offers accredited online organizational development programs designed to prepare graduate students to become leaders in international organizations. The master’s in organizational leadership is offered fully online and consists of ten required courses and two program electives. An optional specialization is also available for those interested in community development. Some of the required courses, taught by university professors, include conflict and power dynamics, consulting and assessments, developing groups and teams, ethics and classic theories, leading change and adaptation, and worldview and adult development. U.S. News and World Report recognizes National University as an unranked best regional university in the West. Also, the online graduate business programs, including the master’s in organizational leadership, rank #95 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#18 – Lewis University

Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership

Romeoville, Illinois

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,460

Lewis University offers affordable online organizational development programs, including the online master’s in organizational leadership. This fully online graduate program consist of 36 credits and offers five concentrations that allow students to tailor their degree toward areas of interest. These concentrations include higher education student services, nonprofit management, organizational management, professional and executive coaching, and training and development. Admission to the program requires an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better and three years of work experience. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the institution as the 23rd best regional university in the Midwest and the 42nd best value school.

Featured Programs

#17 – California Baptist University

Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership

Riverside, California

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,997

California Baptist University’s accredited online organizational development degree programs include the online masters’ in organizational leadership. This entirely online program is designed for working professionals who want to advance their leadership roles in organizations. Dedicated CBU instructors teach all online classes. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including conflict resolution and negotiations, foundations of organizational leadership, leadership across cultures, leading organizational change, managing human capital, and strategic management. Admission to the program requires a bachelor’s degree, official sealed transcripts, and two recommendations. Applicants must also have professional work experience and an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or better. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 31st best regional university in the West and the 30th best value school in the country.

#16 – Colorado Technical University

Online Master’s in Management – Organizational Leadership and Change

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,803

Colorado Technical University offers graduate online organizational development programs designed for working professionals. Students earn a master’s in management with a concentration in organizational leadership and change. This 48-credit program is designed to help develop decision-making skills and increase self-awareness in situations ranging from small and intimate gatherings to complex organizations. All classes are delivered online and include applied managerial finance, foundation of organizational design, leadership and organizational power, introduction to organizational leadership and change, and strategic change management. Colorado Tech is accredited and recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West.

#15 – Colorado Christian University

Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership

Lakewood, Colorado

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,351

Colorado Christian University offers an organizational development master’s online degree program that emphasizes the role of leadership in organizations. This fully online program also explores the concept of servant leadership as ascribed by the university’s mission and Christian-based curriculum. Courses are taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. There are twelve courses, including constitutional law, information systems – social technology and public policy, leading in government and nonprofit organizations, master of organizational leadership capstone, and organizational leadership – theory and practice. To be admitted to the program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the institution as a top regional university in the West (#96-#126).

#14 – Regent University

Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,326

Regent University offers accredited online organizational development programs such as the master’s in organizational leadership with several areas of specialization. The program requires the completion of 33 credit hours with no on-campus residencies. Some of the specializations include leadership coaching and mentoring, nonprofit management, organizational development consulting, and servant leadership. All classes are delivered online and are taught by university professors. These classes include consulting practices, foundations of leadership – history, theory, application, and development, organizational development – consulting and design, and organizational research – analysis and problem solving. Regent is a nationally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.

#13 – Regis University

Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership

Denver, Colorado

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,825

Regis University’s online master’s in organizational leadership degree program offers an accelerated and fully online learning experience designed to prepare students for career advancement in leadership roles. A total of 30 credits are required, and courses are delivered online in eight 8-week terms. Six start dates throughout the year add to the flexible design of the program. Some of the required courses include business intelligence and analytics, foundations of organizational behavior, leading change and innovation, organizational culture and design, and transformational leadership. Regis is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 27th best regional university in the West and the 28th best value school. Also, the online graduate business programs, including organizational leadership, rank #120-#158 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#12 – Brandman University

Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership

Irvine, California

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,880

One of the most affordable online organizational development degree programs on our list is the master’s in organizational leadership offered by Brandman University. Admission to the master’s program requires official transcripts from accredited universities or colleges and an earned bachelor’s or master’s degree. Also, GPA requirements vary, but the admission committee values a 3.0 GPA or better or satisfactory GRE, GMAT, or MAT scores. Classes may be taken online or in a hybrid format. These classes include foundations of organizational leadership, leadership and team development, and organizational research. The school has earned recognition by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West. Also, the online graduate business programs, including organizational leadership, rank #95 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#11 – Western Kentucky University

Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,780

One of the top online organizational development programs on our list is the online master’s in organizational leadership at Western Kentucky University. This fully online program is designed to meet the needs of diverse students for professional training and career advancement. Classes are delivered in a convenient, online fashion, making them ideal for working students. These courses include applied research methods in organizational leadership, effective leadership studies, leading teams, methods of social research, and research methods. To be admitted to the program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and have a 2.75 undergraduate GPA. The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 32nd best regional university in the South and the 60th best value school in the country.

#10 – Crown College

Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership

Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,430

Crown College is a top-ranked private institution that offers organizational development master’s online degree programs designed for working students. The online master’s in organizational leadership has 12 emphasis tracks so that students may tailor their degree toward areas of interest, such as community development, nonprofit leadership, pastoral leadership, or social science research. Classes are delivered entirely online and taught by Crown’s experienced faculty. Course requirements consist of 24 core credits and 12 credits of electives (including nine credits for the emphasis track). Some of the required classes include ethical leadership, foundations of organization theory, and organizational communications. U.S. News and World Report ranks Crown as the 53rd best regional college in the Midwest.

