What Can You Do With an Organizational Leadership Degree?

Earning an organizational leadership degree opens a diverse array of career opportunities for graduates. Because this degree is designed to equip students with essential leadership skills that are highly valued across various industries, you have a lot of control over what your professional future looks like.

In this blog, we will explore the career prospects and salary expectations for graduates of the BA ORGL program, providing insights into potential job roles, industries, and earning potential.

10 Common Careers for Organizational Leadership Graduates

Graduates of the BA ORGL program are prepared for leadership roles in multiple sectors, including corporate, nonprofit, government, and healthcare.

Below are some of the key career paths available to organizational leadership graduates. This includes information from O*NET Resource Center by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Human Resources Manager

• Responsibilities: Human resources managers are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the administrative functions of an organization. They oversee the recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of new staff, consult with top executives on strategic planning, and serve as a link between management and employees.
• Salary and Job Outlook: The median annual salary for human resources managers is $136,350, with a projected job growth rate of 5-8%.

Training and Development Manager

• Responsibilities: These professionals oversee programs that enhance the skills and knowledge of an organization’s employees. They plan, coordinate, and direct training and development activities.
• Salary and Job Outlook: The median annual salary for training and development managers is $115,000, and those working in professional, scientific, and technical services can earn up to $135,780. This role is expected to grow by 7% over the next decade.

Public Relations and Fundraising Manager

• Responsibilities: Public relations managers maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent, while fundraising managers coordinate campaigns to solicit donations. Both roles require excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Salary and Job Outlook: The median annual salary for these positions is approximately $118,000, with a job growth rate of 9%.

Healthcare Administration

• Responsibilities: Graduates can pursue roles in healthcare administration, overseeing the operation of healthcare facilities like hospitals and clinics. This role involves ensuring that facilities operate efficiently while providing high-quality care.
• Salary and Job Outlook: The median annual salary for healthcare administrators is around $104,280, with a projected growth rate of 32% by 2029.

Sales Manager

• Responsibilities: Sales managers direct an organization’s sales teams, setting goals, analyzing data, and developing training programs for sales representatives. They often need to travel to national, regional, and local offices and have a strong understanding of the products or services they sell.
• Salary and Job Outlook: The median annual salary for sales managers is $132,290, with job growth projected at 7%.

Project Manager

• Responsibilities: Project managers are responsible for planning, initiating, and managing projects. They ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet the organization’s goals.
• Salary and Job Outlook: The median annual salary for project managers is $94,500, with roles available in various industries including construction, IT, and healthcare.

Industrial Production Manager

• Responsibilities: These managers oversee the daily operations of manufacturing plants, ensuring that production processes are efficient and meet quality standards.
• Salary and Job Outlook: The median annual salary for industrial production managers is $108,790. While the job growth rate is relatively slow at 1%, the role remains critical in manufacturing sectors.

Operations Manager

• Responsibilities: Operations managers oversee the production of goods and services, ensuring that an organization runs efficiently. They manage the day-to-day operations, implement strategies to improve productivity, and coordinate between different departments.
• Salary and Job Outlook: The median annual salary for operations managers is approximately $103,650, and the job outlook is positive due to the ongoing need for effective organizational management​​​​.

Nonprofit Manager

• Responsibilities: Nonprofit managers play a crucial role in overseeing the operations of nonprofit organizations. They handle tasks such as fundraising, program development, and community outreach. Nonprofit managers ensure that the organization meets its goals and operates within budget.
• Salary and Job Outlook: Salaries for nonprofit managers vary widely, but the median annual salary is around $70,000. This role is expected to see steady growth as the nonprofit sector continues to expand​​​​.

Customer Service Manager

• Responsibilities: Customer service managers are responsible for overseeing a company’s customer service department, ensuring that customers have a positive experience. They manage customer service representatives, develop policies and procedures, and address customer complaints.
• Salary and Job Outlook: The median annual salary for customer service managers is about $63,000. This role is critical in industries where customer satisfaction is paramount, and the demand for skilled customer service managers remains strong​​​​.

Skills Developed and Their Impact on Career Success

The BA ORGL program equips students with a broad set of skills that are highly valued by employers. These skills include:

• Leadership and Management: Graduates are trained to take on leadership roles, manage teams, and make strategic decisions.
• Communication: Effective communication is essential in all the potential career paths, enabling graduates to convey ideas clearly and lead teams effectively.
• Conflict Resolution: The ability to manage and resolve conflicts is crucial for maintaining a productive work environment.
• Strategic Planning: Graduates learn to develop and implement strategies that align with organizational goals.

Industry Demand and Future Trends

The demand for skilled leaders is high across all industries. The increasing complexity of organizational operations and the need for effective management of human resources contribute to the strong demand for graduates with a degree in organizational leadership.

Moreover, the emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in many organizations further highlights the importance of leadership skills developed through the BA ORGL program. For Example, Human Resources Management is one of the many careers that is continuing to grow within organizational leadership:

Support and Resources

The University of Cincinnati Online provides extensive support services to ensure student success. Academic advising is available to help students plan their courses and stay on track for graduation. Career counseling services assist students with job search strategies, resume writing, and interview preparation. Technical support is also available to address any issues related to the online learning platform.

In addition to these services, the university offers various resources to enhance the learning experience. Online libraries, research databases, and writing centers provide students with the tools they need to succeed academically. These resources ensure that online students have access to the same level of support as their on-campus counterparts.

The Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership from the University of Cincinnati Online offers graduates a gateway to numerous rewarding career opportunities with competitive salaries. The skills acquired through this program are versatile and applicable across a wide range of industries, making graduates valuable assets in the job market. Whether pursuing a career in human resources, healthcare administration, project management, or any other leadership role, the prospects are promising and fulfilling.

For more detailed information about the career paths and support services available to BA ORGL graduates, visit the University of Cincinnati Online’s website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the expected salary range for graduates with a BA in Organizational Leadership?

A: Salaries for organizational leadership graduates vary by role. For example, human resources managers can earn a median annual salary of $136,350, while training and development managers can earn around $115,000. Public relations managers typically earn about $118,000, and healthcare administrators earn approximately $104,280 annually.

Q: What skills will I develop in the BA ORGL program that are applicable to my career?

A: The program equips students with skills in leadership and management, communication, conflict resolution, and strategic planning. These skills are crucial for effectively managing teams, developing strategies, and ensuring organizational success.

Q: Are there specific industries that highly value graduates with a BA in Organizational Leadership?

A: Yes, industries such as corporate management, nonprofit administration, government services, healthcare, and manufacturing highly value graduates with strong leadership and organizational skills. These industries seek professionals who can lead teams, manage projects, and implement strategic initiatives effectively.

Q: What is the job growth outlook for careers in organizational leadership?

A: The job growth outlook is positive for many leadership roles. For instance, human resources managers have a projected job growth rate of 5-8%, training and development managers 7%, and public relations managers 9%. Healthcare administration roles are expected to grow by 32% by 2029.