About the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
The MS program in organizational leadership offers a theoretically and methodologically rigorous approach to studying and creating use-inspired research needed to impact organizational leadership.
Students explore areas such as organizational dynamics, institutional evolution, strategic change, leading diverse teams, collaborative governance, conflict mediation, critical problem-solving and leadership assessment, as well as learning advanced methodological and statistical skills.
The program places special emphasis on learning best practices and other applied aspects of leading organizations. Students tailor their degree to their interests through a vast array of leadership elective courses. In consultation with a faculty advisor, students choose from many different elective courses, such as not-for-profit leadership and intercultural leadership.
Quick Facts
With six points of entry, you can begin the program in January, March, May, July, August or October
Consists of a 15-credit hour foundation curriculum, along with a minimum of 12 credit hours of electives and a 3-6 hour culminating experience
Takes about one calendar year to complete the 33 credit hours
Courses are three credit hours taken in seven-week terms
Can be done completely online or at the Tempe campus
Program Information
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any area or related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants are required to submit:
graduate admission application and application fee
official transcripts
letter of intent
professional resume
two letters of recommendation
proof of English proficiency
Letter of Intent
Tell us why you want to be in this program, in particular. What classes do you want to take? What do you hope to do with this degree? What about your educational, personal, or professional background makes you a good fit for this program? This is your chance to give us the nuanced story of your background so we can make the most informed decision about admittance. This letter is your opportunity to discuss your successes and your challenges - for instance, a lower GPA or gap in your resume, and why you’re still a good fit.
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency. More details can be found at https://admission.asu.edu/international/graduate-apply. The applicant is be expected to have either a TOEFL score of 600 on the traditional paper-based test or 100 on the internet-based test, or a minimum score of 105 on the Duolingo English test, or the applicant must have a passing score in the English for Graduate Admission online course through ASU Global Launch.
Degree Requirements
33 credit hours and a thesis, or
33 credit hours and an applied project
Required Core (9 credit hours)
OGL 520 Organizational Leadership: Social Psychological Perspectives (3)
OGL 530 Critical Perspectives in Leadership Theory (3)
OGL 540 Evidence-based Inquiry in Organizational Leadership (3)
Required Methods Courses (6 credit hours)
NLM 530 Program Evaluation and Information Management (3)
OGL 550 Leading Strategic Change (3)
OGL 570 Analyzing Organizations (3)
OGL 571 Advanced Leadership Assessment (3)
OGL 574 Qualitative Data Analysis in Leadership Research (3)
OGL 575 Quantitative Data Analysis in Leadership Research (3)
OGL 576 Advanced Multivariate Data Analysis (3)
OGL 577 Structural Equation Modeling in Organizational Leadership Research(3)
OGL 578 Agent-Based Modeling to Address Complexity in Leadership Research (3)
Drawing on coursework, complete a case study of an organization of your choosing, where you identify and discuss the scope of the problem, the intervention to be undertaken, and the results of the intervention. Capstone Handbook [downloadable PDF]
OGL 599 Thesis (6)
Working closely with a faculty supervisor, identify, carry out, defend and publish original research (usually as a starting point for further doctoral study). Thesis Handbook[downloadable PDF file]
Additional Curriculum Information
Students complete either an applied project or thesis for the culminating experience.
For the required methods coursework, students select two courses from the above list to fulfill the requirement.
Students select four or five courses from a restricted elective list depending on the culminating experience selected. Students should see the academic unit for the approved restricted elective list.
Other courses may be used for the methods and elective coursework with approval of the academic unit.
MS in Organizational Leadership Current Handbook
This handbook lays the foundation for your success in the Graduate Organizational Leadership program. It sets shared expectations for both faculty and students. It also outlines the standards and policies set by the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts and ASU’s Graduate College
Looking to connect with other students who also share a passion for leadership? Consider joining the MSOGL student organization. The purpose of the organization is to build an inclusive community of practice by creating opportunities for personal and academic development, and collaboration through a shared interest in the study of organizational leadership.
Students interested in joining should check out the student organization page on Sun Devil Sync
FAQ
Find answers to commonly asked questions below. Can't find what you are looking for? Reach out to LISGrad@asu.edu.
On a case-by-case basis we will approve internships. Students are responsible for facilitating their own internship opportunities and and if approved we will build out the internship architecture to suit your needs.
You can take this degree at your own pace, so there’s no set timeline. However, if you go full time (12 credit hours a term), you’ll finish in 3 semesters - and yes, we offer summer classes!
You don’t have to pick right away, but you will by the end of OGL 540. The vast majority of our students opt for capstone projects because they are practically focused and can have an immediate professional impact for students’ career goals. The thesis is usually a better option for students who wish to carry an original research program in organizational leadership into doctoral-level study.