#9 – Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Online MBA in Organizational Management

Mount Vernon, Ohio

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,024

Mount Vernon Nazarene University offers several online organizational development programs, including the online MBA in organizational management. This completely online degree is designed for working professional who want to earn an MBA degree with a specialization in organizational management. The program prepares students to become leaders, executives, and agents for change in a wide range of organizations. Some of the required courses include change management, operations management, and strategic programming in human resource management. A total of 36 credits are required for the completion of the degree. U.S. News and World Report ranks Mount Vernon as the 93rd best regional university in the Midwest.

#8 – Colorado State University

Online Master of Education in Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change

Fort Collins, Colorado

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,000

Colorado State University at Fort Collins offers an online master’s in organizational development program designed for individuals who want to advance their leadership roles in any organization. Classes may be completed entirely online and are taught by CSU’s esteemed faculty. A total of 33 credits, including a comprehensive project and presentation, are required. Some of the required online courses include action learning and inquiry, assess change interventions, evaluation of workplace learning, and on-demand learning and improving performance. The program is set up to be completed in just two years, although additional time is allowed. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as a top national university and best value school.

#7 – University of South Dakota

Online Master’s in Administration

Vermillion, South Dakota

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,818

One of the top and most affordable organizational development master’s online is the master’s in administration at the University of South Dakota. This flexible program offers several specializations so that students may tailor their degree toward areas of interest or to meet career goals. One of the areas of concentration includes organizational leadership. Classes are delivered online and taught by university professors. These courses include advanced leadership theory and practice, communication and conflict resolution, ethical leadership, organizational development, and team building and group decision making. The school is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as a top national university and the 129th best top public institution.

#6 – University of Wisconsin

Online Master’s in Organizational Change Leadership

Platteville, Wisconsin

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,758

Offered via distance education, the master’s in organizational leadership online programs at University of Wisconsin are designed for working professionals. University of Wisconsin offers a master’s in organizational change leadership that can be completed entirely online. There is no GRE or GMAT requirement for admission, and the degree may be earned in as little as two years. All courses are delivered by university professors and taken online. Some of the courses include business analytics, intercultural change leadership, organizational behavior, organizational communication, and strategic thinking and change. The institution is accredited and ranked by U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 99th best regional university in the Midwest and the 26th top public institution.

#5 – Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership

Winona, Minnesota

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,550

One of the most affordable online master’s in organizational development degree programs on our list is the online master’s in organizational leadership offered at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. This fully online program consists of 36 credits and can be completed in just 24 months. All classes are taught by university professors and include topics in communication strategies, critical thinking and research, economic and political contexts, organization development, power and influence, and social and cultural perspectives. The school is recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university. In fact, U.S. News ranks Saint Mary’s as the 47th best regional university in the Midwest and the 34th best value school.

#4 – Concordia University

Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership and Management

Irvine, California

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,914

Concordia University offers some of the most affordable online organizational development programs on our list. In fact, the school has a master’s in organizational leadership and administration that can be completed entirely online. This 32-credit hour program requires a series of classes designed to advance leadership skills and understanding. Some of these classes include ethical dimensions of leadership, financial analysis and budgeting, leadership in international organizations, leading change in organizations, and selecting and implementing information systems. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 41st best regional university in the West and the 36th best value institution.

#3 – Lincoln Christian University

Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership

Lincoln, Illinois

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,812

The 3rd most affordable online organizational development degree program on our list is the online master’s in organizational leadership degree offered by Lincoln Christian University. This fully online program is designed to equip and develop leaders who can serve as change agents and motivators in various organization types. The program is designed for working students and may be completed in just 21 months. All classes are delivered online and include dynamics of change and conflict in organizational leadership, foundations for organizational leadership, interpersonal leadership for organizational effectiveness, and strategic organizational leadership. While an unranked school, Lincoln Christian is recognized by U.S. News and World Report. Also, the institution is fully accredited.

#2 – Charleston Southern University

Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership

Charleston, South Carolina

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,540

Charleston Southern University offers an affordable online master’s in organizational leadership program that is designed for working professionals who want to learn how to effectively manage and lead in business, government, or nonprofits. The degree is available entirely online, with evening classes, or in a blended format. There is no distinction between online and residential degrees at Charleston Southern, as the professors and curriculum mirror each other. The program consists of 33 credit hours and 11 courses. These classes include a series of foundational leadership and management courses, electives, and a project. Some of the topics covered include business ethics from a Christian worldview, fundamentals of leadership, and managing with excellence and integrity. The GMAT is not required for admission, though two signed letters of recommendation and official transcripts must be submitted. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 89th best regional university in the South.

#1 – Columbia Southern University

Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership

Orange Beach, Alabama

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $3,615

Columbia Southern University–an accredited university–offers the #1 most affordable online master’s in organizational development program on our list. The degree program focuses on current and emerging leadership theories, best practice skills, and change in complex work environments. All courses are delivered online and include business ethics, crisis communication management, current issues in leadership, intercultural management, and methods of analysis for business operations. Several electives are also offered and allow students to tailor their degree toward areas of interest, such as advanced marketing, employment law, or human resource management. Columbia Southern’s online master’s in organizational leadership is the cheapest online organizational leadership program on our list.

BCO Staff
April 2018

This concludes our list of the 30 most affordable online master’s in organizational development degree programs.

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